For the Chicken Skewers:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 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
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 ยผ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- โ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Soak Skewers & Prep Chicken
- Submerge wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Drizzle the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Toss vigorously until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and Adjust:ย This is your chance to perfect the sauce. Add more Sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness, or a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
- Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers; 4-5 pieces per skewer is usually ideal.
Step 5: Cook the Skewers
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Grill Method (Recommended for best flavor):
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400ยฐF / 200ยฐC).
- Lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
-
Oven/Broiler Method:
- Preheat your ovenโs broiler on high. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Arrange the skewers on the wire rack. Broil for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred.
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Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Place skewers in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
- Arrange the cooked chicken skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Chefโs Notes & Tips:
- Make-Ahead:ย The Bang Bang sauce can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chicken can be seasoned and skewered a few hours ahead of time and kept refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Donโt Overcook:ย Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they hit exactly 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for the juiciest result.
- Spice Level:ย Control the heat with the Sriracha. Start with 2 tsp and add more if you like it spicy. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestions:ย Serve as an appetizer or as a main course over a bed of rice, quinoa, or with a simple side salad to soak up the extra sauce.