Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
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!
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.