Spicy Grilled or Air Fried Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

By Maria

Aug 31, 2024

Daily Culinary Pleasures

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Hello food enthusiasts! ???? Whether you’re looking for a new way to spice up your dinner routine or craving something that packs a punch, these Spicy Grilled or Air Fried Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts, this recipe combines bold flavors with easy preparation methods. Let’s dive into the magic of these fiery, succulent skewers!

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe! Originating from a fusion of Thai and American cuisines, this dish is known for its vibrant, sweet, and spicy sauce. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the explosive flavor combination that makes every bite a taste sensation. Whether you choose to grill or air fry these skewers, you’ll end up with juicy, tender chicken that’s wonderfully coated in a sauce with just the right amount of heat.

One of my favorite memories of this dish involves a summer BBQ where these skewers stole the show. Everyone was captivated by the bold flavors and kept coming back for more. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can create your own delicious memories!

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting recipe, you’ll need:

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
2 Tbsp hot honey

Bang Bang Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

¼ cup Sriracha (adjust for desired heat level)

Optional substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, though this will slightly alter the creaminess and tang of the sauce. Additionally, for those sensitive to heat, reducing the Sriracha or opting for a mild chili sauce can make the dish more approachable.

How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the spice mix.
Thread the Skewers: Take your skewers and thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto them, making sure to fill about ½ to ¾ of each skewer. This leaves enough room to handle the skewers comfortably and ensures even cooking.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until well combined. This should yield about 1.5 cups of sauce. Reserve half of the sauce in a separate bowl for dipping and glazing later.
Coat the Chicken: Arrange the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and brush the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cooking Options:
- For the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning them frequently, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep brushing the skewers with sauce as they cook to build up layers of flavor and achieve a beautiful caramelization.
- For the Air Fryer: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and additional hot honey, if desired. Serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time:

Marinating Time: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before threading onto the skewers. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat better.
Skewer Soaking: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the air fryer.

Sauce Control: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you can handle the heat!

Cooking Tips

These cooking tips will help you make the most of your cooking experience:

Equipment: If you have a grill, use it for that authentic charred flavor. But if you’re pressed for time or don’t have access to a grill, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative that gives you crispy results in less time.
Basting Brush: A good-quality silicone basting brush is perfect for applying the sauce without making a mess. It ensures even coverage and makes it easy to layer the flavors.
Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F). This is crucial for food safety, especially when cooking chicken.

Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes: Serve the skewers alongside jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The mild flavors of these sides complement the boldness of the skewers without overpowering them.

Beverages: A cold, refreshing drink is a must! Try pairing these skewers with a chilled lager, a fruity iced tea, or even a zesty margarita to balance out the spiciness.
Presentation: For a stunning presentation, arrange the skewers on a large platter with lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, and a small bowl of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. This not only looks impressive but also allows your guests to customize their flavor experience.

Nutritional Information

When enjoying these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, it’s good to know the nutritional content. Here’s a quick overview:

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 280 kcal

Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 620mg

Potassium: 350mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g

Vitamin A: 500 IU
Vitamin C: 7mg
Calcium: 20mg

Iron: 1.2mg

Health Benefits: The dish provides a good amount of protein, making it a great option for those looking to build muscle or maintain a balanced diet. The addition of lime juice adds a boost of Vitamin C, which supports immune function.

Storage and Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before refrigerating to maintain its texture.
Reheat: To reheat, place the skewers back on the grill or in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but this may result in slightly less crispy chicken.

Creative Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken but no skewers, chop up the chicken and toss it into a salad, wrap it in a tortilla for a quick lunch, or add it to a stir-fry for a flavorful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and can be used instead of thighs. Just be mindful that they might cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around the 12-minute mark on the grill or 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have Sriracha? No worries! You can substitute Sriracha with another hot sauce of your choice, or even use extra Thai sweet chili sauce for a milder kick.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and give it a good stir before using.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, be sure to check out these related recipes that are equally delicious:

Caramel Coconut Chocolate Cookies – Easy Recipe
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Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Spicy Grilled or Air Fried Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as much as I do! They’re a delightful blend of heat, sweetness, and tanginess that will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to experiment with the flavors and make the recipe your own. And when you do, I’d love to hear all about it! Feel free to share your experience or any unique twists you added to the recipe. Happy cooking! ????