I’m always on the lookout for quick, flavorful meals—and these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a total game changer.
Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned, air-fried to perfection, then slathered in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that’s rich, creamy, and crave-worthy.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and minimal prep, you’ll want to save this recipe immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite
Low effort, high reward – only 10 minutes of prep
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or weeknight dinners
Air fryer magic – crispy chicken without deep frying
Homemade Bang Bang sauce you’ll want to use on everything
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch:
Chicken thighs – Juicier than breasts, perfect for skewers
Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder – Basic but bold flavor foundation
Bang Bang sauce – A mix of mayo, sweet chili, hot sauce, honey, and salt
Skewers – Wood or metal, for grilling or air-frying
Optional garnishes – Chopped parsley or sesame seeds add flair
Pro Tips Before You Start
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning
Cut chicken evenly – helps everything cook at the same speed
Don’t skip the marinating step – It deepens the flavor
Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is ready at 165°F (74°C)
Double the sauce – Trust me, you’ll want extra for dipping
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1 – Cut and Season the Chicken
Dice the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2 – Marinate
Cover and refrigerate the seasoned chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3 – Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 4 – Assemble the Skewers
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5 – Sauce Before Cooking
Brush each skewer with a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce.
Step 6 – Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange skewers in a single layer.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Step 7 – Finish with Sauce
Brush hot skewers with another layer of Bang Bang sauce.
Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with sesame seeds or parsley. Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
What to Serve It With
These skewers go well with light and refreshing sides:
Cauliflower rice or coconut rice
Cucumber salad or coleslaw
Steamed or roasted broccoli
Lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas
Pickled veggies for contrast
Variations & Substitutions
Chicken breast – Works fine if that’s what you have
Tofu or shrimp – Great meatless or pescatarian options
Grill or oven – Cook on an outdoor grill or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes
Spice it up – Add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat
Low-sugar version – Use sugar-free honey and chili sauce for keto
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freeze: Wrap cooked skewers in foil and freeze up to 2 months
Reheat: Air fry or oven bake at 350°F until warmed through
Make-ahead tip: Mix the sauce and marinate the chicken the night before
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Adjust cook time if using breast meat.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes – simply use sugar-free sweet chili sauce and honey alternatives.
Can I make it without an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake or grill the skewers as described in the Variations section.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
It’s mild with a kick. Add more hot sauce if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes! Assemble and marinate the day before, then cook when ready to serve.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
The Bang Bang sauce itself! But feel free to pair with ranch or sriracha mayo.
Do I need to flip the skewers while air frying?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning on all sides.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are bold, easy, and totally addictive, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deserve a spot on your weekly menu.
From the juicy, seasoned chicken to the creamy-spicy sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast—so maybe double it just in case.
This is low-effort cooking that feels like takeout—but better.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce*
- 1 tbsp hot sauce* or more to taste
- 2 tbsp honey*
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
- Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss until coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/bang-bang-chicken-skewers/
Notes
- Best Chicken Cut: Chicken thighs stay extra juicy in the air fryer, but you can use chicken breast if preferred.
- Grill It: No air fryer? Grill the skewers on medium-high heat for 12–14 minutes, flipping once.
- Adjust Heat: For spicier sauce, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with rice, cucumber salad, or lettuce wraps for a full dinner.
