Black Pepper: Sharp, pungent spice that enhances overall chicken seasoning.
Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant kick to the dish.
Salt: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies and balances all other flavors.
For Bang Bang Sauce Components:
Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates silky, rich sauce texture.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings tangy-sweet complexity with authentic Southeast Asian flair.
Sriracha: Adds zesty, bold heat that elevates sauce's flavor profile.
Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that cuts through richness and adds freshness.
Hot Honey (Optional): Creates sweet-spicy glaze for additional flavor dimension.
Skewer Tools That Make Things
Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks for threading chicken pieces.
Large bowl: For mixing chicken with seasonings.
Medium bowl: For preparing bang bang sauce.
Whisk: To blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
Grill or air fryer: Primary cooking equipment for chicken.
Tongs: For turning skewers during cooking.
Basting brush: For coating chicken with sauce.
Meat thermometer: To check chicken's internal temperature.
Grilling or Baking Bang Bang Chicken Without Stress
Chicken Flavor Adventure
Marinade Magic The chicken gets a flavor boost with a mix of spices that dance together, creating a mouthwatering coating that promises excitement in every bite.
Skewer Preparation Wooden sticks become your culinary canvas, ready to transform simple chicken into a grilling masterpiece that will wow everyone at the table.
Sauce Sensation Creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce comes together like a flavor symphony, with each ingredient playing a perfect note of deliciousness.
Cooking Options Choose your adventure – sizzling grill or quick air fryer – both paths lead to crispy, golden chicken that's packed with irresistible flavor.
Final Touch Brush on the extra sauce, add a drizzle of sweet heat, and watch as your creation becomes a crowd-pleasing showstopper that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Cooking Tips:
Make sure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating
Let skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking
Experiment with sauce intensity by adjusting spicy ingredients
Serve with fresh herbs or a light salad for balance
Pro Hint: The secret is in the sauce coating – don’t be shy about layering flavor during cooking!
Sauce Tips That Add Real Kick
Soak chicken in marinade for 2-4 hours before skewering to enhance tenderness and depth of taste.
Adjust cayenne and Sriracha quantities to create mild, medium, or fiery hot versions that match your heat preference.
Replace chicken thighs with shrimp, tofu, or beef for diverse protein alternatives that work perfectly with bang bang sauce.
Ensure chicken pieces are similar sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout each skewer.
Serve alongside coconut rice, crisp cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables to complement the zesty chicken skewers.
Plating Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra bang bang sauce, creating a gorgeous spread perfect for gatherings and game nights.
Tropical Summer Meal: Pair skewers with coconut rice, grilled pineapple slices, and a crisp cucumber salad for a fresh, vibrant dinner that screams summer vacation vibes.
Lunch Box Transformation: Slice cooled skewers and pack with extra sauce in a compartment container alongside mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and quinoa for a protein-packed midday meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
Spicy Fusion Nachos: Chop cooked chicken skewers into small pieces, sprinkle over tortilla chips with melted cheese, additional bang bang sauce, and green onions for a creative twist on classic nachos.
Store Chicken Skewers So They Stay Juicy
Refrigerator Strategy: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to maintain chicken's crispy texture.
Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual skewers tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. These delicious bites can be frozen up to 2 months for quick future meals.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce components in advance during weekend cooking sessions. Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and streamlined weeknight dinners.
Quick Reheat Technique: Warm refrigerated skewers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crispiness, avoiding microwave that can make chicken rubbery.
Home cooks discover bang bang chicken skewers as a spicy, crispy delight from Chinese street cuisine. Tangy sauce and grilled chicken create an irresistible combination that keeps diners coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 to 2 lbs (680 to 907 g) chicken thighs, cubed into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsps hot honey (optional)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsps fresh-squeezed lime juice
0.67 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
0.25 cup Sriracha (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt, ensuring each piece is fully embraced by the spice blend.
Skewering and Sauce Preparation: Thread seasoned chicken onto skewers with slight spacing, then whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice into a smooth, vibrant bang bang sauce; divide sauce into cooking and finishing portions.
Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, brush skewers with initial sauce portion, and cook for 15-20 minutes, rotating frequently to achieve caramelized edges and confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air Fryer Alternative: Position skewers in air fryer basket, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning midway to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
Finishing and Serving: Generously brush cooked skewers with reserved sauce, optionally drizzle with hot honey for enhanced flavor complexity, and present immediately with remaining bang bang sauce for dipping.
Notes
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to sit in spices for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance depth and tenderness of the meat.
Skewer Spacing Matters: Leave small gaps between chicken pieces to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
Sauce Separation Strategy: Divide bang bang sauce before cooking to avoid cross-contamination and maintain food safety standards.
Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.