Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty bites of grilled chicken coated in a creamy and spicy sauce. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
These skewers are not just delicious; they’re also a hit with friends! I love serving them at gatherings, and I sneaky eat a few before they even hit the table! 😂
Grilling these chicken skewers is a breeze, and the sauce brings the flavor without much fuss. Just whip up the sauce, coat the chicken, and grill away—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean and tender choice. If you’re looking for a substitute, try chicken thighs—they’re slightly juicier. You can also opt for shrimp or tofu if you want a quick change!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative like avocado mayo. I often lean toward Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for sweetness and heat. If you don’t have it, mix honey with some hot sauce! You could also use a store-bought BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust the spiciness by using more or less sriracha. If you want fewer calories, you can try a hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot, which has a milder flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you need a substitution, lemon juice works fine too. Just keep in mind it will have a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky. To keep it juicy, the marinating step is super important—a longer marination (up to two hours) really helps! When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated so you get those nice grill marks.
- Keep the chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Grill over medium heat to avoid overcooking the outside and leaving the inside undercooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached 165°F (75°C); this takes about 10-12 minutes.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor). You’ll need another 10-12 minutes for grilling the skewers. In total, you can expect around 45 minutes to 2 hours for preparation and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious bang bang sauce. Remember to set aside half of the sauce for later to use as a dipping sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the remaining bang bang sauce. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is nicely coated. Once that’s done, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours!
3. Prep and Grill the Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with vegetable oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Now, take your marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so it cooks evenly. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When the skewers are ready, take them off the grill and brush them with the reserved bang bang sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley to add a nice touch. Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be juicier. Just cut them into the same bite-sized pieces, and the grilling time will be similar. Enjoy that extra tenderness!
What If I Don’t Have Sriracha?
No worries! If you’re out of sriracha, you can substitute it with any hot sauce you have on hand, like Frank’s or a chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference to keep the balance of flavors!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to cover it well. When you’re ready to grill, it will soak up even more flavor. Just allow extra time for grilling if the chicken is straight from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold as a salad topping!
