Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe for Quick and Flavorful Bites

Benefits and Advantages of bang bang chicken skewers

Bang bang chicken skewers are a highly favored dish thanks to their simplicity, health benefits, and unique flavor profile. The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks at any skill level. Using lean chicken breasts or thighs, these skewers offer a good source of protein with low fat, supporting muscle maintenance and weight management.

The distinctive bang bang sauce balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, appealing to a broad range of palates without overwhelming richness. These skewers also provide versatility as they can be adapted for various dietary preferences such as gluten-free or low-calorie diets by adjusting ingredients accordingly. Whether grilled, baked, or air-fried, bang bang chicken skewers offer a fast, nutritious, and flavorful option perfect for quick meals or social gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for bang bang chicken skewers

• 2 pounds (about 900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (plus optional additional for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1 to 1¼ cups mayonnaise or full-fat Greek yogurt (for tangier sauce)
• ⅔ to ¾ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 to 2¼ cup Sriracha (adjust according to heat preference)
• 2 tablespoons honey (plus optional drizzle of hot honey for serving)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning (metal skewers may be used)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These core ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of moist, tender chicken and creamy, spicy sauce.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your bang bang chicken skewers

You can easily customize bang bang chicken skewers to suit dietary needs and preferences:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayo in the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure all condiments are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Calorie: Opt for light mayonnaise or replace mayo with Greek yogurt to cut calories while keeping creaminess.
• Nut-Free: Avoid peanut-based sauces and, if needed, replace creamy textures with sunflower seed butter or simply omit.
• Cooking methods: Grill, air-fry, or bake the skewers according to convenience and kitchen equipment while adjusting cooking times accordingly.

These substitutions maintain the delicious essence of the dish, enabling everyone to enjoy bang bang chicken skewers regardless of dietary restrictions.

How to Prepare the Perfect bang bang chicken skewers: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into even 1-inch cubes ensuring consistent cooking.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar or lime juice, soy sauce, and minced garlic or garlic powder. Adjust spiciness by varying the Sriracha amount.
3. Thread the Skewers: Thread 3 to 5 pieces of chicken onto each soaked skewer, leaving space between pieces for even heat circulation.
4. Preheat Cooking Appliance:
   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (204°C).
   • Oven: Preheat to 400°F (205°C).
   • Grill: Heat to medium-high.
5. Cook the Skewers:
   • Air Fryer: Cook skewers in a single layer for 11-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Oven: Bake skewers on a parchment-lined pan for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until fully cooked.
   • Grill: Grill skewers 8-20 minutes (time varies by thickness), turning and brushing often with sauce until caramelized and cooked through.
6. Coat with Sauce: Brush or toss skewers with the reserved bang bang sauce for full flavor.
7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, scallions, or sesame seeds if desired and serve hot.
8. For Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh, reducing cooking time to 8-10 minutes while checking for firm texture.

Following this guide ensures consistently flavorful, tender bang bang chicken skewers suited to various dietary preferences and cooking tools.

Mastering bang bang chicken skewers: Advanced Tips and Variations

For a deeper flavor experience, marinate your chicken cubes in the bang bang sauce for 30 minutes before skewering. This allows the spices and sweetness to fully penetrate the meat. To add a unique twist, try mixing different chili sauces or adding pineapple juice to balance heat with a subtle sweetness. Enhance texture by garnishing the cooked skewers with finely chopped peanuts or crispy shallots for crunch.

Combining chicken thighs with breasts can offer a richer, juicier bite while keeping lean protein content. For those seeking a smoky profile, a charcoal grill or a few drops of liquid smoke can elevate the flavor notably. Swap traditional mayonnaise for avocado-based or coconut cream versions to vary the sauce’s creaminess and accommodate different dietary preferences. These variations keep your bang bang chicken skewers fresh, exciting, and versatile while preserving their signature bold flavor.

How to Store bang bang chicken skewers: Best Practices

To maintain freshness, store leftover bang bang chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, wrap the cooked skewers tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen skewers overnight in the fridge.

Reheat refrigerated skewers gently in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or warm briefly in a microwave until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken. These storage and reheating methods help preserve the skewers’ juicy texture and bold flavors, ensuring they taste fresh even after days of storage.

Proper storage preserves the moistness and flavor of bang bang chicken skewers, making them convenient for meal prepping and leftovers.

Nutritional Value of bang bang chicken skewers

For those aiming to reduce calorie intake, substituting with light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt lowers fat while maintaining creaminess. The lean chicken breast base and flavorful sauce make bang bang chicken skewers a nutrient-dense, satisfying option. Read more about the Health Benefits of Chicken Breast.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About bang bang chicken skewers

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe for Quick and Flavorful Bites

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🍢 Experience a burst of flavor with Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, perfect for exciting quick bites!
🌶️ These skewers are incredibly versatile and can be grilled, baked, or air-fried for a spicy, juicy taste sensation.

• Total Time: 22 to 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 to 12 skewers 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder (plus optional additional for sauce)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided as needed)
½ teaspoon black pepper (divided as needed)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Bang Bang Sauce:
1 to 1¼ cups mayonnaise or full-fat Greek yogurt
⅔ to ¾ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 to ¼ cup Sriracha
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves

Other:
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 20-30 minutes
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers.
3. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), soy sauce, and optional garlic to create the bang bang sauce.
4. Reserve half of the sauce for serving. Use the other half to brush or toss over chicken skewers.
5. Choose a cooking method:
– Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 11-15 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
– Oven: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then brush with reserved sauce.
– Grill: Grill on medium-high for 8-20 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Brush cooked skewers with reserved sauce and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔥 For leaner skewers, use chicken breasts; for juicier skewers, use thighs.
💧 Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning; metal skewers are an alternative.
🌡️ Adjust spiciness by altering Sriracha and cayenne amounts.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 to 15 minutes
• None: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 to 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 250-586
• Sugar: value unavailable
• Sodium: value unavailable
• Fat: value unavailable
• Saturated Fat: value unavailable
• Unsaturated Fat: value unavailable
• Trans Fat: value unavailable
• Carbohydrates: value unavailable
• Fiber: value unavailable
• Protein: value unavailable
• Cholesterol: value unavailable