Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty little bites that pack a punch! They’re made with juicy chicken pieces coated in a creamy and spicy sauce that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
These skewers are perfect for parties or a cozy dinner. When I make them, I find myself sneaking a few bites before everyone else gets to the table—who can resist that sauce? 😋
I love serving these skewers with a side of fresh veggies or over rice. It’s an easy recipe that brings a lot of flavor with minimal fuss. Enjoy the fun and yummy crunch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for these skewers. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! They tend to be juicier and have more flavor.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute—it adds thickness and protein.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, combine honey with a splash of vinegar for a similar taste!
Sriracha Sauce: For extra heat, Sriracha is perfect! If you like it milder, consider using a chili garlic sauce or even omitting it altogether if spice isn’t your thing.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor; however, you can use lemon juice if limes aren’t available. Just keep that fresh citrus vibe!
Garlic and Ginger Powder: The powders are convenient, but you can also use fresh minced garlic and ginger for a bolder taste. Just use a little more than the powdered version!
How Do I Get the Chicken Skewers Just Right on the Grill?
Getting the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked on the grill can be tricky, but it’s all about preparation and technique. Here are my top tips to help you nail it:
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before using. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Keep marinated chicken in the fridge for at least 30 mins. The longer, the better for flavor!
- When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave small spaces between pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Use a medium-high grill heat for the skewers. This helps achieve nice grill marks without overcooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re done!
After cooking, drizzle with the reserved sauce for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy making these delicious skewers!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to marinate the chicken—and about 15 minutes of cooking time on the grill. Altogether, give yourself around 1 hour to make and enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Set aside half of this sauce in a separate bowl to use later as a dipping sauce for the skewers.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the bowl with the remaining marinade. Toss the chicken until all the pieces are nicely coated with the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Cooking on the Grill:
Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and to have those lovely grilling marks. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat.
5. Finish and Serve:
When the chicken skewers are done cooking, take them off the grill. Drizzle them with the reserved Bang Bang sauce that you saved earlier. Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color!
Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the extra sauce on the side for dipping! They make a great appetizer or a main course! Happy eating!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moisture to your skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust the marinating time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to absorb the flavors.
What if I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts honey and hot sauce (like Sriracha). This will mimic the sweet and spicy profile of the original sauce. You can also add a splash of vinegar for tartness if desired!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes, adding a bit of water to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with vegetable spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal!
