Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are yummy little bites of grilled chicken tossed in a tasty, spicy sauce. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends or family!
These skewers are always a hit at parties, and they cook up quick on the grill. I love making extra sauce for dipping—because who doesn’t love a little extra zing? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using chicken breasts for their lean meat and quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a substitution, boneless thighs work well too and will add extra flavor due to their fat content.
Mayonnaise: This is crucial for creating the creamy texture of the Bang Bang sauce. If you’re avoiding eggs or want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a tangy kick.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet and slightly spicy ingredient, it’s essential for the sauce’s unique flavor. For a homemade version, mix honey with a little chili paste if you’re out.
Sriracha: Adjust this to control spice levels! If you want it milder, go for a bit of ketchup with a dash of hot sauce. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha or a dash of cayenne.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing finish. If you’re not a fan, you could use fresh parsley or chives, though the flavors will differ slightly.
How Do I Marinate Chicken Properly?
Marinating is key for tender and flavorful chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing your marinade, add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. This helps the flavors penetrate.
- Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better. The longer, the more flavor!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge to keep everything fresh.
Marinating brings out the best in your chicken skewers, making each bite deliciously tender! Don’t skip this step if you want mouthwatering results.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust it for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep time and 10-12 minutes for grilling. If you choose to marinate the chicken for extra flavor, allow an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours. So, give yourself a total of up to 2 hours and 45 minutes if you’re marinating, but just about 40 minutes if you’re skipping that step.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers (if using wooden skewers):
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before you start cooking. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined into a smooth sauce. Remember, reserve half of this delicious sauce for serving later!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have a little more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will increase the flavor!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It’s crucial that it’s nice and hot for the chicken to cook evenly and get those yummy grill marks.
5. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done marinating, thread the marinated pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece—this helps them cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they’re cooked through and have those beautiful grill marks. The chicken should be no longer pink in the center.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle them with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor. Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a lovely touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot off the grill! They make a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs are a great substitution as they tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just ensure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. The marinating time remains the same!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or incorporate finely chopped fresh chili peppers into the marinade. Another option is to sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the chicken before grilling for an extra kick!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a simple substitute by blending equal parts honey and soy sauce with a splash of vinegar. This will mimic the sweetness and tanginess needed for the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, drizzling with a bit of extra sauce to keep them moist. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
