Name: 15-Minute Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon honey; Parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you love a quick yet insanely flavorful meal, you are going to adore this 15-Minute Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. Picture juicy, tender chicken cubes perfectly seasoned and slathered with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that brings just the right hint of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re whipping up a fast weeknight dinner or need the ideal crowd-pleaser for a gathering, these skewers come together in a flash and pack a delightful punch of flavor that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with many small pieces of orange and light pink marinated chicken, showing smooth and slightly wet textures from the sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the chicken pieces are piled in one layer inside the bowl, each piece having visible lines of seasoning. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing a vital role to create a balance of flavors and textures. From the smoky paprika that adds warmth to the honey in the sauce that provides a gentle sweetness, each component elevates the dish in its own special way.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes to ensure quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken tender and infuses a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a mellow garlicky note, boosting overall savory flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
Wooden skewers: Soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning while cooking.
½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Delivers perfect sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick; adjust to taste for more or less heat.
1 tablespoon honey: Brings a natural, mellow sweetness that balances the spice.
Parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and hints of color to finish.

How to Make 15-Minute Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade not only gives great flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy while cooking.

Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

Thread 4 to 5 pieces of chicken onto each soaked wooden skewer. Soaking the skewers is key to preventing them from catching fire or burning, especially if you’re grilling or using an air fryer.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This rich, tangy, and spicy sauce is the star of the show, and blending it yourself allows you to control the heat and sweetness perfectly.

Step 4: Brush and Cook the Skewers

Divide the sauce in half, reserving one portion for serving later. Brush the chicken generously with the other half of the sauce. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, arrange skewers in a single layer, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway so each side gets that delicious caramelization while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Extra Sauce and Parsley

Once the chicken skewers are cooked perfectly, transfer them to a serving plate and brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to brighten the presentation and add a burst of herbaceous flavor.

How to Serve 15-Minute Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

The image shows several grilled chicken skewers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has multiple chunky pieces of chicken that are browned with some charred spots, giving a crispy texture. The chicken pieces are coated with a light, creamy orange sauce drizzled unevenly on top. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the chicken skewers for a fresh touch. The focus is close-up, capturing the juicy and slightly shiny look of the chicken and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness, but feel free to experiment with chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra layer of brightness that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.

Side Dishes

These chicken skewers are so versatile you can pair them with a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or crunchy slaw for a refreshing contrast. They also work wonderfully alongside grilled vegetables or cauliflower rice to keep things light and healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the skewers laid out on a large platter with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Alternatively, cut the cooked chicken off the skewers and use it as a topping for tacos or inside wraps along with crunchy veggies and avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra bang bang sauce separate to maintain its freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, until warmed through and the chicken is still juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Finish with a fresh brush of bang bang sauce after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will be even juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Is the bang bang sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat thanks to the Sriracha and chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe on the grill instead of the air fryer?

Yes! These skewers are fantastic on the grill. Just cook them over medium-high heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.

Do I need to soak the skewers in water?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking. If using metal skewers, soaking isn’t necessary.

Can I prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time?

You can definitely marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance, which makes assembling and cooking these skewers even quicker when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that’s effortless to make but delivers incredible flavor every time. Perfectly tender chicken, smoky seasoning, and a lusciously tangy sauce make it a winner for busy nights or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss. I hope these skewers become a regular in your kitchen rotation because, honestly, who can resist that bang bang sauce?