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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

By: Barbara Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:19:20 GMT Hearty Mains
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Barbara, recipe developer and home cook at Graceful Flavors
By Barbara

Hi, I'm Barbara, the recipe developer and home cook behind Graceful Flavors. I share approachable recipes with clear steps, familiar ingredients, and delicious results for real everyday kitchens.

Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:19:20 GMT

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A tray of kebab meat with sauce. Pin it
A tray of kebab meat with sauce.

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers always vanish at parties thanks to their sweet heat and punchy sauce. The combination of tender chicken, smoky caramelization from the grill or air fryer, and the creamy spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce consistently draws a crowd. You will want extra sauce for dipping.

I let my kids help with skewering the chicken and painting on the sauce and it has become a weekend ritual for us to grill together outside once the weather turns nice.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: provide juiciness and flavor look for meat that appears pink and moist
  • Extra virgin olive oil: gives the chicken a luscious coating choose oil with deep color and fruity scent
  • Paprika: offers vibrant color and gentle warmth a fresh and fragrant paprika won’t taste dusty
  • Garlic powder: for savory undertone purchase from high-turnover stores for best potency
  • Black pepper: brings brightness and complexity freshly grind if you can
  • Cayenne pepper: adds controlled heat skip or use less for a milder option
  • Salt: essential for amplifying all the other flavors use sea salt if you can
  • Hot honey: for sweet sticky depth a drizzle of this brings the bang but classic honey also works
  • Mayonnaise: the creamy backbone of the sauce real full-fat mayo gives the best body
  • Lime juice: adds tang and brightness always squeeze from a fresh lime for lively flavor
  • Thai sweet chili sauce: delivers sweet and tangy notes check for one with flecks of chili for a fuller taste
  • Sriracha: for chile heat and garlicky kick you control how spicy you want by adding more or less

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Toss cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl with olive oil paprika garlic powder black pepper cayenne pepper salt and hot honey. Mix everything thoroughly so each piece gets evenly coated and glossy
Soak and Thread:
Presoak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes so they don’t scorch on the grill. Thread the chicken chunks onto each skewer leaving a little space between each piece to ensure good cooking
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a separate bowl combine mayonnaise lime juice Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. Whisk until smooth creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust heat if needed. Pour half the sauce into a smaller bowl and reserve for serving
Sauce the Chicken:
Lay the skewered chicken on a baking sheet for easy handling. With a brush slather the skewers generously with the unfreserved sauce making sure every nook is covered
Grill or Air Fry:
For grilling cook the skewers over medium high heat for 15 to 20 minutes turning frequently so all sides get golden and the chicken cooks evenly. Keep brushing with more sauce as they grill for an addictive caramelized coating. Use a thermometer to confirm the chicken hits 165 degrees for perfect juiciness. If air frying arrange skewers in a single layer and cook at 400 degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes flipping halfway
Finish and Serve:
Transfer the hot cooked skewers to a fresh plate. Drizzle or brush them with the reserved creamy Bang Bang sauce and a final flourish of hot honey if you like Serve while hot with extra sauce on the side for dunking
A tray of chicken skewers with sauce.
A tray of chicken skewers with sauce.

My favorite part is always the sauce—I could eat it straight off the spoon This dish reminds me of backyard barbecue nights when everyone gets sticky fingers and laughs over second helpings

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in an air fryer at 350 degrees for about three minutes for crispy edges or gently warm in the microwave but go slowly to keep the chicken tender and not rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat though thighs stay juicier. For a mild version skip the cayenne pepper and reduce Sriracha. Any liquid honey works if you cannot find hot honey it still brings sweetness and sticks beautifully to the chicken

Serving Suggestions

Pile these skewers onto a big platter and scatter with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro. Serve alongside cool crisp salads or over steamed rice to soak up all the extra sauce. These taste great cold too making them perfect for picnics and lunchboxes

A tray of marinated chicken skewers.
A tray of marinated chicken skewers.

Cultural and Historical Context

While Bang Bang sauce pulls from Asian flavors like Thai sweet chili and Sriracha the dish itself is a playful American take on classic street skewers. It is a modern fusion that captures the magic of cookouts and takeaway bites

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juicy texture, but chicken breast can also be used for a leaner option.

How do you keep wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water while prepping the chicken to keep them from burning on the grill or in the air fryer.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes. Make the skewers milder by omitting cayenne, reducing Sriracha, or skipping hot honey in the sauce.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bangs bang sauce combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice for a tangy, spicy blend.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F to keep the edges crisp.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, marinate and assemble in advance, then grill or air fry just before serving for best texture and flavor.

4.70 from 53 votes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Time:
35 Minutes
Servings:
6
A tray of kebab meat with sauce.
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Juicy chicken skewers grilled or air fried, brushed with tangy-sweet bang bang sauce for a bold, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Skewers

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey (or regular honey, optional)

  • Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 0.67 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 0.25 cup Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1.

1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thigh cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and hot honey. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

2.

2. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, filling each skewer about halfway to three-quarters full.

3.

3. Mix Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth. Divide the sauce in half; set one half aside for serving and use the remaining half for glazing during cooking.

4.

4. Glaze Chicken Skewers: Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Brush chicken with half of the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring all surfaces are coated.

5.

5. Cook Skewers (Grill Option): Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 15 to 20 minutes, turning often until chicken is caramelized and an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached. Continue glazing with sauce during grilling.

6.

6. Cook Skewers (Air Fryer Option): Arrange skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 204°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and is golden.

7.

7. Finish and Serve: Transfer cooked skewers to a platter. Generously brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and drizzle with additional hot honey if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs if preferred.
  2. For a milder dish, omit cayenne pepper, hot honey, and reduce Sriracha in the sauce.
  3. Skewers can be reheated in an air fryer at 177°C (350°F) for 3 minutes or until just warmed through.
  4. Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or air fryer
  • Wooden skewers
  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise) and soy (potentially in Sriracha and mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Total Fat: 49 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 19 g