Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These bang bang chicken skewers transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary through the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that define this beloved sauce. Tender cubes of chicken breast absorb a simple but effective spice blend before being threaded onto skewers and cooked to juicy perfection. The real magic happens when the homemade bang bang sauce meets the hot chicken, creating an irresistible glaze that caramelizes slightly at the edges. This versatile recipe works beautifully as a crowd pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course paired with simple sides.

I first created this recipe when searching for an easier way to enjoy bang bang chicken without deep frying. My family now prefers these skewers to restaurant versions for their lighter texture and bold flavor.

Quality Components

• Boneless chicken breasts: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully
• Paprika: Adds smoky sweetness and vibrant color
• Mayonnaise: Creates velvety sauce texture
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Balances sweet/heat flavors
• Sriracha: Provides adjustable heat level

Premium Thai chili sauce makes a remarkable difference - bargain brands often lack depth. Fresh chicken (not frozen) maintains optimal moisture.

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Perfect Preparation

Season & Skewer:

Cut chicken into 1" cubes, coat with spice blend (paprika/garlic/salt/pepper)

Make Sauce:

Whisk mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth

Assemble:

Thread chicken on soaked skewers, brush with sauce

Cook:

Air fry 6 mins per side at 400°F (or bake/grill), basting when flipping

Applying sauce in stages (pre-cook, during flip, post-cook) creates perfect caramelization without burning. This method outperforms marinating.

My mother converted these into bridge club favorites by reducing the sriracha. The customizable heat works for all palates.

Serving Suggestions

Present on platters with lime wedges and sesame seeds. Pair with coconut rice and cucumber salad. For appetizers, offer small plates with extra sauce.

Creative Variations

Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Add ginger to sauce, or use Greek yogurt for lighter version. Glaze with honey for extra caramelization.

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Meal Prep Strategies

Prep chicken/sauce 2 days ahead. Freeze seasoned raw chicken cubes for 3 months. Thaw overnight before skewering.

Neighbors consistently request this recipe after trying the skewers. The balance of convenience and complex flavors makes it a modern classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these skewers in advance in several ways: 1) Cube the chicken and add the dry seasonings (without the oil) up to 24 hours ahead, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, 2) Make the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container, 3) Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers up to 8 hours before cooking and keep refrigerated. For best results, add the oil just before cooking to help the chicken brown properly, and don't brush with the sauce until right before cooking. This advance prep makes them perfect for entertaining!

→ What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

These versatile skewers pair well with many sides depending on whether you're serving them as an appetizer or main course. For appetizers, serve with cucumber slices, additional bang bang sauce for dipping, or a simple Asian slaw. As a main dish, try serving with: 1) Steamed or fried rice, 2) Vegetable stir-fry or roasted vegetables, 3) Asian-inspired noodle dishes, 4) A crisp green salad with sesame dressing, 5) Grilled pineapple for a sweet complement to the spicy sauce. For a complete meal with minimal effort, pair with pre-made cauliflower fried rice and steamed edamame.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often produce even juicier results than chicken breasts. Thigh meat has more fat content, making it more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Cut the thighs into similar 1-inch cubes and follow the recipe as written. You may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes, so be sure to check with a meat thermometer that the chicken reaches 165°F. The richer flavor of thigh meat pairs beautifully with the creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce.

→ How can I make these skewers less spicy?

This recipe is easy to adjust for heat preference. To make a milder version: 1) Omit the Sriracha completely or reduce to just 1/2 teaspoon, 2) Use a mild Thai sweet chili sauce (some brands are spicier than others), 3) Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the sauce to balance the heat with more sweetness, 4) Serve with a side of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to cool things down. Conversely, if you love heat, double the Sriracha or add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning mix.

→ Can I make these into a freezer meal?

These skewers can be prepped for a future meal! To freeze: 1) Cube the chicken and add all the dry seasonings and oil, 2) Place in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months, 3) Make the bang bang sauce separately and freeze in a small container. To cook: Thaw the chicken and sauce completely in the refrigerator overnight, then thread onto soaked skewers and cook as directed. For even more convenience, you can freeze the chicken already on skewers (flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a storage container) - just be sure to soak the skewers before freezing.

→ Is there a healthier version of bang bang sauce?

Yes, you can make a lighter version of bang bang sauce that still delivers great flavor: 1) Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best for creaminess), 2) Use a sugar-free honey substitute or reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon, 3) Look for a lower-sugar version of Thai sweet chili sauce or make your own with a sugar substitute, 4) Add extra garlic powder, ginger, and lime juice to enhance flavor without adding calories. This modified version will have a tangier profile but still provides the creamy texture and flavor balance that makes bang bang sauce so popular.