Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
I finally got myself an air fryer, so of course I had to try the viral Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe that’s been blowing up on TikTok! Juicy chicken pieces marinated with simple spices, skewered, and cooked until golden — then topped with that irresistible creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce made with mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha.
I tested this recipe in both the air fryer and on the stove, and do you want to know the verdict? Both versions turned out amazing — crispy, flavorful, and so addictive — but the air fryer made it super easy with less oil and cleanup.
The same sauce you use for marinating the chicken can also be served as the dipping sauce at the end. Just make sure to separate some of the sauce before using the rest as a marinade to avoid cross-contamination. That way, you’ll have a safe, creamy, and flavorful dipping sauce without needing extra ingredients.
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or even as a party appetizer. With bold flavors and minimal effort, this recipe is one you’ll definitely want to keep on repeat!
INGREDIENTS
CHICKEN MARINADE
Chicken - 500G
Salt - 1 tbsp
Paprika - 1 tbsp
Garlic Powder - 1 tbsp
Kewpie Mayo - 1 tbsp
Birdseye Chillis - 3 (or to taste / optional)
BANG BANG SAUCE / MARINADE
Kewpie Mayo - 1/3 cup
Sweet Chilli Sauce - 1/3 cup
Siracha Chilli Sauce - 1/3 cup
Vinegar - 1 tbsp
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
BANG BANG SAUCE/ MARINADE
Create the iconic Bang Bang Sauce by mixing equal parts: 1/3 cup Kewpie mayonnaise, 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, and 1/3 cup sriracha. To balance the flavors, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, giving the sauce a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
For convenience and food safety, divide the sauce into two portions: use one portion to marinate the chicken and reserve the other as a dipping sauce. Separating the dipping sauce before marinating prevents cross-contamination while keeping the recipe simple, quick, and beginner-friendly.
This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is perfect for air fryer or grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, making it a must-try recipe for easy chicken dinners, viral TikTok chicken recipes, and crowd-pleasing appetizers.
PREPARING THE CHICKEN
For this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe, I’m using chicken breast fillets because that’s what I had on hand, but you can also use chicken thighs if you want juicier, more tender skewers. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Next, marinate the chicken with just four simple ingredients: 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayonnaise. The mayo helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken a deliciously creamy texture.
To take the flavor up a notch, I also add 3 finely chopped bird’s eye chilies. They add a spicy kick and a subtle smoky aroma that pairs perfectly with the creamy Bang Bang Sauce once the chicken is grilled or air fried.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors. After that, thread the pieces onto skewers — perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or cooking in the air fryer. Then brush on the bang bang sauce.
AIR FRYING
Start by lightly spraying the air fryer rack with a neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking.
Cook the skewers at 180°C (356°F) for 15–18 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. About halfway through, at the 10-minute mark, carefully turn the skewers and brush on a little extra Bang Bang Sauce to boost flavor and keep the chicken moist.
Once cooked, the chicken should be golden, slightly crispy on the edges, and juicy inside — ready to serve with the reserved dipping sauce.
PAN-SEARING
Lightly spray or brush a neutral cooking oil onto a pan and place the chicken skewers in a single layer. Pan-sear the skewers for about 10 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Turn the skewers a few times during cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. While searing, brush on extra Bang Bang Sauce to enhance the flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
Once the chicken is cooked through, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges, serve immediately with the reserved dipping sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! For step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full video on YouTube - Tiktok Viral Bang Bang Chicken Skewers - quick and easy beginners recipe! - YouTube
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
The traditional Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken is made with tender poached chicken shredded and topped with a spicy, nutty, and tangy sesame-chili sauce. It’s a classic cold dish from Sichuan cuisine known for bold flavors and that signature mouth-tingling kick.
On the other hand, the viral Bang Bang Chicken recipe you see trending on TikTok and YouTube is all about crispy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or family gatherings, this easy version is quick to make and absolutely addictive.
Whether you’re craving authentic Chinese flavors or a modern comfort food twist, Bang Bang Chicken is a must-try recipe that will impress everyone.
