Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave bold flavors. These juicy chicken skewers are marinated for maximum flavor, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and honey. They’re a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, family dinners, or game nights, offering a tantalizing mix of heat and sweetness with every bite.

The first time I made these skewers, they disappeared within minutes. The smoky, charred chicken combined with the rich, tangy sauce was simply addictive. What makes this dish even better is its versatility—you can adjust the level of spice to suit your preference, making it mild for kids or fiery for heat lovers. Pair them with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or a side of rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

These skewers are easy to prepare, with most of the work done in the marinade. Once the chicken soaks up all those bold flavors, grilling takes just a few minutes. The bang bang sauce is the star, bringing everything together with its creamy texture and sweet-spicy kick. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or looking for a fun new dinner idea, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Summer barbecues
• Weeknight dinners
• Game day snacks
• Party appetizers
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here’s why Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will become a favorite at your table:

• Juicy and Flavorful: The marinade ensures every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
• Spicy-Sweet Sauce: The bang bang sauce is the perfect blend of heat and sweetness, bringing the dish to life.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe.
• Versatile: These skewers can be grilled, baked, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste by using more or less chili sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Bamboo or metal skewers

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
• Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: These add umami and a hint of tang to the marinade.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The signature sauce balances spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Adjust the sriracha for your preferred heat level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

Marinate and Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
3. Soak the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Cook the Skewers:

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

7. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
8. Drizzle or Serve as a Dip: Drizzle the sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Dish: Pair with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Appetizer Style: Serve the skewers on a platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.
• In a Wrap: Remove the chicken from the skewers and use it in a wrap with lettuce, cucumber, and extra sauce.
• On a Salad: Top a salad with grilled chicken skewers and drizzle with bang bang sauce.
• With Noodles: Serve over noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
• With Pickled Veggies – Pair with quick-pickled cucumbers, carrots, and radish for a tangy twist.
• On a Flatbread – Add the chicken to a flatbread or naan with arugula, red onion, and a drizzle of yogurt or bang bang sauce.
• As a Bowl – Build a bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and avocado, topped with bang bang sauce.
• Over Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are some tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are perfect every time:

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces cook more evenly.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase the sriracha depending on how spicy you want the sauce.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to retain juices.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, make a double batch—it’s great for dipping or drizzling on vegetables and rice.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are 10 variations you can try for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

1. Shrimp Bang Bang Skewers: Replace chicken with large shrimp for a seafood version.
2. Tofu Bang Bang Skewers: Use tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Spicy Honey Bang Bang Chicken: Add more honey and sriracha for a spicy-sweet combo.
4. Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Add shredded coconut to the sauce for a tropical twist.
5. Thai-Inspired Bang Bang Skewers: Add fresh herbs like cilantro and a splash of fish sauce.
6. Lime-Garlic Bang Bang Chicken: Boost the lime juice and garlic for a citrusy, garlicky flavor.
7. Grilled Pineapple Bang Bang Skewers: Alternate chicken with chunks of fresh pineapple.
8. Peanut Bang Bang Sauce: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
9. Keto Bang Bang Chicken: Use a keto-friendly chili sauce and mayonnaise for a low-carb version.
10. Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Bake the skewers at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.

Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Freezing: You can freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed. Cooked chicken skewers can also be frozen; reheat in the oven.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are some tools that will make preparing your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers easier:

• Grill: An outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan works well for this recipe.
• Bamboo or Metal Skewers: Bamboo for disposable convenience or metal for reusable durability.
• Mixing Bowls: For the marinade and sauce.
• Tongs: For turning the skewers.
• Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken.
• Basting Brush: For adding extra sauce while grilling.
• Zester: For the lime juice and zest in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
   Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
3. What’s a good side dish for these skewers?
   Rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad work beautifully.
4. Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
   Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and easy to customize.
5. How spicy is the sauce?
   It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors. Each skewer is loaded with juicy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings just the right kick of heat. Grilled or baked to perfection, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table.

This versatile dish works great as a satisfying main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, making them perfect for everything from family dinners to backyard parties. Serve with fresh veggies or rice, and watch them disappear fast!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of this ecipe and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your tasty creation! Happy cooking!