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This hearty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe has become a weeknight savior in my home when we crave bold flavors without hours in the kitchen. The air fryer transforms simple chicken thighs into juicy, flavor-packed skewers with that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first made these during a busy holiday season when I needed something impressive but effortless. My family now requests these skewers almost weekly, and they've become our go-to option when entertaining friends who always beg for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: cut into cubes ensures juicy results every time
- Olive oil: helps the seasonings adhere and promotes beautiful browning
- Paprika: adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sauce perfectly
- Garlic powder: infuses every piece with aromatic flavor without burning
- Salt and pepper: form the foundation of proper seasoning
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for the signature sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: provides the perfect balance of heat and sweetness
- Hot sauce: allows you to customize the spice level to your preference
- Honey: adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
- Salt: in the sauce balances and enhances all flavor components
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes ensuring even cooking throughout. The size matters here as smaller pieces might overcook while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Season the Chicken:
- Combine chicken with olive oil and all seasonings in a bowl, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Allow at least 30 minutes of marination time for the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance juiciness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until completely smooth and well incorporated. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with a beautiful pale orange hue.
- Skewer the Chicken:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers leaving small gaps between each piece. This spacing allows hot air to circulate properly in the air fryer, resulting in even cooking and better caramelization on all sides.
- Apply Initial Sauce:
- Brush the raw skewers generously with bang bang sauce before cooking. This creates the first layer of flavor that will intensify as it cooks.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. Watch for golden brown edges and cook until the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without drying out.
- Final Sauce Application:
- Brush freshly cooked skewers with additional bang bang sauce while still hot. The residual heat will slightly warm the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the chicken.
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My personal secret for these skewers is letting the chicken marinate overnight when time allows. This simple step transforms good skewers into extraordinary ones, as the flavors have time to fully penetrate the meat. My daughter actually requested these for her birthday dinner last year instead of our traditional restaurant outing.
Make-Ahead Options
These skewers work wonderfully for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. The bang bang sauce actually improves when made a day ahead as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it separately in an airtight container. Fully cooked skewers reheat beautifully in the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes at 350°F when you need a quick meal.
Keto Adaptation
Making these skewers keto friendly requires just a few simple swaps without sacrificing flavor. Use full fat mayonnaise as your sauce base. Replace regular sweet chili sauce with a low carb version or make your own using red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and a keto friendly sweetener. Skip the honey and use a monk fruit based honey substitute. These adjustments bring the carb count down dramatically while maintaining the signature bang bang flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile skewers pair beautifully with several sides. Serve them over cauliflower rice for a complete low carb meal. For a fresh contrast, offer a crisp Asian slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The skewers also work wonderfully alongside a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. For a party presentation, remove the chicken from skewers and serve in lettuce cups topped with extra sauce and chopped green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- → What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a sweet and spicy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt.
- → How do I ensure the chicken is tender?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes with olive oil and spices to infuse flavor and keep it juicy during cooking.
- → Can I make this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Use keto-friendly mayonnaise, sugar-free honey, and low-carb sweet chili sauce to keep it low-carb and keto-approved.
- → What side dishes pair well with these skewers?
Pair these skewers with a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal, or serve with fries for indulgence.