There’s something about chicken skewers that makes dinner feel just a bit more special, even on a busy weeknight. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are flavorful, tender, and paired with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s irresistible. The best part? They’re quick to make, and you can pair them with crispy wedges, fresh salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal. Let’s get started on this super simple and delicious recipe!
Method
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For skewers, it’s best to cut the chicken into thin, even strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly on the skewers. The strips should be roughly the same size to prevent some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the seasonings. Specifically, add onion granules, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic granules, and dried parsley. These spices create the base flavor profile for the chicken. Drizzle a small amount of oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) over the chicken and seasonings. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and also helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill or air fryer basket. Mix the chicken thoroughly, ensuring that each strip is evenly coated with the seasonings and oil. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful and tender. Longer marinating times, up to a few hours, can enhance the flavor even more.
Threading and Cooking
After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to thread it onto skewers. Use either metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, ensuring that they are evenly distributed and not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 190°C (375°F) on the grill setting. This setting is designed to provide direct heat similar to a grill. Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is enough space between them for proper air circulation. If using a traditional grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the skewers in the air fryer or on the grill for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the skewers over and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The proportions of these ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha. For a sweeter sauce, add more sweet chili sauce. Stir the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.
Saucing and Serving
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer or grill. Brush the cooked chicken skewers generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure the skewers are well coated with the sauce. If desired, reserve some of the Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers immediately while they are hot. They can be served with a variety of sides, such as crispy potato wedges, a fresh salad, rice, or grilled vegetables.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)
- Mixing bowls
- Air fryer or grill
- Tongs for turning skewers
- Basting brush (for sauce)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 650 g chicken breast
- 1 tsp onion granules or powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 60 g light mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken.Cut the chicken into thin, even strips. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with onion granules, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic granules, dried parsley, and oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes.
- Thread and Cook.Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) on the grill setting, or prepare your grill.Cook the skewers in the air fryer or on the grill for 10 minutes. Turn them over and cook for another 10 minutes until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce.In a small bowl, mix together light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir until smooth.
- Sauce the Skewers.Brush the cooked chicken skewers generously with the bang bang sauce. If desired, save some sauce for dipping.
- Serve and Enjoy.Serve the skewers with crispy potato wedges, a fresh salad, or any of your favorite sides.
Notes
- Even Chicken Strips: Cutting the chicken into even pieces ensures uniform cooking.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust Sauce Spice: If you prefer milder heat, reduce the sriracha in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic rice or fluffy couscous for a hearty meal.
- Serve with roasted veggies or a zesty coleslaw for added crunch.
- Add a side of naan or flatbread to soak up the extra sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the name “Bang Bang” sauce is inspired by the bold, punchy flavors it delivers? While its origins are debated, this creamy, spicy sauce has become a favorite for chicken, shrimp, and even veggies!
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and flavorful way to elevate your weeknight dinners. The juicy, spiced chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce, creating a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for your family or meal-prepping for the week, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know how you served yours!