Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Sweet, Spicy & Easy to Make!

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner, appetizer, or meal-prep dish, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed solution you can’t skip. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry them, these skewers deliver crispy-edged, tender chicken slathered in a creamy, spicy, sweet bang bang sauce that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

The beauty of this bang bang chicken skewers recipe lies in its flexibility. You can make them mild or fiery, customize the sauce, and choose between boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Whether you’re recreating the viral bang bang chicken skewers TikTok trend or making your own twist with ideas from Chelsea’s Messy Apron or Moribyan, this dish never disappoints.

Perfect for summer grilling, game-day appetizers, or casual dinners, this recipe is also a great option for batch cooking in the air fryer. And yes, the leftovers (if you have any!) are delicious the next day.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• 🔥 Sweet, spicy & creamy bang bang flavor that’s highly addictive.
• 🍢 Easy to customize—control the heat with simple tweaks.
• 🍗 Tender, juicy chicken cooked on the grill, in the oven, or air fryer.
• 🍽️ Perfect for meal prep or parties—make ahead and reheat easily.
• 🧄 Simple ingredients with bold flavors from pantry staples.

Whether you’re following the latest food trends or revisiting a classic like the sailor bailey bang bang chicken skewers, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp hot honey (optional for extra sweetness)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Equipment:

• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• Grill, air fryer, or oven
• Basting brush

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss cubed chicken with oil, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and skewers.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spiciness or sweetness as needed. Divide the sauce—use half for basting and the other half for dipping or drizzling after cooking.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the seasoned chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Leave space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook Your Way

Grill Method:

Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 15–20 minutes, turning and basting with sauce every few minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and caramelized.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with sauce during cooking and again before serving.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once and basting halfway through. Broil the last 2–3 minutes for a caramelized finish.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Drizzle hot honey for a sticky-sweet finish. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• ✅ Mild version: Skip cayenne and use less Sriracha.
• ✅ Dairy-free: Use vegan mayo.
• ✅ Low-carb: Use a sugar-free chili sauce alternative.
• ✅ Greek yogurt instead of mayo: For a tangy, protein-rich version.
• ✅ Add pineapple chunks: For sweet-and-savory contrast on the skewers.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Wondering what to serve with bang bang chicken skewers? Here are some tasty sides:

• 🥗 Asian slaw – For crunch and freshness.
• 🍚 Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
• 🌽 Grilled corn on the cob
• 🥒 Cucumber salad or pickled veggies
• 🍜 Cold sesame noodles

These sides balance the spice and make it a full, satisfying meal.

FAQs – People Also Ask

What goes with bang bang chicken skewers?

They go well with rice, slaw, or noodles. A refreshing cucumber salad or sweet grilled corn makes an ideal pairing to cut the heat.

Why is it called bang bang chicken?

“Bang Bang” refers to the explosive flavor—sweet, spicy, and tangy—plus the popular Chinese dish where chicken is pounded (“bang-bang”) and dressed in spicy sauce.

Is Bang Bang sauce good on chicken?

Absolutely! It’s creamy, spicy, sweet, and perfect for grilled or air-fried chicken. It’s also amazing on shrimp, tofu, or salmon.

What makes a dish bang bang?

The signature combo of Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and mayo creates a bold, creamy, sweet-spicy profile that defines any “bang bang” dish.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• 🕒 Make ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare sauce up to 3 days ahead.
• ❄️ Leftovers: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• 🔥 Reheat: Air fry or bake at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent chewy chicken.
• 🧊 Freeze: Freeze marinated chicken (uncooked) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before skewering and cooking.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe Tips

• Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
• Baste chicken frequently for a sticky, caramelized coating.
• Adjust Sriracha and honey based on your spice and sweetness preference.
• Serve extra sauce on the side—everyone will want more!
• Don’t overcrowd skewers; space pieces slightly to allow for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are truly next-level. With just a few pantry ingredients, you get sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory all in one irresistible bite. Grill them in the summer, air fry them year-round, or roast them in the oven—whatever works best for your kitchen.

Add your own twist, tweak the heat, and pair them with your favorite sides. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or spicing up a weeknight dinner, this bang bang chicken skewer recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Don’t forget to serve with extra bang bang sauce and a squeeze of lime—then enjoy watching them disappear!

Save this recipe, pin it, and don’t forget to share it with anyone who appreciates a great side dish. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a dinner without it.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!

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