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If you are looking for the perfect Memorial Day cookout recipe, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite. Juicy, tender chicken pieces seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic, air-fried to golden perfection, and coated in a bold, creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce. This recipe is quick, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to steal the show at any summer gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers check every box for a great summer meal. They come together in under 30 minutes, require simple pantry ingredients, and deliver layers of flavor in every bite. The creamy bang bang sauce with its perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and tang makes this recipe absolutely addictive. Whether you are hosting a large Memorial Day party or a quiet family dinner, this dish fits every occasion.
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses your air fryer for a healthier, hands-off cook
- Perfect for meal prep, parties, and summer cookouts
- Easily customizable heat level to suit everyone at the table
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing every single time
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Use your chef’s knives and a sturdy cutting board to prep your chicken quickly and evenly.
Chicken Skewers
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes | 2 pounds |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes | As needed |
Bang Bang Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 1/4 cups (290 g) |
| Thai sweet chili sauce | 2/3 cup |
| Sriracha (or more to taste) | 2 teaspoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
Use a set of measuring cups and spoons to get precise measurements every time. Mix your sauce in a set of mixing bowls for easy prep and cleanup.
Equipment List
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time. Have your kitchen utensils ready before you start for a smooth cooking process.
- Season the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Thread the skewers. Working one at a time, thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each wooden skewer. Make sure the pieces are snug but not pressed too tightly together for even cooking.
- Make the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. This will yield approximately 1 3/4 cups of sauce.
- Reserve and brush the sauce. Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside. Use the remaining sauce to brush evenly over all the chicken skewers.
- Air fry the skewers. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm before serving.
- Finish and serve. Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
A few small details make a big difference in this recipe. Keep these tips in mind every time you make it.
- Soak your wooden skewers. Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
- Cut chicken evenly. Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures every piece cooks at the same rate. Use a sharp chef’s knife and a solid cutting board for clean, precise cuts.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the skewers so the hot air can circulate freely around each piece for a crispy, evenly cooked result.
- Adjust the heat level. Add more or less Sriracha depending on your preference. For a milder version, reduce to 1 teaspoon. For extra heat, add a full tablespoon.
- Double the sauce. The bang bang sauce is the star of this dish. Make a double batch and use it as a dipping sauce on the side or drizzle it over rice and veggies.
- Let the chicken rest. Allow the skewers to rest for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of sides. Here are some of the best ways to serve them at your next Memorial Day cookout or Fourth of July BBQ.
- Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a complete meal
- Pair with a crisp garden salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
- Arrange on a large platter with fresh vegetable sticks and extra dipping sauce
- Tuck the chicken into warm flatbreads or lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option
- Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob for a classic summer BBQ spread
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce stored separately to maintain the best texture. To reheat, place the skewers back in your air fryer at 350 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the chicken rubbery. The bang bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on the grill instead of the air fryer?
Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 5 to 7 minutes per side, brushing with the bang bang sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill marks add an extra layer of smoky flavor that works beautifully with the sweet-spicy sauce.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. The combination creates a bold, irresistible flavor profile that clings perfectly to grilled or air-fried chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be slightly juicier and more forgiving in the air fryer, making them a great alternative if you prefer darker meat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way to confirm doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of fully cooked chicken must reach 165 degrees F. Visual cues like golden browning on the outside are helpful, but always verify with a thermometer for food safety.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a Memorial Day party?
Yes. You can season the chicken and thread it onto skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. The bang bang sauce can also be made ahead and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply air fry right before serving for the freshest results.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is very easy to control. With 2 teaspoons of Sriracha, the sauce has a mild to moderate kick. Increase the Sriracha for more heat or reduce it to just 1/2 teaspoon for a very mild, family-friendly version.
Make This Recipe Your Own
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how easy they are to customize. Try adding chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken pieces on the skewers for a colorful veggie-packed version. You can also swap the mayo for Greek yogurt in the bang bang sauce to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor. No matter how you serve them, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit at your Memorial Day cookout, Fourth of July BBQ, or any summer gathering.
Ready to impress your guests this summer? Grab your air fryer, prep these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers today, and watch them disappear from the plate in minutes. Save this recipe now so you always have it ready for your next cookout.
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PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers : Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Your Memorial Day Cookout
Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers made in the air fryer and coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July BBQ, and easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
1 1/4 cups (290 g) mayonnaise
2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
2. Working one skewer at a time, thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each skewer.
3. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well to make approximately 1 3/4 cups of bang bang sauce.
4. Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for after cooking. Use the remaining sauce to brush evenly over the chicken skewers.
5. Place the skewers in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.
6. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
7. Transfer skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches for best results.
Adjust Sriracha to your preferred heat level.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes.