Bang Bang Chicken Skewers offer a deliciously simple and flavor-packed option, featuring seasoned chicken cubes brushed with a homemade Bang Bang sauce. This recipe is ideal as both an appetizer or a main dish and can be cooked effortlessly in an air fryer or oven!
Ingredients & Options
- Chicken: Opt for chicken breasts to make these skewers, as their lean texture is perfect for quick cooking. Alternatively, chicken thighs can also be used, but note that cooking times may vary. Ensure the chicken cubes are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Seasonings: To infuse the chicken with flavors, use paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Mayonnaise: This ingredient is crucial for the creamy texture of the Bang Bang sauce. If unavailable, you can prepare your own mayonnaise at home.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a distinctive sweet profile to the Bang Bang sauce, enhancing its overall flavor complexity.
- Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick to the sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for heat.
- Honey: Balances the spiciness of Sriracha and the tanginess of the sweet chili sauce, adding a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Choice of Skewers: Wooden vs. Metal
Both wooden and metal skewers can be used for making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. If opting for wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Metal skewers should be checked to ensure they fit within the air fryer basket. Wooden skewers can be shortened by breaking them in half if necessary.
Preparation in Advance
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the skewers and prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance. Store the assembled skewers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to cook. The Bang Bang sauce can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For easier storage, you may remove the chicken from the skewers. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Brush reheated chicken skewers with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for a refreshed flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds (908 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Preparation of Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer.
Making Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the Bang Bang sauce. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of sauce.
- Divide the sauce into two bowls. Use one half for brushing onto the chicken before cooking and reserve the other half for serving.
Cooking the Skewers:
- Place the prepared skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
Serving:
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle or brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce.
Serve immediately while hot.
These steps and ingredient list will help you create a delicious batch of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, perfect for a quick and tasty meal or as a party appetizer.
