Oh, let me tell you about these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe—this is one of those dishes that always brings a burst of flavor and fun to my dinner table. The combination of tender, juicy chicken thighs grilled to perfection, paired with that creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce, makes every bite a little celebration. I love how easy they are to customize too, so whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or a weekend get-together, these skewers really hit the spot.
What’s special about this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe is that it delivers big on flavor without requiring a ton of complicated steps or ingredients. Plus, it works great whether you grill them outdoors or use an air fryer for a quick fix. I remember the first time I tried this recipe, I was hooked immediately — it’s got that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Quick prep and cooking times make this perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The spicy Thai sauce balances heat, sweetness, and tang in every bite.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Works great on the grill or air fryer, so you can cook year-round.
- Family Favorite: My crew raves about it — it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients here come together beautifully – the spices give the chicken a wonderful depth, and the sauce is creamy with just the right kick. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but I’ll also share tips for using chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender; great for grilling without drying out.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt: Classic smoky and spicy seasoning combo that packs a punch.
- Hot honey: Adds a sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes nicely; you can swap with regular honey if you prefer milder heat.
- Mayonnaise: Base for the creamy bang bang sauce, balancing heat with cool richness.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime brightens everything up with some acidity.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweet and slightly spicy notes typical of Thai flavors.
- Sriracha: Adds heat and zing; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Variations
I love mixing things up when I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe — it’s so flexible! Play around with the heat levels or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Mild version: I often make a family-friendly batch by omitting the cayenne, using less sriracha and skipping the hot honey, so kids and sensitive palates are happy too.
- Chicken breasts: I’ve used boneless skinless breasts successfully; just be careful not to overcook since breasts dry out faster.
- Tofu skewers: For friends who prefer plant-based, I swapped chicken with firm tofu and grilled them with the same sauce—surprisingly delicious!
- Extra veggies: Try threading bell peppers or zucchini between chicken pieces for added color and nutrition.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by cubing your chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch pieces—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Make sure every piece is nicely coated; I like to use my hands for this to really mix the spices in well. Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes helps the flavors really soak in but if you’re short on time, you can cook right away.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix the sauce in a medium bowl. Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lime juice—adjust the sriracha based on your heat preference. This mixture should be creamy, tangy, with a little sweetness and spice all at once. Reserve half the sauce for serving later—that extra scoop will make a huge impact!
Step 3: Thread and Sauce the Skewers
Grab your soaked wooden skewers (soaked to prevent burning) and carefully thread the chicken pieces, filling about half to three-quarters of the skewer. Then, brush the skewers generously with half of your bang bang sauce—this helps lock in moisture and build that beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 4: Cook – Grill or Air Fryer
If you’re grilling, place the skewers over medium-high heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning often and brushing with the reserved sauce until the chicken hits 165°F. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a slightly charred, sticky coating that I just adore.
If using an air fryer, arrange skewers in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. I usually have to do this in batches if my air fryer is small, but it comes out just as good.
Once cooked, drizzle the skewers with the remaining sauce and a little more hot honey, if you like that extra sweetheart kick.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe
- Soak Your Skewers: This prevents burning and helps with even cooking—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Even just 10 minutes in the marinade lets the spices penetrate the chicken for incredible flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It ensures juicy chicken and removes guesswork—165°F is your safe, perfect target.
- Brush with Sauce Often: Reapplying sauce as you cook builds those layers of caramelized, sticky deliciousness everyone loves.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a few thin slices of red chili on top — the fresh herbs brighten the dish and give it vibrant color. A wedge of lime on the side is also fantastic for squeezing over the skewers right before eating, adding another layer of zesty freshness.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these skewers are jasmine rice to soak up the sauce and a crisp cucumber salad for some refreshing crunch. Sometimes, I serve them alongside grilled corn or steamed green beans to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve these on a long platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges, or even stack them up vertically in a bamboo skewer holder for a super fun presentation. They also make fantastic appetizers on smaller skewers at casual gatherings—everyone loves picking them up and savoring the spicy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always recommend removing the sauce from the refrigerated chicken and letting it come to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags—just make sure to separate them so you can thaw portions easily. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat beautifully without losing their juiciness.
Reheating
Reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes refreshes the caramelized sauce and gives a nice crisp edge. Avoid the microwave if you can, because it tends to toughen the chicken texture, but if you’re in a pinch, heat gently on low power.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but they cook slightly faster and can dry out more easily. Make sure to cut uniform cubes and keep an eye on the temperature, pulling them off the grill or air fryer as soon as they hit 165°F to keep them juicy and tender.
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How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe?
The spice level is adjustable! The recipe includes cayenne, sriracha, and optional hot honey for heat, but you can easily tone it down by reducing or leaving out these ingredients. For a milder dish, omit cayenne, cut back on sriracha, and use regular honey instead of hot honey.
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Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving—it’s a great time saver, especially if you’re prepping for a party.
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Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Definitely soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken. This simple step prevents the skewers from burning while cooking, especially important when grilling over an open flame.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious and so versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something flavorful and satisfying, I can’t recommend it enough. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do — it’s one of those recipes that’s simple yet impressive, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Thai Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are succulent, juicy chicken thigh pieces marinated with spices, grilled or air fried to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy, and tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, these skewers offer a delightful balance of sweet heat and savory goodness with an easy-to-follow recipe ideal for grilling or air frying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2–2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (optional for extra sweet heat)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with all the seasonings.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Working one skewer at a time, thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers until about half to three-quarters full. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice thoroughly to create a creamy and spicy sauce. This yields approximately 1.5 cups of sauce.
- Prepare Sauce for Cooking and Serving: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for glazing and serving after cooking. Use the remaining half to brush evenly over the chicken skewers, making sure to coat well including the spaces between the pieces.
- Cooking on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning often to cook evenly and prevent burning. Continue brushing the skewers with the reserved sauce as they cook until the chicken is caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cooking in the Air Fryer: Arrange the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the Skewers: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate, then drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce and an optional drizzle of hot honey for added sweetness and glaze. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if preferred.
- Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick, but regular honey works well too or can be omitted if desired.
- For a milder version, omit cayenne pepper, hot honey, and reduce the amount of Sriracha.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- To reheat, place skewers in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave reheating is possible but may toughen the chicken.
- Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of chicken
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1051 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 37 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 127 mg