Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love sharing the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings a party to your taste buds. When I first tried this recipe, the combination of tender chicken thighs grilled to perfection and slathered in that creamy, spicy, tangy Thai chili sauce had me hooked instantly. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a fuss-free recipe that packs bold, vibrant flavors.

What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe stand out for me is how versatile it is. You can grill it, air fry it, or even bake it, and it still turns out wonderfully juicy with a gorgeous caramelized coating of sauce. Plus, the hot honey drizzle adds this impressive touch of sweetness that balances the heat—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it in your regular rotation too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe really comes from simple ingredients working together beautifully, many of which you might already have on hand. Whenever I shop for this, I focus on getting good-quality chicken thighs and fresh lime for that vibrant kick.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless and skinless for easy eating and juicy texture, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a subtle richness.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor without overpowering the sweetness or spice.
• Garlic powder: Because garlic is the soul of chicken seasoning, don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, it brightens the overall flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: The little kick that wakes up your palate—reduce if you prefer mild.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
• Hot honey: This is optional but trust me, it’s worth it for a sweet heat finish.
• Mayonnaise: Creates that creamy base for the bang bang sauce, making it rich and luscious.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for the best tang and brightness.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient for sweetness and subtle heat.
• Sriracha: Customize your spicy level with this popular hot sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe is how simple it is to tweak for your preferences or what you have on hand. I often switch up the level of spice or swap out chicken thighs for breasts depending on what my family prefers that day.

• Mild Version: I usually omit the cayenne, cut back on sriracha, and skip the hot honey to keep it gentle for kids or spice-shy guests.
• Honey Substitute: Regular honey works just fine if you don’t have hot honey, though you’ll lose that spicy-sweet combo.
• Protein Swap: Try using shrimp or firm tofu for a delicious twist—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Grill vs. Air Fryer: Grilling adds a smoky char I love, but when I’m short on time, the air fryer gives me perfectly cooked skewers fast.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes—this size ensures an even cook and makes skewering easy. Toss the chicken cubes in extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt all over. Mix everything well so the spices coat the chicken evenly. I like to let it sit for 10-15 minutes if I have time, but you can skip this step in a pinch.

Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

Make sure to soak your wooden skewers in water while prepping—that helps prevent burning during cooking. Then, working one skewer at a time, thread the chicken pieces until each skewer is about half to three-quarters full. Don’t pack them too tightly; you want a little space so heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a medium bowl. This creates a creamy, spicy, tangy sauce that’s the star of the show. Set half of the sauce aside for dipping or drizzling when the chicken is cooked, and use the rest to brush the raw chicken skewers well, making sure to get sauce between every chunk.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Grilling instructions: Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers on the grates. Grill for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F, turning often and brushing additional reserved sauce on to build up that irresistible caramelized glaze. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn or dry out.

Air fryer instructions: Lay the skewers in a single layer inside your air fryer basket (you might need batches). Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When done, drizzle with the reserved sauce and a little hot honey for extra glam and flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a scatter of thinly sliced green onions for some color and a burst of freshness. A few lime wedges on the side make it easy for everyone to add a squeeze of brightness. Sometimes I’ll even add toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides to go with these skewers are simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to balance that heat. A crisp cucumber salad or a quick pickled carrot and daikon slaw adds wonderful cooling contrast. And if you’re in the mood for veggies, grilled corn on the cob is an easy winner.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the skewers on a large platter with small bowls of extra Bang Bang Sauce for dipping. You can also serve skewers on a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce for a crunchy textural element, making it look fancy without extra effort. Another favorite trick is wrapping the skewer ends with a little parchment or decorative foil—it keeps it neat when passed around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay great for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep any extra Bang Bang Sauce separate from the chicken to avoid sogginess. When I reheat, it’s easier to brush on fresh sauce to revive the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my preferred method for this recipe since the sauce can separate a bit, but if you have to, freeze cooked, unsauced chicken skewers wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap. When you thaw, reheat gently and add fresh sauce before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

I find reheating the skewers in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes keeps the chicken juicy without drying it out. Microwaving works too, but go easy—overheating will make it chewy. Don’t forget to brush or drizzle with leftover or fresh Bang Bang Sauce to bring back that signature flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something flavorful, fast, and crowd-pleasing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s just something so satisfying about those sticky, spicy, creamy bites of chicken on a skewer. Give it a try at your next gathering or even a casual dinner, and I bet it’ll quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

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