Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

I can barely contain my excitement whenever I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—they’re everything you want in a crave-worthy appetizer or easy dinner! These little beauties are impossibly juicy, slathered in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, and thanks to the air fryer, they’re on your table in minutes with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, the beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in just a handful of everyday ingredients that work magic together. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s juicy tenderness, bold flavor, or that signature creamy “bang bang” sauce that makes these skewers sing.

• Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and juicy results—cut into even 1” cubes for perfect bite-sized skewers.
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and keeps everything extra tender as it air fries.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt & Black Pepper: The classic seasoning blend that layers smoky, aromatic flavor right into every bite.
• Mayonnaise (or Full Fat Greek Yogurt): The creamy base for that irresistible bang bang sauce—Greek yogurt lightens things up a bit if you like.
• Sriracha: The star spicy element brings heat, color, and a touch of tang—add more or less as your tastebuds desire.
• Honey: Balances the spice and tang of the sauce with subtle, glossy sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness, giving the sauce that zingy, mouthwatering finish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to both the sauce and the chicken.
• Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Infuses the bang bang sauce with bold, savory flavor.
• Mini Wood Skewers: Soak these in water so they don’t burn in the air fryer—mini size keeps the bites fun and manageable!
• Parsley: Just a sprinkle for a fresh, pop-of-green finish.

Variations

My favorite thing about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers? They’re a blank slate for customizing! Whether you’re swapping proteins, spicing things up, or adjusting for dietary needs, there are endless ways to put your own spin on this crowd-pleaser.

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs, turkey, or even shrimp for a delightful twist—just remember to adjust the cooking time for seafood!
• Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier, lighter sauce that’s still ridiculously creamy.
• Go Gluten-Free: Simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Veggie Power: Thread in chunks of bell pepper or zucchini between the chicken for pops of color and added nutrition.
• Crank the Heat: Add a dash of cayenne or a swirl of chili oil if you want your bang bang sauce to really live up to its name!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together the mayo (or Greek yogurt), sriracha, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until it’s perfectly smooth and a gorgeous, peachy pink. Trust me, you’ll want to taste a dab—it’s shockingly addictive! Set most aside, but scoop out a third of a cup for brushing on the chicken before cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In another big bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Massage everything together so each piece is glistening and speckled with flavor—it ensures juicy chicken with robust seasoning in every bite.

Step 3: Skewer and Sauce

Thread 3–4 nuggets of seasoned chicken onto each soaked wooden skewer. Next, use a brush or spoon to slather those chicken pieces with some of that reserved bang bang sauce (just the portion for cooking, not the dipping sauce!)—this helps them caramelize and turn irresistible as they cook.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Arrange the sauced skewers on your air fryer rack, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides are golden and just a bit crisp, and the centers reach 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

While they’re still hot, lay the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a serving platter, sprinkle over a shower of chopped parsley, and get ready for the best part—dipping and drizzling them with the rest of your bang bang sauce. That first bite really is a magical moment.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh parsley or cilantro showered over your skewers—those flecks of green are both pretty and refreshing against the rich sauce. For a little crunch, scatter over toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions just before serving.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are stellar with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, simple steamed veggies, or a crisp Asian-style slaw. If you’re feeling festive, serve them alongside lettuce cups for a DIY wrap experience, or alongside roasted potatoes for a fun East-meets-West vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay the skewers out on a big platter drizzled with extra sauce, or stand them upright in a glass for a playful appetizer display. I also love tucking leftover chicken off the skewers into wraps or atop salads for a next-day lunch that’s anything but boring!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge, where they’ll keep happily for up to 3 days. Store extra sauce separately so it stays fresh and creamy for dunking later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked, cooled chicken off the skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months—perfect for batch cooking or meal prep. The sauce is best made fresh, but if you have extra, freeze it in a small container and whisk again after thawing if needed.

Reheating

For best results, pop the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes or gently warm in the microwave, draped with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Always heat the sauce separately and drizzle just before serving for that signature luscious finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for bold flavor and effortless style, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will absolutely deliver—whether it’s a casual dinner, game night, or your next backyard gathering. Gather your crew, whip up a batch, and watch these saucy skewers disappear faster than you can say “bang bang”! Enjoy every spicy, creamy, finger-licking bite.

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