Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy, tender chicken thighs with a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for grilling or using an air fryer, this dish brings bold flavors and a touch of heat to your meal. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing option for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

The image shows three grilled chicken skewers placed diagonally on a white tray, each skewer loaded with golden-brown pieces of chicken that have charred edges and a glossy coating of creamy orange sauce with green cilantro leaves sprinkled on top. To the top right of the tray, there is a small beige bowl filled with more orange sauce, with a spoon inside, resting on a white marbled surface. Around the tray, fresh green cilantro leaves add a pop of color, and the background is softly blurred to keep focus on the skewers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces (see notes)

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp black pepper

½ tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp salt

2 Tbsp hot honey (see notes)

1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

¼ cup Sriracha (use less or more as desired for heat level)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the seasonings.

Step 2: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers until about half to three-quarters of the skewer is filled. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice to create the bang bang sauce.

Step 3: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into another bowl and set it aside for dipping and glazing after cooking. Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and brush the remaining sauce generously over the chicken, making sure to coat in between pieces.

Step 4 (Grill): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning often. Continue brushing the chicken with the remaining sauce as it cooks, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is caramelized.

Step 5 (Air Fryer): Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and brush or drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and hot honey before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness that holds up well during grilling or air frying.

Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level of the bang bang sauce to your taste.

If you don’t have hot honey, mix honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a quick substitute.

Serve with a side of fresh cucumber slices or a simple salad to balance the spicy richness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when grilled or air fried. If using breasts, watch cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on them. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the chicken intact when flipping.