Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled or air-fried chicken appetizer featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a zesty blend of spices and smothered with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Perfect as a party starter or a tasty main dish, these skewers balance sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a hint of smoky char.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
- 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha (adjust heat level as desired)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss well to evenly coat all chicken pieces.
- Prepare the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Stir thoroughly until smooth. This yields about 1.5 cups of sauce.
- Apply the sauce: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for serving. Brush the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken skewers, making sure to coat between chicken pieces.
- Cook on the grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning often and brushing with reserved sauce frequently until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and caramelizes nicely.
- Or cook in the air fryer: Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Verify chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish and serve: Transfer cooked skewers to a plate and brush or drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and an optional drizzle of hot honey. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used as an alternative to thighs.
- Hot honey adds a sweet, sticky flavor but regular honey works as well and is optional.
- Adjust heat by omitting cayenne pepper, hot honey, or reducing Sriracha for a milder version.
- Always soak wooden skewers before cooking to prevent burning.
- Reheat leftover skewers in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook to avoid tough chicken texture.
- Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of chicken
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1051 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 37 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 127 mg
