Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an explosion of flavor, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer or light meal right in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for pan-frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Get ready for a flavor fiesta with these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! In about 25 minutes, you’ll be diving into succulent, crispy chicken bites coated in a dreamy, spicy-sweet sauce. The secret is the simple dredge and quick pan-fry, creating the perfect canvas for that iconic, irresistible Bang Bang sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Dredge: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture will help create a crispy coating on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to another shallow dish or bowl. Pour the lightly beaten egg over the chicken and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for a minute to allow the egg to adhere.
- Dredge the Chicken: Working with a few pieces at a time, transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces to the flour mixture. Toss gently until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is being coated, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your desired level of heat.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook Until Golden and Crispy: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Toss: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. Immediately transfer the hot chicken to the bowl with the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Gently toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are evenly coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce emulsify slightly and cling beautifully.
- Assemble the Skewers: If desired, thread the sauced chicken pieces onto small skewers for easy serving. This is optional but adds a professional touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
You’ll adore these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for their incredibly addictive flavor profile – a delightful harmony of fiery heat, subtle sweetness, and creamy indulgence. It’s a dish that’s far more satisfying and far less expensive than ordering takeout, offering you that beloved restaurant-style appetizer at a fraction of the cost. The crispy, juicy chicken drenched in the luscious, homemade Bang Bang sauce, finished with vibrant cilantro and nutty sesame seeds, creates a culinary experience that’s simply unparalleled.
Imagine the joy of recreating this iconic appetizer that rivals your favorite Asian-inspired takeout, but with the unique satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself, perfectly balanced to your taste. From the satisfying crunch of the chicken to the velvety sauce that coats every bite, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for game nights, parties, or even a weeknight treat. Don’t just dream about it – gather your ingredients and whip up these sensational Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Properly cooled Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the chicken separately from any additional garnishes to maintain their freshness.
- Freezing: While not ideal for optimal texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 1-2 months. However, the crispy coating may become soggy upon thawing. If freezing, ensure the chicken is completely cooled, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Options:
- Oven/Toaster Oven (Recommended): For the best texture, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You may then toss them with a little extra Bang Bang sauce if desired.
- Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method may result in slightly less crispy chicken.
- Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes, or until warmed and slightly crisped.
- Microwave (Least Recommended): While the quickest option, microwaving can make the chicken soft and rubbery. If you must use the microwave, heat on 30-second intervals until warm.
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that are incredibly easy to achieve at home. Give them a try for your next gathering, and prepare to be amazed by how quickly they disappear!
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture will help create a crispy coating on the chicken.1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Add the cubed chicken to another shallow dish or bowl. Pour the lightly beaten egg over the chicken and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for a minute to allow the egg to adhere.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 large egg
- Working with a few pieces at a time, transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces to the flour mixture. Toss gently until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your desired level of heat.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. Immediately transfer the hot chicken to the bowl with the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
- Gently toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are evenly coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce emulsify slightly and cling beautifully.
- If desired, thread the sauced chicken pieces onto small skewers for easy serving. This is optional but adds a professional touch.
- Arrange the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.chopped fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges