Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Elevate your next weeknight dinner or game day gathering with these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Perfectly charred, juicy chicken thighs are tossed in a signature creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser because they balance bold flavors with minimal effort. You will love how the high-heat grilling caramelizes the chili-infused sauce, creating a sticky glaze that is addictive. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, working just as well in an air fryer or oven as it does on an outdoor grill. Plus, it is a high-protein meal that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Bamboo or metal skewers
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth.
3. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the sauce in a small bowl to use later for basting and dipping.
4. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they are packed snugly but not overly squeezed.
6. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved sauce onto the chicken to create a thick, sticky glaze.
8. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from the heat.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

For the juiciest results, always use chicken thighs instead of breasts; the higher fat content keeps the meat tender under high heat. If you want an extra crispy finish, pat the chicken dry before adding the marinade to ensure the sauce clinches to the meat. When grilling, avoid moving the skewers too early; let the meat sear for a few minutes to develop those beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking. Lastly, always keep a close eye on the skewers once you apply the final glaze, as the sugars in the honey and chili sauce can burn quickly.

Variations & Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be slightly tangier. For those following a gluten-free diet, ensure you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you want more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a “Bang Bang Shrimp” twist, simply swap the chicken for jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp, reducing the grilling time to 2-3 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the heat. For a fun appetizer style, serve the skewers on a platter with extra lime wedges and a side bowl of the reserved spicy mayo for dipping.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for the fully assembled skewers with the mayonnaise-based sauce, but you can freeze the raw chicken in the marinade (without the mayo) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Metric	Amount Per Serving
Calories	345 kcal
Protein	24g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sodium	680mg

FAQ

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Place the skewers in the air fryer basket at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and charred at the edges.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This recipe has a moderate kick. You can easily control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha used in the sauce.

Do I have to use skewers?

Not at all. You can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in a skillet or on a sheet pan if you do not want to use skewers.