Description

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet dish featuring juicy cubed chicken thighs marinated with bold spices, grilled or air fried to perfection, and served with a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce. This recipe delivers a flavorful appetizer or main course that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, combining the heat of Sriracha and cayenne with the sweetness of Thai chili sauce and honey.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt

Sauce

2 Tbsp hot honey
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
¼ cup Sriracha

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd so they cook evenly.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, fresh squeezed lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth. Set aside half of this sauce to serve with the skewers later.
Cook the Skewers (Grilling Method): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and brush them generously with the prepared bang bang sauce. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally and continuing to brush them with more sauce, until the chicken is fully cooked through and caramelized on the outside, about 10-12 minutes.
Cook the Skewers (Air Frying Method): Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through. Once cooked, drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and a little hot honey for extra sweetness and heat.
Serve: Remove skewers from heat and serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For easy skewering, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast but note thighs remain juicier.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha and cayenne pepper.
These skewers pair well with steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad.
Leftover skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.