Ready to fire up your grill or oven for an explosive flavor experience? Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your go-to recipe for gatherings, quick dinners, or whenever you crave something that’s crispy, saucy, and a little bit spicy. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken threaded onto skewers, marinated until tender, and glazed with a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that brings every bite to life. This dish is a flavor bomb that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, and with just a few pantry staples, you’ll have everyone raving (and reaching for seconds) in no time. Trust me: these skewers are pure joy on a stick!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers comes from simple ingredients that each pack a punch. Every element not only layers in flavor but also brings the texture and vibrance that make this dish pop—so gather everything before you get started!
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): Perfect for skewers, these stay juicy and are easy to cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Greek yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing marinade base and helps the chicken stay moist.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlicky aroma throughout the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and beautiful color to the marinade.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: The sweet hit with a kick of heat, the signature note in every Bang Bang dish.
- Sriracha (or favorite hot sauce): Adjust to taste for spiciness, it’s what gives that addictive zing.
- Honey: Brings a lovely, sticky sweetness that balances out the spice.
- Lime juice: Adds freshness and brightness right at the end.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first, chop your chicken breast into bite-sized cubes so that every skewer gets the ideal ratio of chicken to crispy edges. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade, making sure every piece is generously coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a squeeze of lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust for heat and sweetness as you like; this sauce is what makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers utterly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water to avoid any burnt sticks. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each for even cooking. Try packing each skewer with a uniform number of pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Step 4: Grill or Bake
Preheat your grill (or oven) to medium-high. Place the skewers on a greased grill grates or lined baking sheet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning to get a nice golden char and ensuring the chicken cooks through. You want a slightly crispy outside, and juicy inside—so don’t overcook!
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, brush a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce over each skewer. Let them sizzle for a minute or two more to get extra saucy and sticky. Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping (trust me, you’ll want it!)
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Finish your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a flourish! Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, thin-sliced green onions, and a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top for a burst of color, freshness, and crunch. A final squeeze of lime takes them over the edge.
Side Dishes
These skewers play well with a variety of sides. Serve them atop fluffy jasmine rice, tucked into lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or alongside a bright Asian-style slaw. A simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers into the life of the party. Arrange them upright in a vase or jar for a bouquet effect, stack them over salad bowls for a hearty lunch, or serve mini skewers in lettuce wraps for appetizers. However you serve them, they’re sure to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispiest texture, and only glaze just before serving for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers (without sauce) for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in foil or freeze individually before transferring to a bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing with fresh sauce.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat skewers in the oven or on a grill at 350°F until heated through, about 8–10 minutes. Brush on fresh bang bang sauce just before serving to keep the flavors bright and the coating luscious. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and can be used in place of breasts for even more flavor. Just trim any excess fat and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Is there a dairy-free version of the marinade?
Yes, swap the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or even coconut yogurt. The marinating process will still yield tender, flavorful chicken.
Can I bake these if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! Arrange your skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F, turning once, until cooked through and slightly crispy—usually about 18–20 minutes. Broil them for an extra minute or two if you want more char.
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The beauty of the bang bang sauce is its customization. Start with less sriracha if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more to taste—the sweet chili sauce balances the spice beautifully!
What proteins can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can easily use shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin in place of chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed, and enjoy the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers flavor profile with your protein of choice.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with color, irresistible crunch, and the bold flavors of creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers might just steal your heart as your new favorite weeknight or party dish. If you’re looking for something that brings smiles and seconds, whip up a batch and watch them disappear—trust me, everyone will want the recipe!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that packs a flavorful punch. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a spicy, creamy sauce, then grilled to perfection. The combination of heat from the chili sauce and sweetness from the honey creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken chunks and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Drizzle skewers with prepared sauce before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha sauce in the marinade and sauce.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning on the grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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