Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe
Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices, then grilled or air fried to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish with a kick of heat balanced by sweet chili and honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (grill) or 10-12 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½–2 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
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha (use less or more as desired for heat level)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (optional, for drizzling and extra heat)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil and all the seasonings—paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat every piece of chicken to ensure maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers and Sauce: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers until about half to three-quarters full. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice to create the bang bang sauce. This should make about 1.5 cups of sauce.
- Separate Sauce for Basting and Serving: Pour half of the prepared bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for serving later. Use the remaining half to generously brush over the chicken skewers, making sure to coat between pieces for moisture and flavor. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet ready for cooking.
- Cooking on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning often. Continue to brush the skewers with the remaining bang bang sauce as they cook. Grill until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce caramelizes beautifully.
- Cooking in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Confirm the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Final Touch and Serving: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill or air fryer and brush or drizzle them with the reserved bang bang sauce. For an extra flavor boost and sweetness, drizzle some hot honey on top if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce according to your preferred heat level.
- Hot honey adds a nice balance of sweetness and spice; it can be omitted if you prefer less sweet flavors.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Appetizer, Party Food
