Quick and Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Quick and Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are flavorful, juicy, and perfectly spicy grilled chicken cubes coated in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce. These skewers are air fried for a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside, making them an ideal appetizer or main dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes marination time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and uniform texture.
- Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers: Place the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even heat circulation during cooking.
- Brush with sauce: Generously brush the chicken pieces with the prepared Bang Bang sauce to add flavor prior to cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it is ready for cooking.
- Air fry the skewers: Arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even browning, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Apply more sauce: After cooking, brush the skewers with additional Bang Bang sauce to enhance the flavor and glossiness.
- Serve: Serve hot garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired, and provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes though longer is acceptable.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the Bang Bang sauce according to your spice preference.
- Use wooden or metal skewers, soaking wooden ones in water 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.
- Check internal temperature to guarantee safe cooking; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).