There is something utterly irresistible about the vibrant and bold flavors packed into this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with just the right balance of spice and smoky paprika, then grilled or air-fried to perfection. The creamy, tangy bang bang sauce—featuring the perfect blend of Thai sweet chili and fiery Sriracha—creates an explosion of taste with every bite. Whether you’re craving a lively appetizer or a show-stopping main course, these skewers bring a delightful combination of heat, sweetness, and fresh zest that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create an extraordinary flavor profile. Each plays a vital role: the chicken provides juicy, tender bites; spices add warmth and depth; while the sauce wraps everything in a creamy, sweet-spicy hug that elevates the dish.
- 1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling or air frying without drying out.
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps coat and tenderize the chicken while adding richness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a robust, aromatic layer of flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Provides a sharp bite that perfectly complements the sweetness in the sauce.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Adds just enough heat without overpowering.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the dish.
- 2 Tbsp hot honey: Sweet with a spicy kick, ideal for drizzling over the finished skewers.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that unites all the spices and heat.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect harmony of sweet and mild heat with a touch of garlicky tang.
- ¼ cup Sriracha: This fiery chili sauce kicks the bang bang sauce up a notch; adjust to your preferred heat level.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by tossing the cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Every piece should be evenly coated, which not only adds vibrant flavor but also tenderizes the meat for grilling. This seasoning base is what really starts building our irresistible bang bang flavor.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Take your wooden or metal skewers and carefully thread the chicken chunks, filling each skewer about halfway to three-quarters full. This spacing helps them cook evenly and prevents overcrowding, which is key to achieving that perfect grilled texture.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, and Sriracha. This creamy, tangy sauce is where the magic happens—offering a balance of sweet heat and cool richness that defines this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe. Reserve half of this sauce for serving and use the rest to brush over the chicken before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
You have two great options here. For grilling, place the skewers over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning often. Keep brushing with the sauce to build layers of caramelized, sticky goodness. Alternatively, you can air fry the skewers at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Either method results in tender, succulent chicken with that signature bang bang sauce glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
After cooking, brush the reserved sauce over the hot chicken skewers and drizzle with a little hot honey for an extra touch of sweetness and heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture—these skewers taste like a party on a stick!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your skewers with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside jasmine rice or coconut sticky rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Fresh crunchy cucumber salad or shredded cabbage slaw dressed with lime and chili provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and sauce, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these skewers into lettuce wraps by serving them with crisp butter lettuce leaves. Guests can build their own wraps with chicken, bang bang sauce, and fresh herbs. Another idea is to serve the chicken over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy, turning this into an Asian-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the reserved bang bang sauce separate to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, use a grill or an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy char, or gently warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the chicken from drying out. Once warm, refresh with a drizzle of reserved bang bang sauce and hot honey for that freshly sauced finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely, but keep in mind chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out quicker. Marinating well and careful cooking will help keep them juicy and tender in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe.
How spicy are these skewers?
The spice level is balanced—you get a nice warming heat from the cayenne and Sriracha with a touch of sweetness from the Thai sweet chili and hot honey. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha amounts to suit your heat tolerance.
Are the skewers gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha brands to ensure they do not contain gluten.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and thread the chicken skewers a few hours ahead or even the night before, keeping them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. Just add the sauce fresh to keep everything vibrant.
What’s the best way to serve the bang bang sauce?
This sauce is fantastic both brushed on during cooking and served on the side for dipping. It keeps the skewers extra juicy and gives that creamy, spicy kick that makes this dish unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines quick and easy preparation with thrilling bold flavors, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe is an absolute winner. Whether for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, these skewers bring excitement, warmth, and a lick of spice that everyone will adore. Give them a try—you might just find a new favorite to add to your recipe rotation!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers with Thai Sweet Chili and Sriracha Recipe
Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers featuring marinated chicken thighs coated in a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. Perfectly grilled or air-fried for a caramelized finish and bursting with bold flavors from Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and fresh lime juice. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that is quick and easy to prepare in about 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian Influences
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½–2 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
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 2 Tbsp hot honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
- 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha (adjust to desired heat level)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with all seasonings.
- Prepare the Sauce and Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto skewers, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full. In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce, totaling about 1.5 cups.
- Apply Initial Sauce Coating: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for later use. Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and brush the remaining sauce generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides and get in between the pieces.
- Cooking Option 1 – Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently to cook evenly. Continue brushing the skewers with the reserved bang bang sauce as you turn them, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cooking Option 2 – Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the basket size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate, brush or drizzle them with the reserved bang bang sauce and a touch of hot honey for extra sweetness and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- The amount of Sriracha can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
- Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick—if unavailable, substitute with regular honey and a dash of cayenne or chili flakes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling or air frying to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
