The Best Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! This recipe delivers a burst of flavor, combining perfectly seasoned chicken with an utterly irresistible Bang Bang sauce that’s both creamy and spicy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a simple yet impressive dish, these skewers are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

author’s note
These Skewers Are Bringing the Bang!
I absolutely adore Bang Bang Chicken, and my entire family shares this obsession. What makes this recipe even better is how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare, especially when served as delightful skewers. The entire cooking process flows seamlessly: you can start your rice, then prep the chicken while it cooks, and finally, whip up the vibrant sauce and a refreshing side salad during any waiting time.
The inspiration for these skewers came from a moment when I had a good quantity of chicken thighs to use and a strong craving for that classic Bang Bang flavor. I decided to combine my trusted baked chicken bites method with my original Bang Bang Chicken recipe. The result was these fantastic skewers, offering all the familiar, beloved flavors but in a fun, handheld format. There’s just something inherently enjoyable about food on a stick, making dinner feel like a mini-celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to make these skewers again and again:
- Explosive Flavor: The combination of perfectly spiced chicken and the creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce creates an unforgettable taste sensation that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Quick & Easy: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these skewers are always a hit. Who can resist juicy chicken on a stick?
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them in a rice bowl, as part of a fresh salad, or even as flavorful lettuce wraps. The possibilities are endless!
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean chicken thighs and a homemade sauce, you have control over the ingredients, ensuring a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Crafting these delicious skewers requires a few simple, yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.
For the Flavorful Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs: For this broiling method, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the superior choice. Their higher fat content keeps them incredibly juicy and prevents them from drying out or burning under the intense heat of the broiler, unlike leaner chicken breasts. Ensure to trim any excess fat and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Essential Seasonings: A harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper forms the foundation of the chicken’s savory flavor. Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color, while garlic and onion powders provide depth. These pantry staples work together to create a simple yet impactful seasoning.
- Cornstarch: This secret ingredient is key to achieving a slightly crisp exterior on the chicken. When coated, cornstarch creates a thin, delicate crust that locks in moisture and adds a pleasant texture, making the chicken even more appealing.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil before cooking serves multiple purposes. It helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken, prevents sticking to the pan, and contributes to that desirable golden-brown finish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
The Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce:
The heart of this dish lies in its signature Bang Bang sauce – a creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy concoction that ties everything together. This sauce is remarkably easy to make with just a few ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: The base of our sauce, good quality mayonnaise, provides a rich, smooth, and creamy texture. Choose your favorite brand for the best results, as it significantly impacts the overall mouthfeel.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This vibrant condiment brings the characteristic sweet and spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce. It’s essential for that unique, well-balanced flavor profile that makes the sauce so addictive.
- Soy Sauce: A touch of soy sauce adds a deep umami richness and a necessary savory saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce and the creaminess of the mayo.
- Garlic Powder: A final flourish of garlic powder enhances the overall savory notes of the sauce, adding a subtle warmth and aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken skewers is simple when you follow these helpful tips. These pointers will ensure your chicken is tender on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside, ready to soak up that delicious Bang Bang sauce.
- Proper Chicken Preparation is Key: Begin by thoroughly trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Then, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. This meticulous preparation ensures that every piece cooks evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others become dry. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning also helps the spices and cornstarch adhere better, leading to a crispier finish.
- Fully Preheat the Broiler: Don’t rush this step! Allow your broiler to preheat completely for at least 5-10 minutes before placing the chicken inside. A fully heated broiler provides consistent, intense heat, which is essential for quickly searing the chicken and developing that beautiful golden-brown crust without overcooking the interior.
- Strategic Skewer Spacing: When arranging your chicken skewers on the sheet pan, ensure they are spaced adequately apart. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than broiling, resulting in less crispy chicken. Give each skewer enough room for the hot air to circulate freely around the chicken, promoting even cooking and a superior texture.
- Always Check the Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal tenderness, always use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. Aim for 160°F (71°C). The temperature will rise slightly after it’s removed from the broiler due to carryover cooking, ensuring it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) without becoming dry.
- Allow the Chicken to Rest: Once the skewers are removed from the broiler, resist the urge to immediately serve them. Let them rest for a couple of minutes on the sheet pan or a cutting board. This crucial resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly moist and tender skewers.
- Sauce Application Timing: For the best flavor and presentation, drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken skewers just before serving. If you add the sauce too early, especially if it contains mayonnaise, the heat can cause it to break or become oily. Applying it fresh ensures the sauce retains its creamy texture and vibrant taste. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Consider Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning under the high heat of the broiler and keeps your presentation neat. Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative that doesn’t require soaking.
Featured Comment
“This was super easy and also so delicious!! I surprised my husband with this dish and he called me a superhero.”
– Tricia

Creative Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Serving Ideas
These versatile Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal for any occasion. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next dinner:
- Classic Rice Bowl: A simple yet satisfying way to enjoy these skewers is atop a generous bed of fluffy rice. Opt for plain white or brown rice, or elevate the experience with aromatic coconut rice. Add a refreshing cucumber salad on the side for a complete and balanced meal. The cool crunch of the cucumber beautifully contrasts with the warm, spicy chicken.
- Vibrant Salad Bowls: For a lighter, fresher meal, add the sauce-coated chicken skewers to a bed of mixed greens. Enhance your salad with crisp cucumbers, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The Bang Bang sauce doubles as a fantastic dressing, making for a truly flavorful and healthy salad.
- Fun Lettuce Wraps: Transform your skewers into delightful lettuce wraps. Simply de-skewer the chicken and wrap it in large, crisp lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine) along with a spoonful of cooked rice and your cucumber salad. Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping, offering an interactive and customizable dining experience.
- Alternative Grains: If you’re looking to switch things up from traditional rice, consider pairing the chicken with other healthy grains. Nutrient-rich quinoa or hearty farro make excellent substitutes, offering different textures and nutritional benefits while still absorbing the delicious flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Introduce an exciting tangy element to your meal with quick-pickled vegetables. A side of pickled red onions or crisp pickled carrots can cut through the richness of the sauce and add a delightful crunch, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the main dish.

Storage & Reheating
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are undoubtedly at their peak flavor and texture when enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, they can be safely stored. Place the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best possible texture when reheating, an air fryer is highly recommended; it will help crisp the chicken back up. The Bang Bang sauce should always be stored separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days, and given a good stir before serving.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes:
Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Dinner
Chicken Cutlets
Soups And Stews
Chicken Taco Chili
Salads With Meat
Applebee’s Chicken Salad
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Chelsea Lords
20 minutes
12 minutes
32 minutes
4 servings
Video
Equipment
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Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″) plus foil
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Metal skewers or wood (soak them in water first)
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 batch coconut rice or plain rice
- Avocado-cucumber salad see note 1
- 1 lime optional, for serving
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your rice. Follow the directions for making either coconut rice or plain white rice according to your preference.
For the Chicken
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Adjust your oven rack to be approximately 6 inches below the broiler heating element. Preheat the broiler to its high setting. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trim any excess fat, and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture.
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In a spacious bowl, combine the prepared chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, pepper, and cornstarch. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning blend. Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned chicken and toss once more to fully coat each piece, which will help with browning and prevent sticking.
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Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto your skewers. Arrange the skewers on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring there is ample space between each skewer to allow for proper broiling and even cooking. Broil for approximately 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and boasts a beautiful golden-brown color. Remove the skewers from the oven, taste a piece, and add a small pinch of salt if desired to enhance the flavors.
For the Toppings & Assembly
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Sauce Preparation: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy and consistent texture.
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Salad (Optional): If you wish to serve a fresh cucumber-avocado salad alongside your skewers, prepare it as described in Note 1 below. This adds a fantastic burst of freshness and texture to the meal.
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To serve, divide the cooked rice evenly among four individual bowls. Top each bowl generously with the delicious chicken skewers. Add a portion of the cucumber-avocado salad (if using) to each bowl. Finally, drizzle or brush the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken just before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish promptly!
Recipe Notes
Storage & Reheating: While these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are undeniably best when enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers can be stored. Place any cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For optimal texture when reheating, an air fryer works wonderfully to restore some crispness to the chicken. The Bang Bang sauce should be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; give it a good stir before each use.
Nutrition Information: Please note that the nutritional values provided are calculated for the chicken and the Bang Bang sauce only. The calorie and macronutrient content for the accompanying rice and any additional toppings (such as the cucumber-avocado salad) will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Therefore, this information should be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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