Get ready to fall in love with Bang Bang Chicken Skewersโa dish thatโs pure magic for your taste buds. Imagine juicy, grilled pieces of chicken threaded onto skewers, kissed by smoky grill marks, and then drenched in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce thatโs impossible to resist. With this recipe, youโll have a party-friendly favorite thatโs just as welcome at summer cookouts as it is on your weeknight dinner table. Whether you serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as an appetizer, main course, or a fun snack, they are bound to steal the show!
Ingredients Youโll Need
The ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are refreshingly simple, but each one plays a starring role in building big flavors and irresistible textures. With a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken, youโll have everything you need to whip up the most crowd-pleasing skewers!
- Chicken breast or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless meat, cut into bite-sized chunks for maximum juiciness and easy skewering.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami boost and helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance out the heat and makes for gorgeous caramelized edges on the grill.
- Garlic powder: Gives a punchy savoriness that seasons each bite from the inside-out.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but crucialโthese basics round out and enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Keeps everything moist, helps the marinade stick, and ensures golden, juicy results.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the bang bang sauceโit mellows and brings everything together.
- Sriracha or chili sauce: Delivers the signature kick and bold color of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds tangy-sweet complexity and gorgeous glossy finish to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar or lime: A splash of acid brightens the dressing and balances the richness.
- Scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds: Optional but highly encouraged for fresh flavor and a pretty presentation at serving time.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for easy grilling and irresistible โgrab-and-eatโ fun!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same speed. Toss the chicken in a bowl with soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge) to let all those savory-sweet flavors soak in and keep the meat deliciously juicy once grilled.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha (or your favorite chili sauce), sweet chili sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust until you have your dream balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet. This is the magic sauce that turns simple chicken skewers into Bang Bang Chicken Skewersโdonโt skimp!
Step 3: Assemble Your Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so the flames can reach all sides. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully charred at the edges and cooked through. Donโt overcookโitโs all about juicy, slightly caramelized bites!
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
Once the skewers are off the grill, brush or drizzle them generously with your homemade bang bang sauce. If youโre feeling extra, serve even more of the sauce on the side for dipping! Now watch everyoneโs eyes light up as they dig into these saucy, vibrant Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
For a fresh, irresistible finish, sprinkle your skewers with sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, or a scatter of toasted sesame seeds. These colorful garnishes add bursts of flavor and texture, taking your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers from great to unforgettably gorgeous.
Side Dishes
Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers alongside fluffy jasmine rice, crisp veggie slaws, or a punchy cucumber salad. For an easy party spread, lay out a platter with crisp lettuce cups, sweet pickled veggies, and extra bang bang sauce so everyone can build their own bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really impress, try threading veggies like bell peppers or pineapple chunks between the chicken for bursts of color and flavor. Or, arrange the cooked skewers in a fan shape on a big platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and scatter with herbsโBang Bang Chicken Skewers steal the show at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator. Theyโll keep for up to 3 days, and the flavors just keep getting better as they mingle!
Freezing
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers freeze beautifully! Simply cool them completely, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for the freshest flavor when youโre ready to serve again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the skewers in a 350ยฐF oven or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a fresh drizzle of bang bang sauce after reheating, and your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will taste just-made again!
FAQs
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken Skewers instead of grilling them?
Absolutely! Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, bake at 425ยฐF for about 18โ20 minutes, turning halfway. The broiler can help add a bit of that signature char if you finish them off for a minute or two.
What makes the bang bang sauce so special?
Bang bang sauce is all about contrasts: cool, creamy mayo meets the fiery kick of sriracha and the sweet tang of chili sauce. Together, they wrap every bite of chicken in irresistible, crave-worthy flavor!
Is there a dairy-free version of the recipe?
Yes! Swap regular mayonnaise for your favorite dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are naturally dairy-free, so this simple switch makes the whole dish suitable for anyone avoiding dairy.
Can I use other proteins or vegetables on the skewers?
Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or even just hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers pair perfectly with bang bang sauce. Mix and match for a colorful, protein-packed skewer platter.
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The spice level is totally up to youโadd more or less sriracha to dial the heat up or down. Taste the sauce as you mix to find your perfect level of zing.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed favorite that youโll find yourself making again and again. Give them a tryโyouโll love how easy, versatile, and downright delicious they turn out every single time!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 skewers) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a bold, flavorful appetizer featuring tender grilled chicken threaded onto skewers, brushed with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Easy enough for busy weeknights and show-stopping at parties, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs (about 650g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Soak and Thread the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired. Set aside half the sauce for serving.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 8โ10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Brush with Sauce: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with some of the Bang Bang sauce, turning to coat both sides and allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with cilantro or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with the reserved Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
- Feel free to adjust the sriracha for more or less heat.
- Double the recipe for a party platterโjust grill in batches.
- Bake the skewers in a 425ยฐF oven if you donโt have a grill.
- Try adding bell pepper or onion pieces on the skewers for color and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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