If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, spice, and a touch of sweetness, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned perfectly, skewered, and grilled or air fried to perfection, all while being coated in a lip-smacking bang bang sauce that brings together creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, and daring heat from chili sauces. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes that will make you reach for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the dish. From tender chicken thighs that soak up the spices to the spicy-sweet sauces that give the skewers their signature kick, each component is essential.
- 1½-2 lbs chicken thighs, cubed into 1 inch pieces: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay tender through grilling or air frying.
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken moist when cooking.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory undertone.
- 1 tsp black pepper: For a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Amplifies the spice for a pleasant kick.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp hot honey: A sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes gorgeously on the chicken.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed: Adds bright acidity to balance richness.
- â…” cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a mild chili heat.
- ¼ cup Sriracha: Intensifies the sauce with vibrant, spicy notes.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes—this size allows them to cook quickly and evenly while absorbing all the wonderful spices. Toss the chicken pieces in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This seasoning base is what makes the chicken pop with flavor.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Once the chicken is seasoned, thread the cubes onto skewers. This ensures they cook evenly and makes flipping a breeze when grilling or air frying. Brushing them lightly with some of the sauce later will keep them moist and add extra zing.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is the shining star of this recipe. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This creamy, tangy, and spicy combo is what gives the dish its signature bang. Set aside half of the sauce for drizzling later, and use the other half during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
Grill the skewers over medium heat, brushing generously with the bang bang sauce throughout cooking, until they develop a caramelized, slightly charred exterior and are cooked through. If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the skewers in it until perfectly done, then drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and a touch of hot honey for that addictive sweet-spicy finish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the skewers for a burst of freshness and color. For extra crunch, you can also add roasted peanuts or sesame seeds, enhancing texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy honey sauce.
Side Dishes
Serving these skewers with fragrant jasmine rice or a cooling cucumber salad balances the heat and richness. Light, bright sides like a crisp Asian slaw or steamed broccoli keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over fluffy rice bowls topped with avocado slices and pickled vegetables, drizzling extra bang bang sauce on top. They also make fantastic finger food at parties, paired with toothpicks and a side of extra sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate if possible to maintain its creamy texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or air fry them until heated through. Drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce after warming to keep the creamy kick fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, although chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to use wooden skewers?
Wooden skewers work great but remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are a reusable alternative and conduct heat, cooking the chicken from the inside out.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe?
The recipe offers a pleasant level of heat thanks to the cayenne, Sriracha, and hot honey, but it is well balanced by creamy mayo and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill or air fryer?
No worries! These skewers can be cooked under a broiler or even in a hot pan on the stove. The key is to cook them evenly until nicely caramelized and juicy inside while brushing with the sauce throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners or fun gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Delicious and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs seasoned with paprika, garlic, and cayenne, cooked to perfection on the grill or in the air fryer, and served with a creamy, tangy Thai-inspired bang bang sauce.
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
- 2 Tbsp hot honey
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
- â…” cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup Sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare 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 coat the chicken evenly with all the seasonings.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers evenly, making sure they are not too crowded to ensure even cooking. Brush the skewered chicken lightly with sauce or oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and well combined. Reserve half of this sauce for serving alongside the cooked skewers.
- Cook the Skewers (Grilling method): Grill the chicken skewers over medium-high heat, brushing them intermittently with the prepared bang bang sauce until the chicken is fully cooked, caramelized on the outside, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 10-15 minutes depending on heat and skewer thickness.
- Cook the Skewers (Air Frying method): Alternatively, place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Serve: After cooking, drizzle the cooked skewers with reserved bang bang sauce and hot honey for extra sweetness and heat. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and Sriracha quantities to control the spice level.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can be substituted for a leaner option.
- If grilling, keep an eye on flare-ups due to the sauce sugars.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
