Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fun, tasty bites! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in!
Each bite is packed with flavor that makes your taste buds dance. I love serving them with a cool dipping sauce on the side—it’s a great hit with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breast works too, but it can be drier. If you’re vegetarian, try marinating tofu or tempeh instead!
Mayonnaise: This acts as a creamy base for the marinade. For a healthier option, consider Greek yogurt or even avocado for creaminess without the calories. You can also use vegan mayo if you’re going plant-based.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and spice. Can’t find it at the store? You can mix honey with a bit of hot sauce or make a quick homemade version with sugar, vinegar, and pepper flakes.
Sriracha: It adds a lovely kick! Adjust it based on your spice preference. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip it or try a milder hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot.
Cilantro: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish! If you dislike cilantro, parsley or green onions are great alternatives.
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken on skewers may seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to get it just right! Make sure your grill is preheated well to create nice grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat, turning occasionally until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the skewers rest a few minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. After that, grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s smooth and blended. This tasty marinade will give your chicken plenty of flavors!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and mix until they’re evenly coated. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more flavor, up to 2 hours. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, take your grill or grill pan and preheat it to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and have beautiful grill marks.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, it’s time to put it all together! Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for better grilling.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to get nice grill marks and cook thoroughly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy! Finally, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a side of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with fresh cilantro for a lovely garnish!
Enjoy your sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just note that breasts can be drier, so be careful not to overcook them. Grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and remain juicy!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of Sriracha in the marinade or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can also serve your skewers with a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge and use a covered container to prevent any spills or odors from spreading.
How to Properly Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave them in short intervals until warmed through.
