Have you ever had a craving for that famous appetizer from your favorite seafood restaurant? You know the one I am talking about. It is crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all at the same time. Well, today we are bringing those flavors right into your kitchen. This **Bang Bang Chicken** is going to change your weeknight dinner rotation forever.
We are taking the classic concept and turning it into a fun main dish using skewers. It is incredibly easy to make. You do not need a deep fryer or a complicated setup. We are using the air fryer to get that perfect texture without the mess.
The sauce is the real star here. It is a simple mixture that packs a punch. Once you try this **Bang Bang Chicken Recipe**, you will want to put this sauce on everything. It is just that good. Let me show you how to make it.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First of all, it is fast. We are talking about a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. That is perfect for those busy evenings when you just want something tasty on the table quickly.
Another great thing is the flavor profile. This Bang Bang Chicken hits every single taste bud. You get the savory garlic and paprika from the chicken seasoning. Then you get the creamy richness from the mayonnaise. Finally, the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha bring the heat and sugar. It is a perfect balance.
This is also a very budget friendly meal. You do not need expensive cuts of meat. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. The sauce ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge. It feels like a fancy meal, but it costs a fraction of the price of takeout.
Cleanup is a breeze too. Since we are using the air fryer and skewers, there are no greasy pans to scrub. You just toss the parchment paper or wipe down the basket, and you are done. Who does not love a meal with minimal cleanup?
Finally, this **Chicken Bang Bang Recipe** is versatile. You can serve it over rice, with a salad, or just eat the skewers on their own as an appetizer. It works for game day, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
To make this delicious **Bang Bang Chicken**, you will need a few simple ingredients. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store. Here is what you need to get started.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Let’s talk about the chicken for a second. I prefer using chicken breasts because they are lean and cut into nice cubes. However, you could use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Just make sure to trim the excess fat so the skewers cook evenly.
The sauce ingredients are crucial. The mayonnaise provides the creamy base. Do not use Miracle Whip here; stick to real mayo for the best flavor. The Thai sweet chili sauce adds that signature sticky sweetness. Sriracha gives it the kick, and honey rounds it all out.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this **Bang Bang Chicken** is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time. It is foolproof.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Place your cubed chicken breasts inside. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the meat. Then, sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together. You want to make sure every single piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil. This base seasoning ensures the chicken tastes good even before the sauce is added.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Take your wooden skewers that have been soaking in water. Working with one skewer at a time, thread about 4 or 5 chicken cubes onto each stick. Do not pack them too tightly.
Leaving a tiny bit of space between the cubes helps the air circulate in the air fryer. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Repeat this process until all the chicken is used.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Use a whisk or a fork to mix it well until it is smooth and creamy. The color should be a light peachy orange.
This mixture will make about 1 ¾ cups of sauce. You need to divide it now. Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside for serving later. You will use the remaining sauce to brush onto the raw chicken.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Take the sauce meant for cooking and brush it evenly over the chicken skewers. Make sure they are well coated. Place the skewers into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. Do not stack them. Air fry at 400°F for about 11 to 12 minutes. You will want to flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time.
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once they are done, transfer them to a plate. Drizzle or brush them with the reserved sauce you set aside earlier. Serve immediately while hot.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you are in luck. This **Bang Bang Chicken** stores very well. Allow the chicken to cool down completely before putting it away.
Place the skewers (or just the meat removed from the sticks) into an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. This makes them excellent for meal prep lunches.
When you are ready to reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. This helps crisp them back up. You can also use the microwave, but the texture might be slightly softer.
I recommend storing any extra sauce in a separate small jar or container. This way, you can add fresh sauce after reheating the chicken. It keeps the flavor bright and the texture creamy.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your **Bang Bang Chicken Recipe** turns out perfect every single time. A little preparation goes a long way.
First, do not skip soaking the wooden skewers. This is very important. Dry wood can burn easily in the high heat of the air fryer. Soaking them for at least 30 minutes prevents this from happening.
If your skewers are too long for your air fryer basket, simply trim them with kitchen shears. You want them to fit comfortably without touching the heating element or the walls of the basket.
Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you love heat, add more Sriracha to the sauce. If you are making this for kids who are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely from their portion.
For an extra burst of freshness, garnish the finished dish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It adds a nice crunch and makes the dish look like it came from a restaurant.
Conclusion
This **Bang Bang Chicken** is truly a winner. It combines ease, speed, and incredible flavor into one simple package. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you will appreciate how effortless this meal is.
The creamy and spicy sauce is addictive, and the tender chicken is cooked to perfection in the air fryer. It is a great way to bring some excitement to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give this **Chicken Bang Bang Recipe** a try this week. I bet it will become a family favorite instantly. Grab your skewers and get cooking!
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this delicious chicken dish. Hopefully, these answers help you cook with confidence.
Can I Make Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Instead?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer the smoky flavor of the grill, you can make **Grilled Bang Bang Chicken**. Prepare the skewers exactly as described. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Baste with the sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
What Should I Serve With This?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad. Roasted broccoli or green beans also make excellent sides that balance the richness of the sauce.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Generally, yes. Most mayonnaise and Sriracha brands are gluten free. However, you must check the label on your Thai sweet chili sauce and spices to be sure. Some brands might use additives that contain gluten. If you verify your ingredients, this can easily be a safe gluten free meal.
Can I Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken?
Definitely. The sauce works perfectly with seafood. If you use shrimp, the cooking time will be much shorter. Air fry shrimp for about 5 to 7 minutes depending on size. The rest of the instructions remain the same.
Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet, this easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe brings your favorite restaurant appetizer home. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect no-fuss weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes, extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
- Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Pour half of this sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for serving.
- Brush the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken skewers, coating them well.
- Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer cooked skewers to a plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and serve immediately.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your preferred spice level. For a milder sauce, use less or omit it.
For a fresh garnish, top the finished chicken with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
