Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are my secret weapon when I need an easy weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor. These skewers get a magical mix of grilled juiciness, sweet chili, creamy spice, and a hint of tang, making every bite impossible to resist. You can throw them on the grill or use your air fryer and still get delicious results every time. The real star is the bang bang sauce, which sticks to every crevice and makes your taste buds dance.

I started making these for summer cookouts but my family quickly begged for them year round They always disappear fast and even picky eaters come back for seconds

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: cubed into one inch pieces. This cut stays juicy on the grill and holds more flavor. Look for free range or organic if you can
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps seasoning stick. Choose a fresh fragrant oil for best taste
• Paprika: Brings smoky warmth. Opt for a deep red variety for extra color
• Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth. Freshly milled powder guarantees the strongest flavor
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat. Always use freshly cracked for best peppery punch
• Cayenne pepper: Provides a spicy kick. Omit for a milder version
• Salt: Enhances every ingredient. Use kosher or sea salt for clean flavor
• Hot honey: Drizzles on a touch of sweet heat. Either homemade or high quality store bought
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy sauce. Stick to real full fat mayo for richness
• Lime juice: Brightens the sauce. Fresh squeezed makes a huge difference
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Gives the signature sweet tangy glaze. Choose one with minimal additives for best zing
• Sriracha: Packs in big chili flavor. Adjust the amount to control kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into one inch cubes. Remove excess fat and check for even sizing. This ensures everything cooks through at the same rate

Season Thoroughly:

In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil paprika garlic powder black pepper cayenne and salt. Mix with hands or tongs until every piece is evenly coated. Let sit ten minutes to absorb flavors

Thread Skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least fifteen minutes to prevent burning. Slide chicken pieces onto each skewer filling most of the length. Leave half inch at each end for easy handling

Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise lime juice Thai sweet chili sauce and sriracha. Whisk until sauce is completely smooth. Reserve half for serving

Sauce the Chicken:

Lay skewers on a baking sheet. Brush generously with half the bang bang sauce. Turning the skewers makes it easier to cover every side

Cook on the Grill:

Preheat grill to medium high. Lay skewers directly on grates. Cook fifteen to twenty minutes turning frequently for even caramelization. Baste with more sauce as you go. Check that internal temp reaches one hundred sixty five degrees F for safety

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Arrange skewers in a single layer in air fryer basket. Set to four hundred degrees F. Cook for ten to twelve minutes flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature is one hundred sixty five degrees F before serving

Finish and Serve:

Transfer skewers to a plate. Brush with remaining bang bang sauce. Drizzle with hot honey. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor

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I always reach for extra Thai sweet chili sauce My grandmother once commented that this sauce could make cardboard taste good and she was not wrong There is just something about its sticky sweet edge that wins everyone over

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For best results reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes or gently in the microwave but avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender

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Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs you can swap for boneless skinless breasts but reduce grill time for juiciness To make these mild simply skip the cayenne and use regular honey in place of hot honey Greek yogurt can stand in for mayo if you want a lighter sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pile your finished skewers over rice or crisp slaw or tuck them into flatbreads with crunchy veggies These are crowd favorites for parties tailgates or easy lunches with leftovers

Cultural Context

Bang Bang Chicken originally comes from a Sichuan street food tradition where spicy sesame sauce coats hand shredded chicken This American version keeps the bold sauce flavor but adds sweet chili and creamy mayo for that signature fusion taste

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy skewers, but boneless breasts can also be used for a leaner option.

→ How can I make the skewers less spicy?

Omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to lower the heat level.

→ Should I soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking skewers in water before use helps prevent burning while grilling or air frying.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely caramelized.

→ Can these skewers be reheated?

Yes, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until just warmed through to maintain tenderness.

→ Is the bang bang sauce very sweet?

The sauce has a balanced tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor, but you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the chili sauce or honey.