Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are banging out of control. It is so easy and delicious that you will be making this once a week. The best part is the bang bang sauce that you can put on everything!
Great for busy weeknights, pop in the air fryer for fast cooking or grill it if you’re feeding a crowd.
If you love this, then you need to check out Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers, and Balsamic Chicken Breast or try it with Parmesan Cauliflower.
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Here’s what you need to make these bang bang chicken skewers
- chicken breasts
- avocado oil
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt and pepper
- mayo
- sweet chili sauce
- sriracha
- lemon
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make bang bang chicken skewers
Season the chicken breast
- Season the chicken: Mix cubed chicken with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, paprika, and lemon juice.
Air Fry Method
- Preheat Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven Baking Method
- Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Chicken: Bake on a lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Grilling Method
- Preheat Grill: Medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Make Sauce: Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, paprika, and lemon juice.
Serve: Drizzle sauce over chicken skewers and serve hot.
Substitutions
Chicken Breasts - You can use chicken thighs or chicken wings.
Avocado Oil - Swap with olive oil.
Garlic Powder - Use freshly minced garlic instead and add a pinch of kosher salt to enhance the flavor.
Paprika - Substitute with a mix of black pepper, onion powder and a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.
Mayo - Replace with Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of soy sauce for a tangy twist.
Sweet Chili Sauce - Use a blend of honey, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Sriracha - You can use your favorite hot sauce.
Lemon - Try lime juice for a slightly different citrusy flavor.
And for garnish, don't forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top!
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bamboo skewers
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How to store and reheat
Storing: After cooking, let the skewers cool down to room temperature. Remove the chicken from the wooden skewers and place it in an airtight container or a large bowl covered with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your leftover skewers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Reheat in the oven for about 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Top tips for success
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate your chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and Thai sweet chili sauce in a separate bowl for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill Perfectly: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken in a single layer for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve with Sides: Make it a complete meal by serving with a spicy sauce and extra Thai sweet chili sauce for dipping, along with rice and a fresh salad.
FAQs
Bang Bang Chicken gets its name from the traditional method of tenderizing the chicken by pounding it with a stick, creating a "bang bang" sound. This chicken recipe often uses boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicy main dish with a spicy kick.
Chicken skewers pair well with a variety of sides and flavors. For a complete meal, you can serve them with Bang Bang Shrimp, similar to the popular dish from Bonefish Grill, or try Bang Bang Salmon for a seafood twist.
Bang Bang Sauce originates from Chinese cuisine and is known for its creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. This sauce recipe often includes mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, making it one of the favorite sauces for coating chunks of chicken.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
How to serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
As a busy mom, I tend to keep things simple for dinner and stick to a protein, side, and salad or roasted vegetables. Here are some ideas for (name of recipe):
- Serve with rice and a side of Garlic Braised Kale.
- Pair with Garlic Fried Rice.
- Also, serve this with Asian Coleslaw as a refreshing side salad.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are banging out of control. It is so easy and delicious that you will be making this once a week. The best part is the bang bang sauce that you can put on everything!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: serves 4 people 1x
Ingredients
Chicken breasts, cubed into 2” squares
1 tablespoon of avocado oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup mayo
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon paprika
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Season the chicken breast
- Season the chicken: Mix cubed chicken with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, paprika, and lemon juice.
Air Fry Method
- Preheat Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven Baking Method
- Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Chicken: Bake on a lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Grilling Method
- Preheat Grill: Medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Make Sauce: Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, paprika, and lemon juice.
Serve: Drizzle sauce over chicken skewers and serve hot.
Notes
Soak Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Even Sizing: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
Rest After Cooking: Let skewers rest briefly before serving to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: mains
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: asian
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Ella
That bang bang sauce is the MVP
Elsie
Nice one Carmen! another one to try haha