Spicy Sweet Chicken Skewers

This zesty bang bang chicken skewer recipe transforms everyday chicken into a flavor-packed meal that's guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something bold and delicious. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements creates an irresistible dish that works beautifully as an appetizer or main course.

I first made these skewers for a backyard gathering last summer, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they're requested at every family barbecue, and I've perfected the sauce to that ideal sweet-heat balance.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs: Offer more flavor and moisture than breast meat, making them ideal for skewering and high-heat cooking
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sweet chili sauce perfectly
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Provides the signature sweetness with a hint of heat
• Sriracha: Delivers customizable spiciness that can be adjusted based on your heat preference
• Fresh lime juice: Cuts through the richness of the mayo for a balanced sauce
• Hot honey: Adds a special sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Toss cubed chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt until each piece is thoroughly coated. This seasoning base ensures the chicken has flavor even before the sauce is applied.

Prepare the Skewers:

Thread seasoned chicken chunks onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, filling about two-thirds of each skewer. Leave some space at the bottom for handling. Soaking prevents burning and makes for better presentation.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice in a bowl, mixing until completely smooth. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with a vibrant orange-pink color. Reserve half for serving.

Apply the Sauce:

Generously brush the skewers with sauce, ensuring all sides are coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a sticky layer that will caramelize during cooking.

Cook to Perfection:

Whether grilling or air frying, cook until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and develops caramelized edges. For grilling, turn frequently and continue brushing with sauce. For air frying, flip halfway through for even cooking.

Serve:

Drizzle fresh reserved sauce over the hot skewers and finish with a light drizzle of hot honey for extra shine and flavor. The contrast between the caramelized coating and fresh sauce creates amazing texture.

Save

During our last family reunion, my brother-in-law who claims to dislike spicy food ate four of these skewers before asking what was in them. The balanced heat won him over completely, proving these are crowd-pleasers even for heat-sensitive guests.

Adjusting the Heat Level

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a milder version, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the chicken seasoning and reduce the sriracha in the sauce by half. For extra spicy skewers, increase the cayenne to a full teaspoon and add an additional tablespoon of sriracha. The sweet chili sauce provides enough sweetness to balance even higher heat levels without becoming overwhelming.

Make-Ahead Options

These skewers are fantastic for meal prep or entertaining. You can marinate the seasoned chicken for up to 24 hours in advance, which actually improves the flavor penetration. The bang bang sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If preparing for a party, you can even pre-cook the skewers until almost done, then finish them quickly on the grill right before serving for that fresh-off-the-grill experience without the last-minute rush.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these bang bang chicken skewers pair beautifully with simple sides. Serve them over coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce, or alongside a crisp Asian slaw for textural contrast. For a complete meal, add some grilled vegetables tossed in a light sesame oil dressing. When serving as appetizers, arrange on a platter with extra sauce in a small bowl for dipping and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for these skewers?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well as a substitute for thighs in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thigh meat. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor closely for an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I make these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers less spicy?

To make a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper from the chicken seasoning, use regular honey instead of hot honey, and reduce the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can start with just 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha and adjust to your taste preference.

→ Why should I soak wooden skewers before cooking?

Soaking wooden skewers in water while you prepare the ingredients prevents them from burning during the cooking process, especially when grilling. Aim to soak them for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them.

→ What's the best way to store and reheat leftover chicken skewers?

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes until just warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat as this can make the chicken tough and chewy.

→ What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

These versatile skewers pair well with many sides. Try serving them with coconut rice, Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or some steamed edamame. The extra bang bang sauce also makes an excellent dipping sauce for vegetables.

→ Can I prepare the bang bang 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 easier and also allows the flavors to develop. Just give it a good stir before using.