When it comes to bite-sized bites that ignite your taste buds and satisfy your craving for crunch, few dishes deliver quite like Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. These vibrant morsels marry tender, marinated chicken pieces with a fiery, creamy sauce that dances between sweet heat and tangy zest. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and threaded onto skewers for an irresistible handheld snack, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are more than just an appetizer-they’re an experience that captures the essence of bold flavors and playful textures. Join us as we dive into the story behind this spicy sensation and uncover how to create your own batch of these crunchy, mouthwatering delights.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly capture the heart of bold, crunchy, and spicy street food in every bite.Originating from the vibrant culinary crossroads of Sichuan cuisine, this dish elevates tender chicken with a sensational crunch and a signature bang bang sauce that tingles the palate with perfect heat and sweetness. As a seasoned culinary content creator and food stylist, I’ve discovered the magic lies not only in the ingredients but in how they come together to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 20 minutes
- Marinating: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 as an appetizer or light meal
Difficulty Level
Medium – Great for home cooks ready to impress with layered flavors and perfect textures
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- For the Coating:
- 1 cup cornstarch or potato starch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (best if Japanese Kewpie mayo)
- 1½ tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Garnishes and Extras:
- Chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
- Fresh lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, and garlic powder. toss to coat well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor deeply.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Set up the dredging station: beat the egg in a shallow dish. In another plate, season cornstarch with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece first into the egg, letting excess drip off, than coat thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch. Lay the coated pieces on a wire rack for a few minutes to set the crust.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C) – use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure perfect frying temperature.
- Fry the chicken: Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until the crust is gorgeously golden and the chicken is cooked through.Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble skewers: Thread 4 to 5 pieces of fried chicken onto wooden or metal skewers. Be careful not to crowd them, allowing the crunch to stand out visually and texturally.
- Serve: Drizzle or brush the spicy bang bang sauce generously over the skewers or serve as a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.Squeeze lime just before biting for a zesty lift.
Tips for success
- Ingredient freshness: Use fresh chicken thighs for juiciness and best texture; thighs stay tender while frying, unlike breasts which can dry out.
- Coating: Cornstarch or potato starch provides the lightest, crispiest shell-avoid all-purpose flour here for a heavier crust.
- maintain oil temperature: A steady 350°F is crucial. Too hot and the crust burns before the chicken cooks; too cool and the coating absorbs oil, losing crunch.
- Make-ahead sauce: the bang bang sauce improves in flavor if made a few hours ahead, allowing the garlic and spices to meld beautifully.
- Skewer tips: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill or in a hot skillet.
- Alternative cooking methods: For a lighter option, bake coated chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with sauce.
Serving suggestions for Unforgettable Flavor Pairings
These vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an ideal canvas for contrast and complement. Serve them alongside a crunchy Asian slaw with vibrant shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zingy ginger-lime dressing to balance the heat.A steamed jasmine rice bowl dotted with fried shallots and scallions creates an inviting, filling plate.
For a party, present on a large wooden board garnished lavishly with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red chili, and wedge-cut limes. Offer a trio of dipping sauces-classic bang bang sauce, a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip, and a tangy tamarind chutney-to elevate the experience.
Completing the meal with a refreshing cold beer or an iced jasmine tea enhances the spice and sharp crunch, making each bite a delightful sensory journey.
| nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
Discover how this dish fits into your culinary adventure by checking out our related article on Spicy Asian Appetizers. For ingredient sourcing and ingredient authenticity tips, visit Serious Eats.
Q&A
Q&A: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Spicy Bites with a Crunch
Q: What exactly are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
A: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are vibrant, flavorful morsels of tender chicken threaded onto skewers, generously coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that packs a punch. They deliver a perfect balance of heat,crunch,and zing,making each bite an exciting,mouthwatering experience.
Q: Where does the name “Bang bang” come from?
A: The name “Bang Bang” is inspired by the explosive flavors that hit your taste buds-the bold spiciness and the satisfying crunch.It also nods to the customary Chinese dish “Bang Bang Ji,” where the chicken is typically shredded,but here it’s reinvented in fun,skewer form for easy,bite-sized enjoyment.
Q: What makes the sauce on these skewers so special?
A: The signature Bang Bang sauce is a creamy blend of spicy chili paste, sweet and tangy mayo, garlic, and sometimes a hint of sesame oil or lime. It’s creamy yet fiery, with a sweet heat that tingles on the tongue and leaves you craving more.
Q: How do you get that addictive crunch on the chicken?
A: The magic comes from a crispy coating-frequently enough achieved by dusting the chicken pieces in cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs before frying or air-frying. This golden crust locks in juices and gives each bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Q: Can Bang Bang Chicken Skewers be made healthier?
A: Absolutely! Swap deep-frying for air-frying or baking to cut down on oil. Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo to lighten the sauce while keeping its creamy texture. and don’t shy away from adding fresh veggies as skewers for a nutritious, colorful twist.
Q: Are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers spicy for everyone?
A: The heat level is surprisingly adaptable. You can dial it up with extra chili paste or cool it down by adding more mayo or a touch of honey. This way, whether you’re a spice novice or an adventurous heat-seeker, you can enjoy these skewers comfortably.
Q: What occasions are perfect for serving Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
A: These skewers shine at parties, BBQs, or as a fun weeknight dinner. Their visual appeal and explosive flavors make them ideal appetizers or finger foods that get conversations-and taste buds-buzzing.
Q: What sides or dips pair well with Bang bang Chicken Skewers?
A: Fresh cucumber salad, sticky jasmine rice, or crunchy slaw complement the spicy richness perfectly. For dips, cool ranch, tzatziki, or a simple squeeze of lime can balance the heat and elevate the crunch factor.
Q: Can these skewers be made vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower florets. Just follow the same coating and saucing techniques,and you’ll have a fiery,crunchy plant-powered Bang Bang delight.
Q: Why should I try making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers at home?
A: Because they transform simple ingredients into a festival of flavor and texture.They’re easy to customize, fun to serve, and deliver that addictive combo of spicy heat and crunchy bliss right in your own kitchen.Bang Bang Chicken Skewers don’t just satisfy hunger-they make every bite an adventure!
To Conclude
Whether you’re craving a fiery snack or a crunchy delight to elevate your next gathering, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deliver a perfect harmony of spice and texture that’s hard to resist. With their bold flavors and satisfying crunch, these skewers aren’t just a dish-they’re an experience that wakes up your palate and keeps you coming back for more. So next time you’re in the mood for a vibrant, crave-worthy bite, remember: a little bang goes a long way. Dive in, spice up your meal, and let these skewers be the star of your culinary adventure.
