If you are looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that bursts with bold flavors and finger-licking fun, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe will become your new go-to. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken pieces grilled to perfection and coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce make these skewers irresistible at any gathering. It’s a dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is exciting to eat, offering just the right mix of smoky char, tangy heat, and smooth richness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a crucial role, from imparting smoky warmth to balancing spice and sweetness. Carefully selected, these ingredients create a harmony that turns simple grilled chicken into a sensational meal.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and great bite-sized skewers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the smoky paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the grilled character.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the chicken pieces; remember to soak wooden ones to avoid burning.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for sauce): Creates a creamy base for the flavorful bang bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Provides a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings the kick of spice everyone craves in the bang bang flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, helping to mellow the heat.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects a bright, tangy note that lifts the sauce and ties everything together.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces, which helps them cook evenly and ensures each bite is tender. Toss these chicken chunks in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Every piece should be beautifully coated, setting the stage for incredible flavor once grilled.
Step 2: Thread onto Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning later. After soaking, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a tiny gap between each piece to ensure even heat circulation.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lay your skewers across the grill grates. Cook the chicken skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to get an even char and prevent sticking. The chicken should be cooked through with a slight smoky crust on the outside.
Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and well blended. This sauce is the magic touch that brings the whole dish to life—it’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet.
Step 5: Coat or Dip
Once the grilled chicken is ready, brush a generous amount of the bang bang sauce over the skewers or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce. Either way, this finishing step guarantees every bite bursts with irresistible flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and add texture. Try chopped fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled over the skewers for a burst of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a subtle nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are delightfully versatile when it comes to side dishes. For a balanced meal, serve with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sauce. Alternatively, a crisp, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the chicken. Noodles tossed with a light dressing also make for a tasty option that echoes the Asian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve these skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You can also line them up atop lettuce leaves for an interactive wrap style. Another fun presentation is threading colorful vegetables like red peppers and green onions between the chicken pieces for a visually stunning and flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them a perfect quick bite for lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months. When freezing, it’s best to keep the bang bang sauce separate and only add it after reheating to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven or on the grill at low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. After reheating, generously drizzle or brush with fresh bang bang sauce to revive that creamy, spicy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and more forgiving, which means your skewers will be super juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe spicy?
The dish has a nice kick from the sriracha, but the heat level is moderate and balanced by the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of mayonnaise. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
Can I prepare the skewers and sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and skewer the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before for extra flavor. The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, but it’s best to keep it chilled until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No problem! You can cook the skewers under the broiler or in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove. Just watch them carefully to get some nice browning without drying out the chicken.
Are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sweet chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free certified. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines easy preparation with complex, delightful flavors. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer get-together or preparing a tasty weeknight dinner, these skewers bring excitement to the table. Dive in and enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, sweet, and creamy that makes every bite a celebration. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breast pieces grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful main course, these skewers are ideal for summer grilling and pair beautifully with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the pieces are evenly coated.
- Thread chicken onto skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the heated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the chicken is grilling, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve with sauce: Once cooked, brush or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw for a complete meal.
