Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe with Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce

Sizzling bang bang chicken skewers promise a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your summer grilling experience.

Spicy, creamy, and packed with personality, these skewers represent pure backyard party magic.

Crowds go wild for this crowd-pleasing dish that blends bold textures and mouthwatering sensations.

Street food inspiration meets home cooking creativity in a recipe guaranteed to spark conversation around the dinner table.

Friends will be begging you to make these again and again, thanks to their irresistible charm and unexpected deliciousness.

Perfect for casual gatherings or weekend cookouts, bang bang chicken skewers deliver serious wow factor without complicated techniques.

  • Quick Kitchen Win: These skewers are perfect when you need a fast, crowd-pleasing meal that takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Simple Coating Magic: Buttermilk and panko create an incredibly crispy exterior that transforms ordinary chicken into something special your family will devour.
  • Flexible Cooking Method: Whether using an air fryer or oven, this recipe adapts easily to your kitchen setup without complicated techniques.
  • Sauce That Steals the Show: The sweet-spicy sauce brings a delicious kick that makes these skewers irresistible, turning a basic chicken dish into something memorable.

Ingredient List for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast (1 lb): Tender meat cubes that soak up delicious flavors and become perfectly crispy when cooked.
Marinade:
  • Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize your chicken and add subtle tangy richness to each bite.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch (½ cup): Creates a super light and crispy exterior that makes your chicken extra crunchy.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds amazing texture and golden crispiness to your chicken skewers.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasons your chicken with classic, essential flavor.
Skewer Accessory:
  • Skewers (wooden or metal): Helps you easily grill or bake your chicken pieces with a fun, classic presentation.
Bang Bang Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise (½ cup): Provides a creamy base for your sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Adds sweet and slightly spicy complexity.
  • Sriracha (2 tbsp): Brings heat that can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
  • Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.

Prep Tools for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious container where you’ll easily combine your breadcrumb mixture and coat chicken pieces completely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools to help you measure ingredients accurately for consistent flavor.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (8-10 inches): Essential for threading chicken cubes and creating perfect handheld bites. Soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning.
  • Air Fryer or Baking Sheet: Your main cooking surface for transforming chicken into crispy, golden skewers. Choose between an air fryer or standard oven depending on your kitchen setup.
  • Whisk: A handy tool for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and eliminating any lumps.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes that cook evenly.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your chicken and keeping your countertop clean.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together your delicious dipping sauce with precision.

Cooking Method for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Cooking Method for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
1

Buttermilk Bath

Grab your chicken breast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken pieces, making sure every morsel gets a nice soak. Let this sit for 30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients – this bath will make your chicken super tender.

2

Create the Crispy Coating

Set up your breading station with a shallow dish. Mix together ½ cup cornstarch and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to give your coating some extra flavor. Drain the chicken from the buttermilk and roll each piece thoroughly in this crispy mixture.

3

Skewer the Chicken

Take your wooden or metal skewers and carefully thread the coated chicken cubes. Space them out so each piece has room to crisp up nicely. Pro tip: Leave a tiny gap between each chunk for perfect cooking.

4

Air Fryer Method

Arrange your skewers in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip the skewers halfway through to ensure every side gets that gorgeous golden crunch.

5

Oven Alternative

If you’re using an oven, preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out your skewers. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and feels firm when touched.

6

Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend together these ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tbsp honey

Whisk until smooth and taste to adjust the heat level.

7

Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the sauce over your crispy skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Feeling fancy? Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Helpful Cooking Notes For Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to make it super tender and packed with flavor.
  • Mix cornstarch and panko for an extra crunchy layer that will make your chicken skewers irresistible.
  • Leave small gaps between chicken pieces on the skewer so each bite gets perfectly crisp and cooks evenly.
  • Flip your skewers halfway through cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Whisk your dipping sauce ingredients until smooth, and don’t be afraid to adjust the heat and sweetness to match your taste buds.

Creative Variations For Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace cornstarch and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring your crispy chicken stays totally safe for your dietary needs.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk to keep the chicken tender without traditional dairy.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Double the Sriracha in the sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mix for extra heat that’ll make your taste buds dance.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic herb-packed chicken skewer that feels fresh and vibrant.

Best Serving Options For Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Serve Family-Style: Spread skewers on a large platter with the dipping sauce right in the center, letting everyone grab and enjoy together.
  • Create Perfect Side Dish: Pair these crispy chicken skewers with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spicy sauce.
  • Quick Entertaining Hack: Prep the skewers and sauce ahead of time, making party prep super simple and stress-free for your guests.
  • Make Leftovers Count: Store extra skewers in the fridge and chop them up the next day for a delicious salad topper or wrap filling.

Proper Storage Guide For Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Refrigerate leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the crispy coating separate from the sauce to maintain texture.
  • Freeze uncooked skewered chicken in a freezer-safe bag for maximum 2 weeks – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to preserve the marinade’s tenderizing effect.
  • Store the prepared sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, giving it a quick stir before using to restore the smooth consistency.
  • When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to help your skewers regain their original crispness without drying out the meat.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers FAQs

FAQ

Why buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk breaks down protein fibers, making chicken incredibly tender and adding subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

FAQ

Can I substitute panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko creates a crispier, lighter coating that gives these skewers their signature crunch.

FAQ

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce balances sweet and spicy – Sriracha adds heat while honey and sweet chili sauce create a mild, pleasant warmth that most people enjoy.

FAQ

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

The oven method works perfectly. Just ensure your baking sheet is lined with parchment and skewers are spaced out for even browning.

FAQ

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Marinate chicken and make sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Coat and skewer right before cooking for best texture.

FAQ

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! You can adjust sauce heat by reducing Sriracha, making these skewers a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Skewers dance with spicy-sweet charm that’ll make your taste buds sing. Crispy, tender chicken gets dressed in a zesty sauce guaranteed to rock your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Cornstarch
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon Honey

Marinating and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Tools:

  • Skewers

Instructions

  1. Submerge 1 lb chicken breast cubes in 1 cup buttermilk for 30 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb flavor and become tender.
  2. Create a coating station with ½ cup cornstarch and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, mixing them thoroughly in a large bowl.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then coat each piece completely in the cornstarch-panko mixture.
  4. Insert wooden or metal skewers through the chicken cubes, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  5. For air fryer method, arrange skewers in the basket and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve golden-brown exterior.
  6. Alternatively, place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Prepare bang bang sauce by whisking ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl until smooth.
  8. Transfer cooked skewers to a serving plate and generously drizzle with prepared sauce or serve sauce separately for individual dipping.

Notes

  • Buttermilk soak helps break down chicken proteins, creating super tender meat that’s incredibly juicy.
  • The cornstarch and panko coating delivers maximum crispiness, so don’t skip this crucial dredging step.
  • For gluten-free friends, swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch as normal.
  • Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 459 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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