Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

This spicy-sweet Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible flavor bomb that rivals your favorite takeout. The perfect balance of heat, tang and sweetness makes these skewers my go-to option for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining.

I first made these skewers for a backyard gathering last summer, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Even my spice-averse mother-in-law kept coming back for more, which tells you everything you need to know about their universal appeal.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: boneless skinless chicken pieces stay juicy during cooking and absorb flavor better than breast meat
• Olive oil: helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes browning
• Paprika: adds color and mild smoky flavor
• Garlic powder: infuses every bite with aromatic savoriness
• Black pepper: provides subtle heat that works with the other spices
• Cayenne pepper: brings manageable heat that enhances rather than overwhelms
• Salt: essential for bringing out all other flavors
• Hot honey: optional but creates an incredible sticky sweet finish
• Mayonnaise: the creamy base for the bang bang sauce
• Lime juice: fresh citrus cuts through richness and brightens the sauce
• Thai sweet chili sauce: provides the signature sweet tangy profile
• Sriracha: adds controlled heat and depth to the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Combine with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly until each piece is fully coated with the seasoning mixture. The chicken should look evenly red-speckled from the spices.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Whisk until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce should have a pale orange hue and pourable but thick consistency. Divide sauce into two separate bowls one for basting during cooking, one for serving.

Skewer the Chicken:

Thread seasoned chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving about 1/4 of each skewer empty for handling. Pack the chicken pieces closely but not compressed, allowing heat to circulate. Place completed skewers on a baking sheet and generously brush with half of the bang bang sauce, ensuring coverage on all sides.

Grill Method:

Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 375-400°F. Place skewers on clean, oiled grates and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. Continue to brush with sauce during cooking until chicken reaches 165°F internally. The exterior should develop caramelized, slightly charred edges while remaining juicy inside.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange skewers in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should develop a golden exterior with caramelized sauce. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing.

Finish and Serve:

Transfer cooked skewers to a serving platter. Brush generously with reserved fresh sauce and drizzle with hot honey if desired. The contrast between the caramelized exterior and fresh sauce creates incredible depth of flavor. Serve immediately while still hot.

Save This

The secret to these skewers truly lies in the contrasting textures. I discovered that applying sauce in layers both during and after cooking creates dimension you simply cannot achieve with a single application. My family now insists I make a double batch of the sauce because they love having extra for dipping everything from fries to vegetables.

Spice Level Control

These skewers can be adjusted to suit any heat preference. For a mild version, simply omit the cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning and reduce the Sriracha in the sauce to just 1 tablespoon. This still provides the signature bang bang flavor but with gentle warmth rather than significant heat. For spice lovers, increase the cayenne to a full teaspoon and use up to 1/3 cup Sriracha in the sauce for an experience that lives up to the "bang bang" name. The sweet chili sauce maintains balance regardless of heat level.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully in stages for easier entertaining. The chicken can be cubed and seasoned up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and actually improves as flavors meld in the refrigerator. You can even pre-skewer the chicken several hours before cooking just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This approach makes the recipe perfect for gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Serving Suggestions

While these skewers shine as a main course, they're incredibly versatile. Serve them over coconut rice with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an impressive appetizer spread, prepare smaller skewers with 3-4 pieces of chicken each and arrange on a platter with extra sauce for dipping. They also work wonderfully in lettuce wraps topped with crisp vegetables and herbs for a lighter option. For a fusion approach, serve the skewers alongside warm naan bread or pita with cucumber yogurt sauce as a cooling counterpoint.

Common Queries

→ Can I make these skewers less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use less sriracha in the bang bang sauce for a milder flavor.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they stay juicy, but chicken breasts can also be used.

→ Do I have to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking skewers in water for 20-30 minutes helps prevent them from burning while grilling or air frying.

→ Can I use an air fryer instead of a grill?

Absolutely! Simply cook the skewers in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the skewers in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, or use a microwave for a shorter duration to avoid overcooking.

→ What if I don’t have hot honey?

You can use regular honey as a substitute for hot honey for a milder, sweet flavor.