Description
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!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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!