Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a sweet yet spicy sauce, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to impress. With their vibrant flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers make for a fast and delicious meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of hot honey, mayonnaise, and Sriracha creates a uniquely addictive sauce.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy them grilled or air-fried, giving you options depending on your kitchen setup.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These skewers are great for parties or casual get-togethers; they’re easy to serve and share.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of Sriracha or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the necessary equipment makes the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Mixing bowls
• Grilling tongs or air fryer basket
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together while they cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients easily and efficiently.
• Grilling Tongs or Air Fryer Basket: Help to safely flip the skewers during cooking without losing any delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Grilled or air fried spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers seasoned and slathered with sweet and tangy bang bang sauce and cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:
– 1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces (see notes)
– 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp cayenne pepper
– ½ tsp salt
– 2 Tbsp hot honey (see notes)
– 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
– 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
– ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
– ¼ cup Sriracha (use less or more as desired for heat level)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Stir well until fully combined. This will yield about 1.5 cups of delicious bang bang sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Working one skewer at a time, thread chunks of marinated chicken onto each skewer until about half to three-fourths filled. Place all assembled skewers on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Coat with Sauce

Brush half of the prepared bang bang sauce over the chicken skewers. Reserve the other half for glazing after cooking.

Step 5: Cooking Options

For The Grill:
Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes. Turn often until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Continue brushing with reserved sauce until it runs out.

For The Air Fryer:
Place skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once cooked through at an internal temperature of 165°F, drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these skewers are versatile and sure to impress.

With Fresh Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller skewers as a finger food option at parties. Perfect for dipping in the extra bang bang sauce!

On Rice or Noodles

• Place the skewers over a bed of jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a filling meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional sauces like ranch or garlic aioli alongside the bang bang sauce for variety.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken from the skewers and load them into soft corn tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro.

Paired with Grilled Vegetables

• Complement your skewers with seasonal grilled vegetables for a balanced, colorful plate.

this …

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To achieve the best results with your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right chicken: Use chicken thighs for juiciness; they tend to stay moist compared to chicken breasts.
• Marinate beforehand: Allow the chicken to marinate in the spices and oil for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Skewer properly: Make sure to space out the chicken pieces on the skewer. This allows even cooking on all sides.
• Monitor cooking temperature: Ensure your grill or air fryer is preheated to avoid undercooking or uneven results.
• Baste during cooking: Brush your skewers with more sauce while cooking for added flavor and caramelization.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color without overpowering flavors.
2. Coconut Rice: A subtle sweetness from coconut milk complements the spiciness of the skewers perfectly.
3. Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a comforting crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing balance and adds texture to your meal.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn brings out the smoky flavors of your chicken while adding seasonal flair.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon juice makes for a healthy side full of flavor.
7. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks can be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your skewers.
8. Asian Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar offers a crisp contrast to spicy chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to overlook a few important steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always use chicken thighs for juiciness. Breast meat can dry out during cooking.
• Neglecting marination time: Skipping marination means missing out on flavor. Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you can!
• Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
• Ignoring cooking temperature: Not monitoring the grill or air fryer temperature can result in undercooked chicken. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Not reserving sauce: Forgetting to set aside sauce for serving can diminish the dish’s flavor. Always save some bang bang sauce for drizzling after cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Place skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake skewers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. Cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are succulent pieces of chicken thighs seasoned and grilled or air-fried, then coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination enhances the flavor even more!

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute shrimp or tofu if you want a different protein option while still enjoying that delicious bang bang sauce.

What is in the bang bang sauce?

The bang bang sauce typically includes mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. This combination gives it that signature sweet and spicy flavor.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adjusting spices or swapping proteins to suit your taste. Whether grilled or air-fried, they’re perfect for dinner or gatherings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!