Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled or air fried to perfection. Coated generously with a creamy, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice, these skewers deliver a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and zest. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or main dish, this recipe includes options for grilling or air frying, making it versatile and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2-2 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
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (add more if needed)
- 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Thread Skewers: Working one skewer at a time, thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto each skewer, filling about half to three-quarters of the skewer length.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth. This yields about 1.5 cups of sauce. Divide the sauce into two portions — pour half into a separate bowl for dipping and glazing after cooking.
- Coat Skewers: Place the skewers on a baking sheet and brush the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat between them for maximum flavor.
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning often to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally. Continue brushing the chicken with reserved sauce to build a flavorful glaze as it cooks.
- Air Fryer Method: Arrange skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Confirm the chicken has reached 165°F internal temperature. Remove from air fryer and generously brush or drizzle with reserved Bang Bang sauce and a touch of hot honey if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs.
- Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy nuance but regular honey can be used alternatively or omitted.
- For milder skewers, omit cayenne pepper, hot honey, and reduce Sriracha in the sauce.
- Soak wooden skewers in water while prepping to prevent burning on the grill or air fryer.
- Reheat leftover skewers in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or in a microwave briefly; avoid overheating to keep chicken tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of chicken
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1051mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 37g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 127mg