Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of flavor and convenience. This quick recipe features juicy chicken pieces coated in a savory homemade bang bang sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving dinner, or preparing a snack, these skewers are sure to impress. Their versatility allows them to shine as either an appetizer or a main course, making them perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not just delicious; they have many appealing qualities.

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these skewers in no time.
• Flavorful Experience: The homemade bang bang sauce packs a punch with its creamy and spicy notes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or even at gatherings and barbecues.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with boneless chicken breasts and real ingredients, they’re a guilt-free choice.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These skewers can be made ahead of time and stored for quick meals during the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable when making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden skewers
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Air fryer (or oven)
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden skewers: These are essential for threading the chicken pieces securely without falling apart during cooking.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy tossing and coating of the chicken with oil and spices.
• Air fryer: This tool cooks the chicken evenly while keeping it moist, making it perfect for quickly preparing skewers.
• Basting brush: Use this to apply the bang bang sauce evenly over your skewers for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to prepare these tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

For the Chicken

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• Chicken: 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

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How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 seasoned chicken cubes onto each wooden skewer until filled.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of bang bang sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Pour half of the prepared sauce into another bowl and set aside. Use the remaining sauce to brush evenly over all sides of the chicken skewers.

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 may need to work in batches. Cook at 400°F for about 11-12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve with Sauce

Once cooked, transfer your delicious skewers to a plate. Drizzle or brush with reserved bang bang sauce before serving immediately.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want them as an appetizer or part of a main meal, here are some creative serving suggestions.

As a Party Appetizer

• Perfect for gatherings, these skewers can be served on a platter with toothpicks for easy picking. A side of bang bang sauce for dipping adds extra flavor.

With Fresh Salad

• Serve the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or Asian slaw. This combination adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

On Rice or Noodles

• Place the skewers on a serving of jasmine rice or rice noodles. Drizzle some additional bang bang sauce over the top for a satisfying meal.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with chicken skewers, topped with cabbage and extra sauce. This is a fun twist that everyone will love.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Incorporate Bang Bang Chicken Skewers into a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, olives, and crackers. They add an exciting protein option to the mix.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair your skewers with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. This adds color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken sit in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor absorption.
• Use Even Pieces: Cut chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking throughout each skewer.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking, ensuring safe handling.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures that your skewers start cooking immediately, leading to better texture and flavor.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust the Sriracha in your bang bang sauce to match your heat preference; don’t hesitate to make it spicier!

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Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Pairing sides with your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice pairs perfectly with spicy chicken, adding sweetness and richness.
2. Steamed Broccoli: A simple yet nutritious option that brings color and crunch to your plate.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar add a tangy contrast to the savory skewers.
4. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice can be made easily with leftover ingredients and complements the chicken well.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet balance against the spicy flavors of the skewers.
6. Mango Salsa: Bright mango salsa adds sweetness and acidity, enhancing each bite of flavorful chicken.
7. Garlic Noodles: Quick garlic noodles provide a flavorful base that pairs well with any sauce drizzled on top.
8. Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet roasted corn brings summer vibes and pairs nicely as a side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Soaking: Not soaking the wooden skewers can lead to burning. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Adding too many chicken cubes can prevent even cooking. Aim for 4-5 cubes per skewer for optimal results.
• Ignoring the Internal Temperature: Cooking chicken without checking its temperature can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer and ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Neglecting Marinade Time: Rushing the marinating process can result in bland chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Brushing Sauce Too Early: Applying bang bang sauce before cooking can cause it to burn. Brush it on after cooking for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 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 for about 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sear the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?

Bang Bang Sauce is typically made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, giving it a creamy and spicy flavor profile.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

How do I adjust the spice level of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

You can control the spice by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in your bang bang sauce. For milder skewers, use less Sriracha or omit it altogether.

Are there any variations of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

Absolutely! You can try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, or add vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions, whether as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or adjust the sauce’s heat level. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!