When summer evenings roll around, I find myself craving meals that are not just delicious but also backyard-friendly. That’s how I stumbled upon Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—a dish that marries juicy, marinated chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. The moment those skewers hit the hot grill, the sizzle and the mouthwatering aroma fill the air, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Perfect for a family dinner, an outdoor gathering with friends, or even a spontaneous weeknight treat, these skewers are an exciting shift from the usual fast food routine. The mix of spices and the rich Bang Bang sauce brings a delightful contrast to the tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser that impresses every time. Ready to make your own memorable meal? Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!
Why are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers so special?
Full of Flavor: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce infuses each bite with a delicious kick that you’ll crave again and again.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer BBQs, these skewers impress friends and family alike, sparking joy at any gathering!
Quick to Make: In just 35 minutes, you can serve mouthwatering skewers that taste like you’ve slaved away in the kitchen.
Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a family dinner or a fancy get-together, these skewers fit right in!
Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean anyone can whip these up without culinary stress.
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – 2 lbs for juicy, tender bites that soak up flavor beautifully.
• Olive oil – 1 Tbsp to keep your chicken moist and enhance its grilled flavor.
• Salt – 1 tsp to elevate the overall taste of your Bang Bang chicken skewers.
• Paprika – 1 tsp adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to your dish.
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp brings that essential savory note which a great chicken needs.
• Black pepper – 1/2 tsp to add a mild heat and round out the flavor profile.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup serves as the creamy base that balances the heat perfectly.
• Sweet chili sauce – 1/4 cup sweetens the mix and adds depth to your sauce.
• Sriracha – 2 1/2 tsp gives that spicy kick which makes Bang Bang chicken skewers irresistible!
• Lime juice – 2 tsp provides a zesty freshness that brightens the flavors.
For the Garnish
• Green onion – 1/4 cup sliced enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh crunch to the final dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
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Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and silky. Set aside or refrigerate for later use.
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Cut the Chicken: Slice the boneless skinless chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place them into a large mixing bowl to hold all that juicy goodness.
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Season the Chicken: Add olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to the chicken cubes. Mix well until every piece is evenly coated. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours.
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Soak the Skewers: Take wooden skewers and soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes. This prevents burning and ensures they hold the chicken beautifully.
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Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are spaced evenly. This way, each piece gets that lovely grill char!
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to avoid sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes on one side.
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Flip and Grill: Carefully flip the skewers and grill for another 4–5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is perfectly charred.
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Brush with Sauce: During the last minute of grilling, generously brush the Bang Bang sauce onto the skewers. Let it sizzle and caramelize for a delightful finish before removing from the grill.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the skewers to a beautiful serving platter, drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce if desired, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!
Optional: Serve with extra lime wedges for a refreshing zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen on busy days! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the sauce ingredients and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Then, cut the chicken, season, and let it marinate in the fridge for the same duration (this enhances the flavors beautifully). When you’re ready to cook, soak the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, thread the chicken onto the skewers, and grill them for about 8–10 minutes until fully cooked. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with minimal effort and just as delightful flavor!
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
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Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for 1-2 hours; this step enhances the overall flavor and tenderness of the meat.
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Soak Skewers Well: Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers for 10-15 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your chicken intact.
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Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and delicious results.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Avoid overcrowding your grill with skewers; this ensures even cooking and allows for that lovely char you’re aiming for.
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Brush Sauce at the Right Time: Apply the Bang Bang sauce during the last minute of grilling for a caramelized finish that brings out the best flavors.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Variations
Unlock your creativity in the kitchen by exploring these delicious twists!
- Spicy Thai: Add chopped Thai chilies for an extra spicy kick that will satisfy heat lovers.
- Honey Garlic: Swap out sriracha for honey and minced garlic for a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s simply addictive.
- Zesty Citrus: Mix lime juice with lemon and orange for a refreshing citrus burst that brightens each bite.
- Vegetarian Option: Use marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a delightful meatless alternative that’s equally satisfying.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for an alluring depth of flavor with every bite.
- Peanut Sauce Drizzle: Top your finished skewers with a drizzle of homemade or store-bought peanut sauce for a nutty twist.
- Herb Infusion: Toss chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley into the marinade to introduce vibrant greens and layered flavors.
- Sweet Mango: Dice fresh mango and add it to the skewers for a sweet and juicy contrast that melds beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.
Let your culinary imagination run wild as you give these variations a try—each bite will be a delightful surprise!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Imagine the vibrant flavors of your backyard BBQ coming to life with perfect accompaniments that elevate your dining experience.
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Crispy Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that balances the spicy skewers, adding a cool and tangy contrast to every bite.
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Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob: Juicy and sweet, this classic side perfectly complements the bold flavors of the chicken while providing a delightful burst of sunshine with each bite.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with herbs adds warmth and texture, soaking up the extra Bang Bang sauce for an irresistible combination.
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Grilled Vegetable Medley: Colorful veggies grilled to perfection bring out natural sweetness and add a lovely charred flavor, enhancing the overall feast.
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Spicy Mango Salsa: The heat from the salsa mingles beautifully with the creamy Bang Bang sauce, while the sweetness of mango adds a refreshing twist.
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Cold Sparkling Lemonade: This effervescent drink is a delightful palate cleanser, balancing the richness of the dish and keeping your guests refreshed.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, this warm, gooey treat offers a rich finale to your meal, leaving everyone craving more of that sweet indulgence to perfectly wrap up a memorable BBQ event.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Room Temperature: Serve Bang Bang chicken skewers immediately after grilling for the best flavor. They should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked Bang Bang chicken skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, avoiding the microwave to maintain their texture.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs, as they remain juicy and tender during grilling. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they might require a bit more attention to avoid drying out.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let them cool to room temperature before sealing to preserve their texture.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the cooked Bang Bang chicken skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my skewers are burning on the grill?
If your skewers are burning, it’s likely that your grill is too hot or the skewers weren’t soaked long enough. Try lowering the grill heat to medium and make sure to soak your wooden skewers for at least 10-15 minutes to reduce burning. If you’re facing consistently burning, consider using metal skewers which can handle higher heat without burning.
Can I use a different sauce instead of the Bang Bang sauce?
Definitely! While the Bang Bang sauce adds a unique flavor, you could use barbecue sauce or a teriyaki glaze for a different yet delicious option. Just remember to adjust the flavorings according to your preference for spice or sweetness!
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Be mindful of any allergies when making Bang Bang chicken skewers. This recipe contains common allergens, including mayo (which contains eggs) and sriracha (contains chili). You can easily modify by using an egg-free mayo and adjusting the spice level to cater to your guests’ needs. Always double-check labels if you’re accommodating someone with a specific allergy!
Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for Your Next BBQ
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and silky. Set aside or refrigerate for later use.
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the boneless skinless chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Season the Chicken: Add olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to the chicken cubes. Mix well until every piece is evenly coated. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours.
- Soak the Skewers: Take wooden skewers and soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Flip and Grill: Grill for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is perfectly charred.
- Brush with Sauce: During the last minute of grilling, generously brush the Bang Bang sauce onto the skewers.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter, drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce if desired, and sprinkle with sliced green onions.