Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super tasty and fun! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled until they’re perfectly charred. Yum!
These skewers are a party favorite in my house. We love to dip them in extra sauce—who can resist that? Perfect for BBQs or just a cozy night in! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can work too! They add more flavor and won’t dry out as easily.
Mayonnaise: This is a key base for the sauce, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier option. This change gives a tangy flavor while still keeping the sauce creamy.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and heat. If you don’t have it, a mix of honey with regular chili sauce can mimic the flavor. Adjust to taste based on your preference!
Sriracha: You can control the heat with sriracha. If you want it milder, try a touch of barbecue sauce or omit it. For an extra kick, use chili garlic sauce.
Rice Vinegar: If rice vinegar isn’t available, apple cider vinegar works as a good substitute, though it might be a bit stronger. You can also use lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly?
To get perfectly cooked skewers, spacing the chicken pieces is crucial. Leave a little gap between each piece on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
- Before cooking, make sure your grill is heated to medium-high. This helps achieve that nice char without burning the chicken.
- Cook the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that each piece reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade and Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including 1 hour for marinating the chicken. The actual grilling time is around 10-15 minutes. So you can have delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and olive oil. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. Remember to save about 1/4 cup of this mixture for serving later.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even better flavor!
3. Prep and Grill the Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they have soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a nice char all around. Keep an eye on the chicken; it should be fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once grilled, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even leftover cooked chicken to save time. If using cooked chicken, just marinate for about 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, honey or agave for sweet chili sauce, and any hot sauce if sriracha isn’t available. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can also serve them cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Bake These Skewers Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
