Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1–1.5 lbs each)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil.
   • Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Let the seasoned breasts sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to help the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
   • Divide the sauce into two portions: one half for brushing on the chicken during cooking, and the other half to drizzle over the finished dish.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
   • Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
   • Generously brush the top of each breast with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
   • Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. When you flip, brush the other side with more sauce.
   • Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before removing it from the air fryer.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving plate.
   • Drizzle with the remaining Bang Bang sauce and, if you like, garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice from a lime wedge.
   • Serve alongside your favorite sides—steamed rice or a crisp salad work wonderfully.

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Tips & Variations

Enhance your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast experience with these practical tips and creative variations. Whether you’re fine-tuning the flavors or seeking ways to simplify your cooking process, these suggestions can help you perfect the dish every time.

Adjusting the Heat

• Customize Your Spice: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a gentler hot sauce. For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to intensify the flavor.
• Layered Flavors: For an extra burst of complexity, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of chili powder when seasoning the chicken.

Marinating Ideas

• Extra Tender Chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, minced garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for about 30 minutes before applying the Bang Bang seasoning. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment by adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil into your marinade for a refreshing herbal note that complements the tangy sauce.

Air Fryer Best Practices

• Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer with ample space between them. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring the meat cooks evenly.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is key for both safety and flavor.

Sauce Customizations

• Experiment with Citrus: Try substituting lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang, or add a splash of orange juice for a hint of sweetness.
• Add a Zing: Incorporate a bit of grated ginger into the sauce for a zesty twist that pairs well with the creamy base.

Serving Suggestions

• Complementary Sides: Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Breast with steamed jasmine rice, a crisp garden salad, or even a bowl of quinoa for a balanced meal.
• Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by topping the dish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Crafted for both the air fryer and oven, our method ensures that regardless of your kitchen setup, you can achieve that perfect balance of juicy chicken with a delightfully crispy exterior. And with the addition of optional garnishes like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, you’re not just serving a dish; you’re creating a masterpiece that beckons the senses.

So, if you’re in search of a meal that combines ease of preparation with complex flavors and presentation worthy of social media, look no further. Follow along as we guide you through each step of preparing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, a dish that’s bound to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

Chicken Skewers:

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste
• 1 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, preparing them for cooking.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice and lime zest in a bowl. This creates your flavorful bang bang sauce. Split the sauce into two portions: one for brushing onto the chicken before and during cooking, and the other for serving.
4. Cook with Flair: Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, brush them generously with half of the bang bang sauce. This will help to lock in moisture and flavor. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, turning once halfway through and brushing with more sauce on the other side to ensure a rich, caramelized exterior. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Garnish and Serve: After cooking, arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for a visually appealing and deliciously balanced dish.

Oven Baked Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a nice browning and caramelization on the chicken skewers, similar to what you would get from an air fryer.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the skewers, promoting even cooking and browning. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the skewers directly on the baking sheet, but make sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
3. Brush with Bang Bang Sauce: Before placing the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, brush them generously with half of the bang bang sauce, just as you would for the air fryer method. This step adds a layer of flavor that will caramelize and deepen in the oven.
4. Bake the Skewers: Arrange the skewers on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges begin to brown. Halfway through the baking time, turn the skewers over and brush with more sauce for an even glaze.
5. Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional): For an added touch of caramelization, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the skewers during this time to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, transfer the baked skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle them with the reserved bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. The additional sauce adds moisture and a burst of flavor, complementing the baked chicken perfectly.

Digging these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers? Awesome! Don’t just savor the flavor solo—hit up Pinterest with the image below. Think of it as sprinkling a little culinary joy across the boards. Plus, you never know whose day you’re going to make with this recipe share. Ready, set, pin!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Soak Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning, especially if you’re opting for the oven-baked method.
2. Uniform Cubes: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Uniform cubes mean every bite is just as perfectly cooked as the last.
3. Sauce It Up: Don’t be shy with the bang bang sauce. Brushing the chicken skewers with sauce both before and during cooking not only adds layers of flavor but also keeps the chicken moist and tender.
4. High Heat: Whether air frying or oven baking, cooking at a high temperature is key to achieving that delightful caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making each bite succulent.
6. Garnish Generously: Garnishes not only add a pop of color for those picture-perfect moments but also enhance the flavors. Don’t skip the lime wedges; a squeeze of lime right before serving can elevate the dish to new heights.
7. Serve Immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer or oven. Serve them hot, drizzled with the extra bang bang sauce and your choice of garnishes for the ultimate eating experience.
8. Customize the Heat: The beauty of homemade bang bang sauce is the ability to tailor the spice level to your liking. Start with the recommended amount of Sriracha, and adjust from there.