Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated with savory spices, then air fried to perfection and coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these skewers deliver a burst of flavor with a crispy outside and juicy inside in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are uniform to promote even cooking.
- Season and Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until fully combined. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level. Set aside some sauce for serving.
- Thread the Chicken: Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the skewers.
- Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the skewered chicken pieces with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce before air frying for extra flavor.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with More Sauce: When the chicken is cooked, brush with additional Bang Bang sauce for a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful skewers compared to chicken breasts.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for stronger flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these skewers can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
