Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat that everyone loves. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, and it’s coated with that classic bang bang sauce—a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and totally irresistible. These skewers are a great way to enjoy BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner with a bit of a kick.
I love making these skewers when I’m craving something crunchy and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The sauce is my favorite part—it’s creamy and zesty, and I always make a little extra to drizzle on top or dip into. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist that really wakes everything up.
These chicken skewers are perfect for serving at a casual get-together or family dinner. I like to pair them with simple sides like a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the bold flavors. Plus, they’re easy to eat with your hands, which always makes me smile and relax a bit more around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using chicken breasts keeps the meat tender and juicy. If you prefer darker meat, thighs work great too and stay moist when fried.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs are decent substitutes but slightly less crunchy.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the creamy base, combined with sweet chili and sriracha for a balanced sweet and spicy kick. For a lighter sauce, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth and a subtle smoky flavor. Feel free to adjust the paprika level or add a little cayenne for extra heat.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy Without Overcooking?
The key is layering the breading and frying at the right temperature.
- Coat chicken well: flour first, then egg, then panko. This creates a firm crust.
- Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking (around medium-high). Too hot burns the crust; too low makes it soggy.
- Cook chicken skewers 3-4 mins per side for even browning. Turn gently to keep the crust intact.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil right after frying.
This way, you get a crunchy exterior with juicy chicken inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls – I use these to set up the breading stations and whisk the sauce easily.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – helpful for cutting the chicken into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- Skewers (wooden or metal) – they make turning and serving the chicken simple and mess-free.
- Deep skillet or frying pan – provides enough space and even heat for crispy frying.
- Kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon – for turning the skewers safely without breaking the crust.
- Paper towels or a wire rack – essential for draining excess oil after frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs — thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving when frying.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to the sauce — it adds brightness and balances the spice.
- Include chopped peanuts or cashews on top — for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or curry powder in the breading — gives it a different heat profile.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced purple shiso or red leaf lettuce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and cook. Preparing the chicken and sauce takes around 10-15 minutes, and frying the skewers takes roughly 5-7 minutes. You can enjoy this dish fresh and crispy right away, no extra wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season your chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This adds great flavor to every bite.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Use three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This makes breading quick and easy.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Coat each chicken piece first with flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated pieces on a plate.
4. Thread the Skewers:
Carefully thread 4 to 5 breaded chicken pieces onto each wooden or metal skewer.
5. Fry the Chicken Skewers:
Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Turn them gently to keep the crust intact.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Place your cooked skewers onto a serving plate and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds on top. You can add thinly sliced purple shiso or red leaf lettuce for a fresh, colorful touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these crispy skewers right away while they’re still crunchy. They’re perfect alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a delicious, easy meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken first in the fridge overnight or in cold water. Pat it dry thoroughly before breading to help the coating adhere and stay crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Skewers?
Absolutely! Bake the breaded skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit less crispy than frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to help keep the crust crispy—avoid the microwave if possible.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Definitely! Adjust the sriracha amount to your taste, or swap it for a milder chili sauce. Adding more honey can also balance out the heat if you prefer it sweeter.
