There’s something truly satisfying about food on a stick. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, skewers make everything more fun. And when you pair juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a creamy-spicy bang bang sauce, you’ve officially taken dinner to the next level. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the kind of dish that gets requested again and again in my house. They’re crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and absolutely dripping with flavor.

The first time I made these, I was just trying to use up some leftover chicken and a bottle of Thai sweet chili sauce. I threw together a quick sauce with mayo, honey, and a touch of Sriracha, slathered it over the skewers, and the rest is history. Since then, these skewers have become a staple not just for quick meals but also for family parties and potlucks.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors—sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory—all working together in harmony. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to adapt. You can cook the skewers in the air fryer, the oven, or on the grill, depending on what you’ve got on hand. And the bang bang sauce? It’s so addictive, you’ll want to put it on everything.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fun to eat, full of flavor, and easy to pull together without a lot of fuss, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are your answer. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These skewers are about to become your new go-to. Here’s why:

Easy to Prepare: The chicken is seasoned with just a few pantry staples, and the sauce takes five minutes to whisk together. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Versatile Cooking Methods: You can make these in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill. No matter the season, there’s always a way to make it work.
Family-Friendly: The heat is adjustable, so even picky eaters can enjoy them. You can dial up the spice for adults or keep it mild for kids.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can marinate the chicken and mix the sauce ahead of time. Cook fresh or reheat leftovers—they’re delicious either way.
Flavor Explosion: The bang bang sauce is creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. It clings to the crispy chicken for a bite that’s full of texture and bold taste.
Great for Entertaining: These skewers look impressive on a platter and can be served as appetizers, finger food, or a main course.

Once you make these skewers, you’ll start finding all kinds of excuses to make them again—weeknight dinners, weekend parties, or just because you’re craving something seriously delicious.

Health Benefits

While Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are all about bold flavor, they also offer a few sneaky health benefits:

Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps support muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Customizable Ingredients: You control the sauce, which means you can lighten it up with low-fat mayo or use a yogurt-based alternative if you prefer.
Air Fryer Option: Cooking the chicken in the air fryer or oven keeps the dish lower in fat compared to frying, while still giving you a crisp exterior.
Portion Control: Skewers make it easy to manage portions, which is helpful whether you’re tracking macros or just trying to eat more mindfully.
No Added Preservatives: When you make the sauce from scratch, you skip all the additives you might find in store-bought marinades.

So while these skewers definitely feel like a treat, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–25 minutes (depending on method)
Total: 30–40 minutes

Servings: Makes about 16 skewers, enough to serve 4–6 people

Nutritional Info (per skewer):

Calories: 253
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5g

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1¼ cups mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
2 tbsp honey

Optional for Serving:

Chopped green onions or cilantro
Sesame seeds
Fresh lime wedges

Skewers:

Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes) or metal skewers

These ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, especially the bang bang sauce, which pulls everything together with its creamy heat and subtle sweetness.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Set aside while you prep the sauce and skewers.

2. Soak or Prep Skewers:

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, simply set them out.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
Divide the sauce into two portions: one for basting the chicken during or after cooking, and one for drizzling at the end.

4. Assemble the Skewers:

Thread 4 to 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.

5. Cook the Chicken:

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange skewers in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
Cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Optional: Brush with half the bang bang sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Brush with sauce only after baking to maintain crispness.

Grill Method:

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes per side until cooked through.
Brush with sauce after grilling.

6. Finish and Serve:

Once cooked, transfer skewers to a serving plate.
Drizzle or brush the remaining bang bang sauce over the top.
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or lime wedges if desired.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Here are a few of our favorites:

Serve with jasmine rice or coconut rice for a filling meal.
Wrap them in flatbread with lettuce and cucumbers for a quick wrap.
Plate them over a salad with avocado and shredded carrots for a lighter option.
Turn them into party appetizers by cutting the skewers into halves.

However you serve them, don’t forget the extra drizzle of sauce right before eating—it makes all the difference.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to side dishes, these skewers play well with a variety of flavors and textures. Try pairing them with:

Side Dishes:
- Garlic roasted broccoli or green beans
- Creamy coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette
- Corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
- A simple cucumber salad for something cool and refreshing
Drinks:
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced hibiscus tea
- Pineapple or mango juice for a tropical twist

These pairings enhance the balance of spicy and sweet in the skewers while making the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store:

Place leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Store extra sauce in a separate container for up to 1 week.

Freeze:

Arrange uncooked or cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

Reheat cooked skewers in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave for 1–2 minutes, though this method may soften the crispiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not soaking wooden skewers: They can catch fire in the oven or grill if not soaked.
Overcooking the chicken: Keep a close eye, especially in the air fryer, to avoid drying it out.
Using too much sauce during cooking: This can make the chicken soggy. Save most of the sauce for after cooking.
Crowding the air fryer or baking tray: Give the skewers room so they cook evenly.
Skipping the garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime really elevates the final dish.

Pro Tips

Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for even more flavor.
Make extra sauce—it’s great on fries, rice bowls, or as a dip for veggies.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
If you’re short on time, skip the skewers and just cook the chicken cubes directly.
For extra crispy edges, broil the skewers for 2 minutes at the end of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prep the sauce up to a day in advance. Assemble and cook when ready.

Is it spicy?
The spice level is mild, but you can increase or decrease the Sriracha to suit your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work really well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?
You can substitute with a mix of honey and a touch of vinegar or use a homemade version.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Can I grill these without skewers?
Yes, you can use a grill basket or place chicken pieces directly on the grill.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce the Sriracha in the sauce for a milder version.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
The oven and grill methods work just as well and are included in the instructions.

Can I freeze the sauce?
It’s best to keep the sauce refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your chili sauce and condiments are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy way to bring restaurant-style flair to your kitchen. With their crispy texture, juicy center, and that crave-worthy sauce, they’ll win over even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe has got you covered. Try them out, tweak the heat to your liking, and don’t forget to save extra sauce for dipping!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below or tag your photos on social media—seeing your creations always makes my day!