Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty bites of tender chicken coated in a creamy and spicy sauce. They’re grilled to perfection, making them a real crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
I love how easy they are to make on a weeknight. Just mix, marinate, and grill! Plus, they’re perfectly delightful with a side of fresh veggies. Get ready for finger-licking fun! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe for their tenderness. You can use thighs for more flavor, or if you’re in a pinch, even shrimp or tofu can work well as a substitute for a different twist.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient gives a creamy base to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt is a great choice. It’ll keep the creaminess without all the calories.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a nice sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with a little bit of hot sauce to mimic the taste. Just adjust to your preferred sweetness.
Sriracha Sauce: I love using sriracha for its kick. You can substitute it with any hot sauce you like, or even leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Well-Cooked?
The secret to juicy chicken skewers lies in marinating and grilling techniques. Marinate your chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes; this enhances flavor and moisture. When grilling, proper heat is crucial.
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear on the chicken.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers, leaving space. This promotes even cooking.
- Brush the grill with olive oil, which reduces sticking and adds a bit of flavor.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For Grilling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Once you’re ready to grill, it will take another 10-15 minutes. So, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes total for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Save half of this yummy sauce for later—it’s going to be used for drizzling when the skewers are ready!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the remaining sauce. Toss everything together until all the chicken is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Carefully take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Leave a little space in between each piece to let them cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to stop the chicken from sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for those nice grill marks and make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once your chicken skewers are cooked, take them off the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers while they’re warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp usually cooks faster, while pork will need to be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the marinade. You can also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Just keep in mind to adjust to your taste preference!
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just cover the bowl tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to grill, bring the chicken to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for even grilling.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to keep them tender without drying out. Enjoy them cold in a salad for a refreshing meal, too!
