Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – A Zesty, Finger-Licking Delight

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring bold flavors to your table with minimal effort! Juicy, tender chicken pieces are perfectly seasoned and air-fried to a golden brown, then brushed with a rich and creamy Bang Bang sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. Whether you’re firing up the air fryer for a family dinner or a backyard gathering, this dish packs a punch of flavor and is sure to be a hit!

The first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken, I was instantly hooked! The contrast between the crispy chicken and the spicy-sweet sauce had me coming back for more. So, I had to recreate it in a fun and easy way! These chicken skewers take the classic Bang Bang Chicken to a new level of convenience using the air fryer, while still delivering the mouthwatering punch of flavors that make this dish irresistible. It’s now a family favorite and perfect for parties or even a quick weeknight dinner!

Why This Recipe Rocks?

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, these skewers come together in no time using an air fryer.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the show, this creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is a flavor explosion with every bite.
• Air Fryer Magic: No need for a grill! The air fryer makes the chicken juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Fun to eat and easy to serve, these skewers are a hit at any gathering or cookout.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (2.3 g / 0.08 oz)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2.8 g / 0.1 oz)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6 g / 0.2 oz)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g / 0.04 oz)
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups (290 g / 10.2 oz) mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup (160 ml / 5.6 fl oz) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1.05 oz) honey

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
   • Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer. Set aside.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of sauce.
   • Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside to use after the chicken is cooked. Use the rest of the sauce to brush over the chicken before cooking.
3. Air Fry the Skewers:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
   • Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the skewers are cooked, transfer them to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Notes:

• Batch Cooking: If you’re working in batches, cover the cooked skewers with foil to keep them warm while you finish the rest.
• Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha, or for more heat, increase it to suit your taste.
• Grill Option: These skewers can also be grilled on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.