
Alright, let’s talk about these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers . If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out. They’re crispy, juicy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and totally addictive. Think of it like a party in your mouth — and everyone’s invited.
Can you make these without an air fryer?
Yep, totally! You don’t need an air fryer to make these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers — though it does give them that crispy little edge. If you don’t have one, just toss them in the oven at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Or, if you’re grilling, throw them on the barbecue for 8–10 minutes per side. Just make sure to brush that bangin’ bang bang sauce on after cooking so it doesn’t burn or melt off. Easy peasy
Why Make These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Because they’re easy , delicious , and everyone loves them . Whether you’re hosting a backyard hangout, prepping for game night, or just trying to impress your kids at dinner — these skewers hit the spot.
They come together in under 30 minutes. You don’t need any fancy ingredients. Just chicken, skewers, and a bangin’ bang bang sauce (which is basically mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and a little honey — genius, right?).
Ingredients
Let’s keep it simple:
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1-inch cubes
(or use thighs if you like it juicier) - 1 tablespoon olive oil — helps the seasoning stick and adds flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika — smoky, sweet, and gives it that nice color
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — because garlic is always a good idea
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt — for seasoning, duh
- ½ teaspoon black pepper — adds a little kick
- Wooden skewers , soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
(this keeps them from catching fire when you cook them — trust the process)
For the bang bang sauce (the real star of the show):
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise — creamy base, baby
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce — sweet, tangy, kinda spicy
- 2 teaspoons sriracha — for that extra kick (add more if you like it hot)
- 2 tablespoons honey — balances out the heat and spice
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs work just as well as breasts. They’re a bit juicier and more forgiving.
- Don’t like spicy? Skip the sriracha or use half the amount.
- Want to make it sweeter? Add a little more honey.
- No Thai sweet chili sauce? Try a mix of ketchup, a dash of vinegar, and a bit of sugar. Not the same, but still tasty.
- Want to go low-carb or keto? Skip the honey or use a sugar substitute.
Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken
Let’s get into the good stuff.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Grab a big bowl. Toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up so every piece is coated.
Step 2: Skewer It Up
Grab those soaked wooden skewers. Thread 4–5 chicken cubes onto each one. Don’t crowd them — you want a little space so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir it up until it’s smooth. This is the good stuff — set half aside to brush on after cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
If you’re using an air fryer , cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken’s done when it hits 165°F inside.
No air fryer? No problem.
- Oven : 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush sauce on after baking.
- Grill : Medium-high heat, 8–10 minutes per side. Sauce after grilling.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, brush or drizzle on that extra bang bang sauce you saved. That’s where the flavor really kicks in.
Recipe Tips
- Soak those wooden skewers. Trust me. Otherwise, they’ll burn and turn into charcoal sticks.
- Use a meat thermometer. No more guessing if it’s done. 165°F is your magic number.
- Double the sauce if you’re a dipper. It’s also great on burgers, fries, or just eaten with a spoon (no judgment here).
- Prep ahead: You can skewer the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.
Can You Meal Prep These?
For sure, you can! These skewers are actually a great make-ahead snack or lunch option. Just cook them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them from getting soggy. The sauce can be made ahead too — keep it separate so the chicken doesn’t get all wet and weird. Bonus points if you meal prep a few sides to go with them, like rice or grilled veggies.
Serve Suggestions
These skewers are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- With rice or quinoa for a quick bowl
- Over a salad for a lighter option
- With a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or even grilled veggies
- Add a squeeze of lime for extra zing
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Crispy, juicy chicken skewers brushed with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Made in under 30 minutes using an air fryer, oven, or grill. Perfect for snacks, dinners, or parties.

Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
Instructions
-
Toss the chicken cubes in a big bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up so every piece is coated. You can even do this ahead and let it sit in the fridge for a bit.
-
Grab your soaked skewers and thread 4–5 pieces of chicken onto each. Don’t squish them — give ‘em room to cook evenly.
-
In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir it up until it’s all smooth and sexy-looking. Set half of it aside to use after cooking — that’s your finishing sauce .
-
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
If you’re using an air fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook the skewers in a single layer for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Make sure the chicken hits 165°F inside. or If you’re using the oven: Preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Don’t brush the sauce on until after it’s baked. or If you’re grilling: Medium-high heat. Cook for about 8–10 minutes per side. Again, sauce goes on after grilling. -
Once the chicken is cooked, brush or drizzle on that extra bang bang sauce you saved. That’s where the flavor really shines.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 253kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Soak those wooden skewers! Seriously, don’t skip it. Ten minutes in water keeps them from turning to charcoal when you cook.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken’s done when it hits 165°F inside. No guesswork, no dry chicken.
- Make extra sauce. You’ll want it for dipping, drizzling, or maybe just sneaking a spoonful when no one’s looking.
- Want it sweeter or spicier? Adjust the sriracha and honey to your taste. Everyone’s got their own flavor sweet (and spicy) spot.
- Meal prep friendly! Make a batch ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crisp.
- Skewer hack: If you’re using metal skewers, no soaking needed — and they conduct heat better, so chicken cooks faster.
- No sweet chili sauce? Try a mix of ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and a dash of chili flakes in a pinch.