Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Easy, Tasty, and Air Fryer Ready

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are that perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and “oh my goodness, I need another one.” Whether you’re looking to mix up your weeknight dinner routine or impress your guests without breaking a sweat, these juicy skewers might just become your new kitchen hero. The best part? They’re quick, flavorful, and air-fried to crispy, golden perfection in under 30 minutes. Packed with flavor, low in carbs, and slathered in a creamy, crave-worthy Bang Bang sauce, this recipe is basically your fast pass to weeknight dinner bliss.

Plus, if you’ve ever stared into the fridge and thought, “What can I make with this chicken that doesn’t feel like a sad salad?” — well, friend, this is your sign. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring that magic combo of comfort and kick, and they do it without leaving you elbow-deep in dishes. And if you love that saucy twist, you might also want to check out the Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl for a hearty one-bowl meal.

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What is Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection, threaded onto skewers, and air-fried until crispy outside and tender inside. But let’s be honest, what really makes this dish sing is the sauce — a spicy, slightly sweet, creamy concoction known as Bang Bang sauce. Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and a hint of honey, it’s the kind of stuff you’ll want to slather on everything. Originally inspired by Asian-American fusion flavors, this dish brings street-food vibes right into your kitchen.

And unlike deep-fried options, these skewers are lighter, keto-adaptable, and a whole lot less messy. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a party spread, they’re versatile and super satisfying. Think of them as the fun cousin of grilled chicken — a little sassier, a lot saucier, and way more fun to eat on a stick.

Reasons to Try Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

First of all, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are just plain fun to eat. Anything on a stick instantly feels more festive, right? But beyond that, this dish checks all the boxes: easy prep, big flavor, and fewer dishes to clean. We’re talking about a recipe that goes from fridge to table in under 30 minutes — music to the ears of busy moms, 9-to-5 warriors, and anyone who’s just not into spending hours cooking after a long day.

The spice level is customizable, so whether you’re cooking for spice-lovers or flavor-sensitive kiddos, you can adjust it to please everyone. And because they’re cooked in the air fryer, they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried takeout — but still deliver that satisfying crunch. Hosting a backyard BBQ? Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Need something low-carb but still exciting? Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Want dinner that actually makes you excited to cook? Yup, these skewers win again. For a great side that complements these flavors, serve them with Easy Mango Slaw.

Ingredients Needed to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To make these flavor-packed skewers, here’s everything you’ll need:

For the chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for creaminess)
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce (use low-carb if you’re keeping it keto)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp honey (swap for sugar-free if needed)
• 1 tsp salt

Optional garnish:

• Chopped parsley or sesame seeds
• Extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping

Pro tip: You can prep the sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled — it gets even better after sitting in the fridge.

Instructions to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by grabbing those boneless, skinless chicken thighs and chopping them into even 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly and avoids any surprise dry bites. Toss them into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle over the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss — you want every piece coated in that savory spice mix. Then, pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. That rest time helps the flavors settle into the chicken, turning every bite into a juicy little flavor bomb.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken’s marinating, mix up the magic: in a separate bowl, combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt. Whisk it until smooth. Taste it — if you want it spicier, add more hot sauce. If you’re keeping things low-carb, use sugar-free honey and a keto-friendly chili sauce. You can stash this in the fridge while the chicken finishes its beauty rest.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Once the chicken’s ready, thread the marinated pieces onto skewers. Don’t jam them too close together — they need a little breathing room to crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Think of it like social distancing for meat.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a brush (or spoon if you’re like the rest of us and can’t find one), and lightly coat each skewer with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. This starts the flavor layering early — the sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks and adds a little sticky kick.

Step 6: Cook ‘Em Up

Lay the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for golden, crispy edges and a juicy center. Use a meat thermometer if you’ve got one — 165°F is your target temp.

Step 7: Sauce It Again

Once they’re out and sizzling, give them one more generous brush of Bang Bang sauce. This second coating adds extra flavor and makes them glossy and irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Smile

Pile them on a platter, garnish with parsley or sesame seeds, and serve hot. Don’t forget to pour the rest of the sauce into a bowl for dipping. If you’re looking for a cooling dessert to pair, you’ll love this Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake — refreshing and no oven required.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the life of the dinner party — but even stars need a solid supporting cast. These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp salad like Greek Pasta Salad or even a sweet-and-savory Lemon Raspberry Cookie for a playful contrast. You could also serve them over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted veggies for a complete low-carb meal. For a tropical twist, pair them with Pineapple Chicken and Rice if you’re open to a double-chicken dinner. Honestly, they go with just about anything — crunchy slaws, rice bowls, even stuffed in wraps or lettuce cups for a DIY handheld situation. Add a dipping trio on the side — extra Bang Bang sauce, ranch, or a zesty lime crema — and watch your family or guests go back for seconds (and probably thirds).

Key Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

A few tips to make sure your skewers shine every time: First, use chicken thighs over breasts for juicier bites — they’re more forgiving and harder to overcook. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for deeper flavor. When threading the skewers, leave space between each piece so they cook evenly. Don’t skip brushing with sauce before AND after air frying — it creates that luscious, sticky finish. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them at 425°F for about 20 minutes or grill them. And when it comes to the sauce, don’t be afraid to adjust the heat. You’re the boss of the spice level here. Finally, always double the sauce. You’ll want it for dipping everything — fries, shrimp, maybe even a Coconut Chicken Brothy Rice. No judgment.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep any leftover sauce separate so it doesn’t turn watery. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 375°F to bring back the crisp. You can also warm them in the oven or even on a skillet, but skip the microwave unless you’re okay with soft (read: kinda sad) chicken. If freezing, wrap each skewer individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This is one of those meals that tastes just as good the next day — maybe even better once the flavors settle in. Great for meal prep or a “cook once, eat twice” weeknight win.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Sure! Just keep an eye on the cook time — breasts dry out faster, so don’t overcook.
Can I grill these instead of using an air fryer? Absolutely. Medium heat, about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe keto? It can be! Use sugar-free honey, low-carb chili sauce, and full-fat mayo.
How spicy is it? Medium — but you can dial it up or down depending on the hot sauce.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Marinate the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then cook fresh when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something fun, flavorful, and downright addicting, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are it. They’re easy to make, fast to cook, and loaded with that sweet-and-spicy magic that keeps you going back for more. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a backyard hangout, or you’re just tired of your usual dinner rotation, these skewers are a solid solution. Plus, they’re easy to customize — low-carb, high-flavor, picky-eater approved. Want even more dinner inspiration? Take a peek at Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken or this quick Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl for your next crave-worthy meal.

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