Description: These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken is marinated and coated in a luscious bang bang sauce, then cooked to perfection. This recipe provides instructions for air frying, baking, and grilling, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. They’re quick, easy to make, and will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Wooden Skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Opt for chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent flavor, ensuring uniform sizing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. This helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a vibrant color.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. For a pungent and savory note that enhances the overall taste.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the chicken and helps to retain moisture.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Provides a subtle kick and complements the other spices.
Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: 1 ¼ cups (290 g). Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and consistency. Can use light mayo but understand the sauce wont be as rich and more watery.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: ⅔ cup. Adds sweetness, a mild chili flavor, and a tangy element. This sauce is a must-have for that signature bang bang taste.
- Sriracha: 2 teaspoons, or more to taste. For a fiery kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. A little goes a long way.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons. Balances the spiciness and adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
Preparation:
step 1 Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor in every bite. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration. If marinating for an extended period, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers: Take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto each skewer. Aim for about 4-5 chicken cubes per skewer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Proper spacing will allow for even cooking, regardless of your chosen cooking method. If using metal skewers, no soaking is necessary, but be cautious as they will get very hot during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of Sriracha or honey to suit your preference. Remember, the sauce should be a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. This recipe yields approximately 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.
Step 4: Separate the Sauce: Divide the bang bang sauce into two separate bowls. Pour half of the sauce into one bowl and set it aside for glazing the chicken after it has been cooked. Keep this reserved sauce refrigerated until ready to use. The other half of the sauce will be used to brush the chicken before cooking, which helps to infuse the chicken with even more flavor and create a beautiful caramelized coating.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken (Choose Your Preferred Method):
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Brush the chicken skewers evenly with the bang bang sauce from the first bowl. Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned chicken cubes onto the skewers and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Do not brush the chicken with bang bang sauce at this stage. Cook the chicken skewers for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the skewers from the oven and brush generously with the reserved bang bang sauce.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers. Do not brush the chicken with bang bang sauce before grilling. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat and brush liberally with the reserved bang bang sauce.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Requires some prep, but overall quite simple)
- Flavor Complexity: 5/5 (Explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory)
- Kid-Friendliness: 3/5 (Adjust Sriracha for less heat)
- Overall Score: 4.5/5 (Highly recommended)
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers because they’re incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferred cooking method – air fryer, oven, or grill! The sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce is undeniably addictive, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and always a hit at gatherings. Plus, the customizable spice level allows you to cater to different palates, making it a dish the whole family can enjoy. The vibrant flavors and tender, juicy chicken create a memorable meal that’s sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers immediately after cooking, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Serve with a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce.
- Pair with a fresh and crisp Asian-inspired slaw or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Offer a dipping bowl of extra bang bang sauce for those who want an extra kick.
- Create a fun and interactive meal by serving the skewers with lettuce wraps and various toppings like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
- Turn the skewers into a main course by serving them alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
Tips:
- Soak Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When air frying or grilling, don’t overcrowd the skewers. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Marinating: Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes, or even longer, will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Sauce Consistency: If the bang bang sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or rice vinegar to thin it out.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Chicken thighs for more flavor: Substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 11-25 minutes (depending on cooking method) Total Time: 31-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving) Calories: 350-450 kcal (depending on serving size and ingredients) Protein: 30-40g Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on the amount of salt and sauces used)
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful culinary adventure, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you choose to air fry, bake, or grill them, the end result is a succulent, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The vibrant bang bang sauce adds an irresistible touch of sweetness and spice, making these skewers perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your preferred cooking method, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!
5 Questions and Answers about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:
Q1: Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer and more complex taste. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using it.
Q2: What can I use instead of Thai sweet chili sauce if I don’t have any on hand?
A: If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts honey and sriracha, then adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to balance the sweetness and spiciness. This won’t be an exact match, but it will provide a similar flavor profile to the bang bang sauce.
Q3: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking?
A: To prevent the chicken from drying out, it’s essential to marinate it beforehand, even for just 15-30 minutes. The olive oil in the marinade helps to lock in moisture. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the heat immediately when it does.
Q4: Can I use different types of meat for these skewers?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with other types of meat! Pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even firm tofu would work well with the bang bang sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat or tofu is cooked through.
Q5: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
A: There are many ways to customize these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat, incorporate some grated ginger or garlic into the bang bang sauce for a more aromatic flavor, or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the finished skewers for added texture. You could also add veggies like bell peppers or pineapple for a great flavor combo and a colorful look.
