Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! They feature juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection, coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
These skewers are super easy to make! They’re perfect for parties or a casual dinner. I love serving them with fresh veggies for a colorful plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for easy skewering and grilling. If you prefer, thigh pieces can be used instead for a juicier result. Both options work well!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo can be great substitutes. They both hold flavor well!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is where the sweetness comes from. If you can’t find this sauce, mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce can give a similar sweet-spicy kick.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If Sriracha isn’t available, any hot sauce will do. You can also skip it entirely for a milder experience.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best for bold flavor. If you’re out, you could use powdered versions, but use less—about a quarter of the amount for each.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping your chicken juicy is all about the marinade and cooking technique. Start by ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade—this adds flavor and moisture.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but two hours will deepen the flavors.
- Preheat your grill; a hot surface helps keep moisture in by quickly searing the outside.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers for even cooking. Leave space between the pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked without being dry.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor). Cooking on the grill will take around 12 minutes. So, get ready for a total time of about 1 hour for everything, including marination!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients until they are nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, take half of the marinade and set it aside in the refrigerator for serving later. Take the rest of the marinade and add the chicken pieces, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give you even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, make sure to preheat it over medium heat as well.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take the pieces out and thread them onto the skewers. Don’t overcrowd them; give each piece a little space so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Look for nice grill marks and make sure the chicken is cooked through.
6. Heat the Reserved Sauce:
While your skewers are grilling, gently reheat the reserved sauce in a small saucepan. Do this on low heat and be careful not to boil it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Now, drizzle the warm reserved sauce over the skewers and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor to your skewers. Just cut them into 1-inch pieces, and adjust the cooking time slightly—it may take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the Sriracha to 2 tablespoons, or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also dab some extra sauce on the finished skewers for a spicy kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, or you can use the microwave, though they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, add the chicken and let it marinate as directed. This can also enhance the flavor!
