Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delectable, spicy, and tangy dish perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner. These skewers, marinated in a blend of spices and coated with a creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce, deliver a burst of flavor with every bite. The air fryer method ensures they are juicy and cooked to perfection.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves marinating chicken breast cubes in a flavorful mix, threading them onto skewers, and air frying to a golden perfection. The Bang Bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, adds a delightful kick and sweetness.
History and Origin
The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from a traditional Chinese dish where chicken is pounded to tenderize it before cooking, often served with a spicy sauce. This modern take on the recipe adapts the concept into an easy-to-eat skewer format, perfect for contemporary cooking methods like air frying.
Ingredients
Skewers:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Chicken:
- 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
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Preparation:
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Chicken:
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Thread Chicken: Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer.
Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well until smooth. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of Bang Bang sauce.
- Divide Sauce: Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside to use after the chicken has been cooked. Use the remaining sauce to brush evenly over the raw chicken.
Cooking:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Air Fry Chicken: Add the skewers to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
- Cook Chicken: Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finishing Touch:
- Serve: Transfer the skewers to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Serving
These skewers serve approximately 4-6 people, making them ideal for a small gathering or family meal. Serve them hot with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or jasmine rice.
- Beverages: Complement with non-alcoholic drinks like iced green tea, lemonade, or a tropical fruit punch.
Variations of the Recipe
- Grilled Skewers: Instead of using an air fryer, grill the chicken skewers over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
- Vegetarian Skewers: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or large mushroom chunks and follow the same marinade and cooking instructions.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce for an added kick.
Health Benefits Notes
- Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and mayonnaise provide healthy fats, which are important for overall health.
- Antioxidants: Paprika and garlic powder are rich in antioxidants, promoting good health and reducing inflammation.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time? A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken and thread it onto skewers ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Q: Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? A: Absolutely. Metal skewers can be used and do not require soaking.
Q: How can I make the sauce less spicy? A: Reduce or omit the Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to make it milder.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings excitement to any meal. With the perfect blend of spices and a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, these skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re using an air fryer or grilling, this recipe is a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful taste and simplicity of this modern twist on a classic dish!