These chicken skewers combine a spicy and sweet creamy glaze with perfectly cooked chicken for a high-flavor meal. They are an ideal choice for a quick appetizer or a family dinner and work perfectly in an air fryer or oven.
List of ingredients
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes – prevents the wood from burning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes – ensure uniform size for even cooking
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – helps seasonings adhere to the meat
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a mild earthy flavor and reddish color
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – provides a concentrated savory taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – balances and enhances all other flavors
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – adds a subtle pungent heat
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise – forms the creamy base of the sauce
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce – provides the signature sweet and tangy profile
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste – adds the spicy kick
- 2 tablespoons honey – balances the heat and adds a natural sweetness
step-by-step instructions
- Season the meat: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the skewers: Working one skewer at a time, thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each stick. Press them close together but avoid crushing the meat.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the sauce: Pour half of the prepared bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside for final garnishing. Use the remaining half to brush an even layer over the assembled chicken skewers.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle or brush the reserved sauce over the hot chicken and serve immediately.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking. Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers and place them on the prepared sheet. Do not apply the bang bang sauce before baking, as the sugars may burn at this temperature.
Bake the skewers for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the process. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove the pan from the oven. Brush the bang bang sauce onto the skewers immediately before serving.
Outdoor Grilling Technique
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the skewers, ensuring they are packed tightly enough to stay secure but not so tight that heat cannot reach the sides.
Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes per side. Avoid brushing the sauce on during the grilling process to prevent flare-ups and burnt glaze. Once the meat is fully cooked to 165°F, remove the skewers from the heat and brush them generously with the sauce.
Ingredient Customizations and Swaps
Using Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
While chicken breasts are the standard, boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Thighs have a higher fat content, which makes the skewers more succulent and less prone to drying out. Note that cooking times may vary slightly, and you should still aim for a safe internal temperature.
Adjusting the Spice Level
The heat in this recipe comes primarily from the Sriracha. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Sriracha to one teaspoon or replace it with a mild chili paste. For those who enjoy significant heat, increase the Sriracha amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry seasoning mix.
Honey Alternatives for Sweetness
If honey is unavailable, maple syrup or agave nectar serve as effective substitutes. These liquid sweeteners provide the necessary balance to the tangy chili sauce and creamy mayonnaise. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace the honey in the sauce recipe.
Mayonnaise Substitutions
To maintain the creaminess of the sauce without using traditional mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo. Greek yogurt will add a slight tanginess and reduce the calorie count. Ensure the substitute is thick enough to cling to the chicken without running off.
Preparation and Assembly Tips
The Importance of Soaking Wooden Skewers
Wooden skewers should be submerged in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This saturation prevents the wood from drying out and charring in the high heat of the air fryer or oven. If you are short on time, you can use metal skewers, provided they fit comfortably in your cooking appliance.
Achieving Uniform Chicken Cubes
Cutting the chicken breasts into consistent 1-inch cubes is critical for even cooking. If some pieces are significantly larger than others, the smaller pieces may overcook and become dry before the larger pieces reach the safe temperature of 165°F. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand to maintain size consistency.
Preventing Air Fryer Overcrowding
For the best results, arrange the skewers in a single layer with a small amount of space between them. Overcrowding the basket restricts airflow, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting. If your air fryer is small, work in batches to ensure every skewer gets a proper sear.
Storage and Meal Prep Advice
Refrigerating Raw Prepared Skewers
You can assemble the seasoned chicken skewers and store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Place them in a covered container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the meat from drying out. This makes the final cooking process much faster on busy weeknights.
Freezing Skewers for Long Term Storage
Prepared raw skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each skewer or batch of skewers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you are ready to cook them, thaw the skewers completely in the refrigerator overnight to ensure they cook evenly.
Storing the Bang Bang Sauce
The homemade sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors often meld and improve after a few hours of chilling. Give the sauce a quick stir or whisk before using it to re-incorporate the ingredients.
Handling Cooked Leftovers
Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can keep the chicken on the skewers or slide the meat off for easier storage. Keep any leftover sauce in a separate container to prevent it from soaking into the meat too much during storage.
Reheating Instructions
Best Results with Oven Reheating
To maintain the best texture, reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F. Place them on a baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Apply a fresh layer of bang bang sauce after reheating to restore the creamy texture and flavor.
Quick Reheating via Microwave
For a faster option, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short 30-second intervals until the meat is warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the microwave can quickly make chicken breasts rubbery.
Stovetop Skillet Method
Reheating in a skillet over medium heat is a great way to crisp up the edges of the chicken. Add a tiny amount of oil to the pan and sear the skewers for a few minutes per side. Brush the sauce on during the last minute of heating to avoid burning the sugars.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Grains and Bases
Serve these skewers over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to make it a full meal. The grains absorb the extra bang bang sauce, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish. Brown rice or wild rice also provide a nutty contrast to the creamy sauce.
Adding Fresh Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by topping the skewers with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished dish adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Fresh cilantro leaves also add a herbal note that complements the Thai chili sauce.
Serving as an Appetizer Platter
For parties, arrange the skewers on a large platter with a bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Pair them with sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell pepper strips to add freshness and crunch to the plate. This presentation makes them easy for guests to grab and eat.
Common Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why is my chicken coming out dry?
Dry chicken usually results from overcooking, especially when using chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you remove the skewers exactly when they hit 165°F. Avoid cooking them longer than necessary, as the carry-over heat will continue to cook the meat slightly after it is removed from the heat.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
The sauce is a stable emulsion because of the mayonnaise, but extreme heat can sometimes cause it to break. Avoid boiling the sauce or cooking it for long periods. Always apply the sauce as a brush or drizzle at the end of the cooking process to keep it creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use a standard vegan mayonnaise. Most commercial mayonnaises are made from oil and eggs rather than dairy. Check your specific brand of mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
What if the skewers are too long for my air fryer?
If you are using wooden skewers and they are too long for your basket, simply break them in half. You can then thread fewer pieces of chicken on each shorter skewer. This allows you to fit them into smaller air fryers without having to bend the skewers.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce feels too thin, you can add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a small amount of cornstarch slurry if you are heating it. However, for this specific recipe, the ratio of mayo to chili sauce usually provides a thick, coating consistency. Ensure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly with a whisk.
Print
Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a quick, easy, and flavorful recipe made with seasoned cubed chicken brushed with homemade bang bang sauce, cooked in an air fryer. They make for a delicious appetizer or main course and can also be made in the oven!
Ingredients
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Step 2: Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well.
- Step 4: Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside to use after the chicken has been cooked. Use the rest of the sauce to brush evenly over the chicken.
- Step 5: Add the skewers to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer.
- Step 6: Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 7: Transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway; brush with sauce after baking. Grill Instructions: Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side; brush with sauce after grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg