Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that captivates with their rich flavor and easy preparation. This recipe highlights tender chicken pieces marinated in a homemade bang bang sauce, making it perfect for appetizers or a main course. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family dinner, these skewers deliver taste and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers stand out for various reasons that make them an excellent addition to your meal repertoire.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious skewers ready in no time.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade bang bang sauce adds a spicy-sweet kick that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy the skewers made in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill—perfect for any occasion.
- Ideal for Sharing: These skewers are great as appetizers for gatherings or as a fun family meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild spice level makes these skewers appealing to both adults and children alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Wooden skewers
- Mixing bowls
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: Cooks the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy without excess oil.
- Wooden skewers: Perfectly hold the chicken pieces together, ensuring easy handling and serving.
- Mixing bowls: Allow you to combine ingredients thoroughly for better flavor integration.
- Basting brush: Ensures even application of the bang bang sauce over the cooked chicken.
Ingredients
For this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 seasoned chicken cubes onto each wooden skewer. Ensure they are packed closely but not too tight.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir well until all ingredients are combined. You will have about 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Pour half of your prepared sauce into a separate bowl to reserve for serving later. Brush the remaining sauce evenly over each skewer of chicken.
Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers
Place the skewers in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook them in batches. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 11-12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Serve with Reserved Sauce
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate. Drizzle or brush them with the reserved bang bang sauce before serving hot.
Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as a perfect appetizer or main dish!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. These flavorful skewers can be the star of your meal or a tasty appetizer at gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
On a Bed of Rice
- Steamed White Rice: The mild flavor of steamed white rice pairs perfectly with the spicy bang bang sauce.
- Coconut Rice: For a tropical twist, serve the skewers over coconut rice, adding sweetness and creaminess.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus adds a crunchy texture and complements the richness of the chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing balances the spice of the skewers.
Dipped in Sauce
- Extra Bang Bang Sauce: Serve with additional bang bang sauce on the side for extra flavor.
- Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut sauce offers a different taste experience and enhances the dish’s Asian flair.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Getting your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers just right can be simple with a few tips. Follow these guidelines for optimal results.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps enhance its flavor.
- Soak Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking, ensuring your skewers remain intact.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking, making sure each piece is fully cooked through.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely on the outside.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and quality.
- Serve Immediately: These skewers are best served hot off the grill or air fryer to enjoy their full flavor and crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage and carrots with sesame dressing adds crunch and freshness.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice complements the skewers, making it a filling meal option.
- Garlic Noodles: Tossed in garlic butter, these noodles provide a savory base that pairs well with spicy chicken.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame is a healthy protein-rich side that balances the meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side dish.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls add an exciting texture contrast, perfect for dipping into sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes can lead to them burning in the air fryer or oven. Always soak your skewers to prevent this issue.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Ignoring Seasoning: A lack of seasoning may result in bland skewers. Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with olive oil and spices for maximum flavor.
- Using Cold Chicken: Starting with cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for better results.
- Not Saving Enough Sauce: Forgetting to reserve some bang bang sauce for serving can detract from the dish’s appeal. Always set aside half of the sauce before brushing it onto the skewers.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow skewers to cool before refrigerating.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat skewers on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the skewers and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The spice level depends on how much Sriracha you use. Feel free to adjust it according to your taste preferences!
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. It’s creamy with a sweet and spicy kick.
Can I grill these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! You can grill them over medium-high heat for delicious smoky flavor while still keeping all that great bang bang taste.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, they offer versatility that everyone will love. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these skewers offer an explosion of flavor in each bite. With their easy preparation and versatility in cooking methods—whether using an air fryer, grill, or oven—they cater to all occasions and preferences. Kid-friendly and ideal for sharing, these skewers promise satisfaction for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil and spices. Toss to coat evenly.
- Thread seasoned chicken onto soaked wooden skewers.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the bang bang sauce.
- Brush half of the sauce over the skewers before cooking.
- Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve hot with reserved bang bang sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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