Spicy Asian Chicken Skewers

This sweet and spicy bang bang chicken skewer recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The signature creamy, spicy sauce transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible meal that strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness.

I first made these for a backyard gathering when I needed something quick that would please everyone. The skewers disappeared within minutes, and now they're requested at nearly every family gathering we host.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts cubed into 2" squares Choose thighs for more flavor and juiciness or breasts for a leaner option
• Garlic powder Adds depth without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic
• Paprika Provides a subtle smoky note that complements the sauce perfectly
• Salt and pepper The essentials for bringing out the chicken's natural flavor
• Mayo Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce
• Sweet chili sauce Delivers the perfect balance of sweetness with mild heat
• Sriracha Adds the signature spicy kick that makes this bang bang sauce truly pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Combine the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a medium bowl until completely smooth. The sauce should have a beautiful orange-pink hue. Reserve about ¼ cup of this mixture for coating the raw chicken, saving the rest for serving.

Season the Chicken

Place your cubed chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with a small amount of oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the reserved ¼ cup of bang bang sauce. Mix thoroughly with clean hands or tongs until every piece is well coated. The seasoning creates a flavor base while the sauce helps lock in moisture.

Thread onto Skewers

Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking. Avoid cramming too many pieces on each skewer as this will prevent proper cooking.

Choose Your Cooking Method

For air frying, preheat to 375°F then cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer creates exceptional crispy edges. For oven baking, cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet, turning halfway. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for those beautiful grill marks.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, then generously drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce. The contrast between the hot chicken and the cool, creamy sauce is absolutely divine.

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The sweet chili sauce is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this when I was nearly out of sriracha once and compensated with extra sweet chili sauce. The result was a perfectly balanced sauce that had enough heat without overwhelming the palate.

Meal Prep Magic

These skewers work wonderfully for meal prep. Cook a double batch and store them without the sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Store the extra sauce separately and warm the chicken when ready to eat. The flavors actually develop more complexity after a day in the refrigerator.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these skewers over steamed rice with sliced cucumbers for a complete meal. The cool crunch of cucumber provides the perfect contrast to the spicy, creamy chicken. For a lower-carb option, serve alongside a simple Asian slaw or wrapped in lettuce cups with extra bang bang sauce.

Creating Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes adaptation. Try adding a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for extra sweetness, or incorporate lime juice for a citrus note. For a coconut version, substitute part of the mayo with coconut cream. You can even try this sauce with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables for equally delicious results.

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Common Questions Answered

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs will be slightly juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts offer a leaner option. Just ensure you cut them into even 2-inch pieces for consistent cooking.

→ How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a moderate heat level from the sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 1-2 teaspoons. If you prefer more heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

→ What can I serve with these chicken skewers?

These skewers pair beautifully with steamed rice, Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or stir-fried vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with rice and a simple vegetable side dressed with a little of the extra sauce.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even faster when you're ready to cook.

→ Can I cook these without skewers?

Yes, you can cook the chicken pieces without skewers. Simply arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, baking sheet, or grill basket. They may cook slightly faster than skewered chicken, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the largest piece - it should be opaque throughout with no pink remaining.