Bang 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.
