Bang Bang Chicken Skewers With Creamy Spicy Sauce

Bang bang chicken skewers are quick, spicy-sweet grilled chicken skewers coated in a creamy chili sauce that clings to every bite. They work just as well for a fast weeknight dinner as they do for a party appetizer, and the chicken stays juicy whether you cook them on the grill, in the oven, or in the air fryer.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

How To Make It

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes so they do not burn during cooking. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks evenly.

2. Add the chicken to a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every piece looks evenly coated and slightly glossy.

3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so the heat can circulate. Crowding the chicken too tightly can prevent the edges from browning.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and pale orange. The sauce should taste creamy first, then slightly sweet and spicy at the end.

5. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken has light char marks and the edges are caramelized. The center should look opaque and juicy, not glossy or pink.

6. Brush or drizzle the bang bang sauce over the hot skewers during the last minute of cooking or right before serving. The warm chicken helps the sauce settle into every crevice.

7. Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is still creamy and the chicken is hot.

Why This Works

The combination of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise gives these bang bang chicken skewers a creamy coating that sticks well without feeling heavy. Smoked paprika on the chicken adds a subtle grilled flavor even if you cook the skewers indoors.

Cooking the sauce separately instead of marinating the chicken in it also helps the skewers brown properly. Sugar-heavy sauces tend to burn quickly over direct heat, especially on smaller pieces of chicken.

For another easy appetizer spread, pair these skewers with recipes from the appetizers collection.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• For air fryer chicken skewers, cook them at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Many home cooks find that smaller skewers fit better in standard basket-style air fryers.
• Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts if you want richer flavor and slightly juicier texture.
• Add chunks of bell pepper or red onion between the chicken pieces for more color and extra smoky flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha and add an extra spoonful of sweet chili sauce.
• Serve these asian chicken skewers with rice bowls, cucumber salad, or crispy potato sides like these crispy loaded baked potatoes.

Tips

• One thing to watch for is overcooking the chicken. Because the pieces are small, they cook quickly and can dry out if left over direct heat too long.
• A common tip is to keep a little extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping instead of coating every skewer heavily before cooking.
• If the sauce tastes too spicy, stir in a little more mayonnaise instead of adding extra honey. This keeps the texture creamy.
• For cleaner grill marks, lightly oil the grill grates first. The USDA chicken temperature guide recommends cooking chicken to 165°F internally.

FAQ

Can I make bang bang chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes. You can season and skewer the chicken up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be mixed in advance and stored separately until serving.

Can these be cooked in the oven instead of grilled?

Yes. Bake the skewers at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken edges are lightly browned. Broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end if you want more color.

Why is my bang bang sauce too thick?

This usually happens if the mayonnaise is very cold or if too much honey was added. Stir in a teaspoon of water or rice vinegar at a time until the sauce loosens slightly.

What sides go well with grilled chicken skewers?

Rice, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, or potato dishes all work well. For a heavier meal setup, these cheesy stuffed potato cakes pair nicely with the spicy sauce.

Can I freeze the cooked skewers?

Yes, but the texture is best if you freeze the chicken without the sauce. Reheat the skewers in the oven or air fryer until hot, then add fresh sauce before serving. For more air fryer timing ideas, the cooking methods in this air fryer chicken guide can help.