Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are simple to make, juicy, and smothered in a unique sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful, and low-carb meal.

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making them ideal for appetizers or as a main dish. Brushed with creamy Bang Bang sauce and cooked to perfection, they’re effortlessly prepared for almost any occasion. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these air fryer chicken skewers served with homemade Bang Bang sauce are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

For a complete meal, pair them with a simple coleslaw salad, cauliflower mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

What Are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious variation of the classic Bang Bang Chicken dish. Instead of serving the chicken in traditional bite-sized pieces, this recipe features tender chicken chunks threaded onto skewers, offering a convenient and portable way to enjoy the flavors of Bang Bang Chicken. The chicken is perfectly cooked and loaded with delicious flavors from a creamy and spicy sauce called bang bang sauce. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers 

You’ll need

This bang bang chicken skewers recipe is super easy to make and require only a few naturally low-carb ingredients that are easy to find. Here is a list of everything you will need:

• Chicken Thighs – I used chicken thighs since they are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. But hey, if you prefer chicken breasts or that’s all you’ve got, go for it! Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dry.
• Olive Oil – We’re using extra virgin olive oil because it tastes great and is good for you. If you don’t have it, no sweat – avocado oil or even vegetable oil will do the trick too.
• Paprika – This is what gives our chicken that awesome smoky taste and makes it look so good with its bright color. If you don’t have paprika, you can try a little bit of chili powder mixed with a pinch of cumin. It’ll change the taste a bit but still be delicious.
• Garlic Powder – It’s all about adding that yummy garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping. Out of garlic powder? Chop up some fresh garlic instead; just cook it a little before you add it in so it’s not too strong.
• Salt&Pepper – These are the classic duo to make everything taste better. Use whatever salt you have and crack some fresh pepper over the top if you can—it makes a difference!

For the Bang Bang Sauce

This versatile spicy mayo-based sauce blends the creamy texture of mayo, sweetness, and a spicy kick, making it perfect for dipping.

• Mayonnaise: Stick with the full-fat kind for that unbeatable richness and creaminess. It’s what makes our sauce oh-so-smooth.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This is our secret weapon for mixing sweetness with heat. It’s what makes the sauce really stand out.
• Sriracha: Time to spice things up! Sriracha adds that special fiery kick. If Sriracha isn’t your thing or you’re out, no worries – any hot sauce like Tabasco or a dab of chili paste can step in.
• Honey: Last but not least, honey sweetens the deal and balances out the heat. But here’s the cool part: if you’re watching your carbs, you can totally go with a sugar-free honey. It gives you that sweetness without the sugar, making this sauce a friend to my keto folks.

Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken – Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Mix with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce – In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt. If you are strict keto, make sure to use low-carb products.

3. Air Fry The Chicken Skewers – Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking. Generously brush the chicken skewers with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce and air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Once cooked to perfection, remove the chicken skewers from the air fryer and serve them hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, chili flakes, or sesame seeds. Don’t forget the extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.

Can I Make Them In The Oven?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can bake the chicken skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking.

Tips For Making The Air Fryer Chicken Skewers 

• Soak the skewers to prevent them from burning. Simply submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes before using.
• Cut the chicken thighs into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Marinate the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This enhances the taste and juiciness of the chicken.
• Make the Bang Bang sauce ahead to allow the flavors to meld together. The sauce will taste even better if it has time to sit before use.
• For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Recipe Variations

• Thread chunks of bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers along with the chicken for added color and freshness.
• Button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms can add an earthy flavor to the skewers. Marinate them along with the chicken for extra flavor.
• Garnish the skewers with chopped cilantro, basil, or parsley before serving for a pop of freshness.
• If you like it extra spicy, drizzle a little extra Sriracha sauce over the finished skewers before serving for an added kick.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight refrigerator container for 2-3 days.
• To reheat: Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.