Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with seasoned, cubed chicken brushed with a homemade bang bang sauce, these skewers are cooked to perfection in the air fryer (or oven). They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a delicious appetizer or main dish!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds 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:

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise

• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 2 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste)

• 2 tbsp honey

Directions

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside half of the sauce for later use.

3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers.

4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Serve: Drizzle the reserved sauce over the cooked chicken skewers and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 253 per serving

• Fat: 13g

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Perfect for Any Occasion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile enough to serve on any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a party where finger foods are a hit, these skewers are always a crowd-pleaser. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to eat, and their vibrant flavors appeal to both spicy and mild food lovers alike.

You can serve these skewers as an appetizer or pair them with side dishes like a simple salad, rice, or roasted vegetables to make them a main course. They’re perfect for those who love bold flavors and want a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or cooking time. The ease of preparation and versatility of the dish makes it ideal for meal prep or a last-minute dish when you need something quick and impressive.

The Key to Flavor: Bang Bang Sauce

The star of this recipe is the bang bang sauce. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and packs a spicy punch, making it the perfect complement to the mild flavor of chicken. The mayonnaise base gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, while the Thai sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and depth. Sriracha gives the sauce a fiery kick, but the heat level can be adjusted according to your personal preference.

What makes this sauce special is the balance between the sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. It brings out the best in the chicken, giving it an extra layer of flavor. While the sauce is used to coat the chicken, it can also be drizzled on top of the skewers once they’re cooked, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned. By reserving some sauce for serving, you ensure that the skewers remain flavorful from start to finish.

The Air Fryer Advantage

The air fryer is the perfect appliance for making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, as it cooks the chicken quickly while maintaining that crispy, golden exterior. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, which reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. For this recipe, a light coat of olive oil is used to help crisp up the chicken, while the air fryer ensures an even cook with minimal effort.

In just 11-12 minutes, the chicken skewers are ready to be enjoyed, with an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring that they’re fully cooked and safe to eat. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps lock in the moisture of the chicken, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that are perfectly seasoned. The use of the air fryer ensures that the skewers are crispy without being greasy, making them a lighter, healthier version of a traditional fried appetizer.

The Oven Option: Great for Larger Batches

While the air fryer is a convenient option, using an oven is also a great alternative, especially when you’re cooking larger batches of chicken skewers. The oven will allow you to cook more skewers at once, making it easier to serve a larger group of people. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the skewers for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Just like the air fryer, the oven will create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.

If you’re cooking these skewers in the oven, it’s helpful to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. The result will be just as delicious and crispy as the air fryer method, with the added benefit of cooking larger batches simultaneously.

Customizing the Recipe

While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins like chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Chicken thighs, for example, would provide a slightly juicier, richer flavor, making them an excellent option for those who prefer dark meat.

If you prefer a different level of spice, feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For a milder version, you can reduce the sriracha or skip it altogether, while for an extra spicy kick, you can add more. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to season the chicken before cooking, such as adding cumin, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for more depth and flavor.

Health Benefits and Considerations

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as they are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. By using the air fryer or oven instead of deep frying, this recipe reduces the amount of added fat, making it a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken skewers.

Additionally, the use of olive oil and the optional honey in the sauce adds healthy fats to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying. The choice of a sugar-free sweet chili sauce ensures that the recipe remains suitable for keto and low-carb diets, allowing you to enjoy the bold flavors without any sugar-related spikes in blood glucose levels.

Serving Suggestions

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of sides to create a complete meal. For a low-carb option, serve them with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice. If you prefer something heartier, consider pairing them with a side of steamed jasmine rice, grilled asparagus, or even a refreshing cucumber salad.

For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle a little more of the reserved bang bang sauce on top of the cooked skewers just before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro can add freshness and visual appeal. You could also serve the skewers with dipping sauces such as a tangy ranch or a creamy avocado dip to complement the spicy, sweet flavors.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you prepare them in the air fryer or oven, the results are guaranteed to be delicious. The homemade bang bang sauce takes these skewers to the next level, adding a sweet and spicy kick that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Quick to prepare, customizable, and versatile, these skewers are ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests. With just 2g of carbs per serving, these skewers are also a great choice for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. So go ahead and enjoy these crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers at your next gathering—they’re sure to be a hit!