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–+ servings

Bang bang chicken skewers

Chi & Kel
Bang bang chicken skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or parties. Grilled or cooked in the air fryer, these tender chicken skewers are coated in a creamy bang bang sauce with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes

Equipment

  • 5 qt air fryer or larger
  • Bamboo skewers, cut to size

Ingredients
  

For the bang bang sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce

For the chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5 inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For serving (bowls)

  • Cooked white rice, shelled edamame, sliced cucumbers, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, black and white sesame seeds, extra bang bang sauce.

Instructions
 

Prep the Skewers

  • Cut bamboo skewers to fit your air fryer, then soak them in water for 15 to 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking (if you are cooking these in the oven or grill. Please See note 5 for more details)

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, honey, sriracha, and Thai sweet chili until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust to your preference by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. If the flavors are too bold, balance them out with a little extra mayonnaise.
  • Divide the sauce into two separate bowls. Use one for basting the chicken while it cooks, and reserve the other for serving.

Prepare the Air Fryer

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Season the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken thigh pieces, sesame oil, and seasonings. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Assemble the Skewers

  • Thread 6 to 8 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, ensuring they’re spaced slightly apart.
  • Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving room for airflow. Cook in batches if necessary, depending on your air fryer size.

Cook and Baste

  • Brush the chicken skewers with the bang bang sauce from one of the bowls. Air fry at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Flip the skewers, brush with more sauce, and cook for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Transfer the cooked skewers to a plate and repeat with any remaining batches.
  • Drizzle the reserved (unused) bang bang sauce over the cooked skewers. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy on their own or serve over white rice for a complete meal.

For Bang Bang Chicken Bowls

  • Build a bowl by layering white rice, fresh veggies like sliced cucumbers, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and shelled edamame. Top with chicken skewers, sesame seeds, and green onions for a vibrant, delicious meal.

Notes

  1. Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
  2. Toasted sesame oil adds a deep, umami flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil.
  3. For a tangier sauce, cut the honey in half or leave it out completely then add a tablespoon of rice vinegar. The flavor will differ slightly but still deliver the sweet and tangy profile.
  4. Always cut bamboo skewers to fit your air fryer or use the metal skewers that come with your air fryer.
  5. If you are worried the bamboo sticks will burn, soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. (To be honest and from experience this isn't necessary when using your air fryer because the skewers don't stay long enough in the air fryer to burn. However, for the grill you will need to soak for up to 30 mins.)
  6. Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  7. Store any remaining sauce separately in a sealed container, like a mason jar, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 769mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
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