These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are full of flavor and super easy to make! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that brings a little kick.
When we fire up the grill, these are always a hit! I love serving them with crunchy veggies for a fresh touch. Plus, they’re great for parties or just a fun dinner at home! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the skewers, I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works too! Feel free to use tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian substitute for those who prefer plant-based meals.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is key to the flavor! Mayonnaise gives it creaminess; Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute. Sweet chili sauce brings sweetness and heat, but you can use any sweet sauce like barbecue or honey mustard if you don’t have it. Adjust the Sriracha for personal spice levels!
Seasonings: A simple mix of salt and pepper enhances the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even cayenne pepper. You can experiment with different herbs like Italian seasoning or lemon zest for a unique twist!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers to perfection requires attention to detail. Start by cutting chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Season generously to enhance flavor. Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning on the grill, ensuring your skewers hold together well.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan well. A hot surface gives nice grill marks and locks in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leaving space between pieces allows for proper cooking and browning.
- Brush on extra sauce during the last minute—this adds flavor and gives a bit of a caramelized finish!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust based on preferred spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an optional marinade time of 15-30 minutes, and about 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you can have your delicious skewers ready in about 30-60 minutes depending on how long you decide to marinate the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and toss them gently until they’re well coated.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and garlic powder (if using) until the mixture is smooth. Set aside about 1/3 cup of this sauce to use for serving later. Use the rest to coat the chicken pieces, ensuring every piece is evenly covered. Let the chicken marinate for 15-30 minutes.
3. Skewer the Chicken Pieces:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
4. Cook the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. In the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with some of the reserved bang bang sauce to caramelize it beautifully.
5. Serve:
Once cooked, arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter. Drizzle or brush with any additional bang bang sauce over the top, and garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve immediately with any leftover bang bang sauce as a dipping option.
Enjoy these juicy, spicy, and creamy chicken skewers as an appetizer or main dish alongside crisp veggies or rice!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—shrimp cooks faster, while beef may require a bit longer depending on the cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want an extra kick, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or add red pepper flakes directly to the chicken before grilling. You can also try marinating the chicken with fresh chopped chili peppers for added heat.
Can I Prepare These Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and skewer it the day before. Just keep the skewers in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This can enhance the flavor even more!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave—just be mindful not to overcook the chicken and dry it out!
