Fire up your summer gatherings with these flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, a quick and vibrant summer dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy chicken cubes are seasoned, skewered, and brushed with a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer or oven. Ready in under 30 minutes, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers make a delicious appetizer or main course, ideal for barbecues, family dinners, or casual parties. Follow our easy recipe to create this crowd-pleasing summer dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a standout summer dinner, combining ease and bold flavors in one delicious package. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy summer evenings.
- Bold and Zesty: The creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce elevates tender chicken to new heights.
- Versatile Cooking: Make them in an air fryer or oven for a fuss-free summer dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for summer parties or family meals.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it ideal for all palates.
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Special?
The Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring a burst of flavor to your summer table with their irresistible combination of tender chicken and a signature bang bang sauce. This summer dinner features cubed chicken breasts seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic, threaded onto skewers, and coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Cooked to juicy perfection, these skewers are light yet satisfying, making them a perfect choice for warm-weather dining, whether at a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using)
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts for a lean option, or substitute with thighs for richer flavor (adjust cooking time as needed).
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a signature sweet-spicy balance; homemade or store-bought works well.Sriracha: Adjust the amount to control the heat level in
- this summer dinner.
- Skewers: Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning, or use metal skewers for convenience.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Follow these steps to create flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs cubed chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer, ensuring even spacing.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise, 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tsp Sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth. Divide the sauce in half: one portion for brushing during cooking, the other for serving.
- Brush the Skewers: Brush the chicken skewers generously with half of the bang bang sauce, reserving the other half for later.
- Cook the Skewers: Air Fryer: Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Oven (Alternative): Preheat oven to 425°F. Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve hot as a zesty summer dinner, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories: ~350 per serving
Servings: 4-6
Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Uniform Cubes: Cut chicken into even 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking in this summer dinner.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent charring by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Adjust Spice: Add more Sriracha for extra heat or reduce for a milder bang bang sauce.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble skewers and make sauce up to 2 days in advance, storing in the fridge until ready to cook.
Creative Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Customize this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe with these delicious twists:
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different summer dinner option.
- Veggie Add-Ons: Skewer bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the chicken for added color and flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds after brushing with sauce.
- Milder Sauce: Replace Sriracha with a milder hot sauce or skip it for a sweeter profile.
- Grill Option: Grill skewers over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, for a smoky twist.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a versatile summer dinner that shines at any event. Try these serving ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping, perfect for parties or game days.
- Pair with a summer salad like cucumber sesame or mango avocado for a refreshing contrast.
- Accompany with rice, quinoa, or grilled veggies for a heartier summer dinner.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation.
- Offer with a chilled drink summer like mango iced tea or a citrus spritzer to complement the spicy-sweet flavors.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Remove from skewers for easier storage if preferred.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked or cooked skewers (without sauce) for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or in a skillet until heated through. Brush with reserved sauce after reheating.
- Store Sauce Separately: Keep extra bang bang sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken thighs for this summer dinner?
Yes, chicken thighs work well but may require 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time. Ensure they reach 165°F internally.
Can I make this summer dinner in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through for a perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers dish.
Can I prepare this summer dinner ahead of time?
Yes, assemble skewers and make the sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing in the fridge. Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftovers of this summer dinner?
Refrigerate for 3-4 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Can I make this summer dinner less spicy?
Reduce or omit Sriracha and increase honey or sweet chili sauce for a milder bang bang sauce in these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
More summer dinner recipe ideas you’ll love
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful summer dinner that brings sweet-spicy excitement to your table. Perfect for barbecues, family meals, or casual gatherings, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for summer entertaining!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha or more to taste
- 2 tbsp honey
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs cubed chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer, ensuring even spacing.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise, 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tsp Sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth. Divide the sauce in half: one portion for brushing during cooking, the other for serving.
- Brush the Skewers: Brush the chicken skewers generously with half of the bang bang sauce, reserving the other half for later.
- Cook the Skewers: Air Fryer: Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Oven (Alternative): Preheat oven to 425°F. Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve hot as a zesty summer dinner, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Uniform Cubes: Cut chicken into even 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking in this summer dinner.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent charring by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Adjust Spice: Add more Sriracha for extra heat or reduce for a milder bang bang sauce.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble skewers and make sauce up to 2 days in advance, storing in the fridge until ready to cook.
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