Get ready to fall in love with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors all threaded onto tender grilled chicken cubes. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines the satisfying char of grilled chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these skewers offer an irresistible punch of flavor and a colorful presentation you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but powerful, the ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe come together with ease, each bringing an essential dimension to the dish. From the juicy chicken breasts to the tangy and spicy sauce, everything works perfectly to create layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the chicken for grilling and keeps it tender.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a fragrant, savory kick to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth and rich color to the meat.
- Wooden or metal skewers: If wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce for smooth richness.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Sweetness and mild heat that balances the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adjust to taste for your preferred spice level.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a natural sweetness to mellow the heat.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Gives a bit of tang and brightness to the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tender results. Then toss the pieces in olive oil along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning mix is key to building scrumptious flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Once seasoned, thread the chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them beforehand so they don’t char on the grill. Getting the pieces snug on the skewers helps with turning and grilling evenly.
Step 3: Preheat and Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures you’ll get a nice sear and those gorgeous grill marks without drying out the chicken. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to cook the meat through and develop a light char.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken grills, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce brings the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe to life with its creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy profile.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, brush the skewers generously with your Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it over the top. Don’t be shy with the sauce—its bold flavors are the ultimate complement to the smoky grilled chicken.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. Sprinkle some crushed peanuts for an extra crunchy texture and an additional layer of nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine when served with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed basmati to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Alternatively, a crisp, refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette offers a delightful contrast in texture and brightness to this vibrant dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or thin rice paper wraps so guests can assemble little wraps themselves. You can also cut the chicken off the skewers and toss them with extra sauce over a bowl of noodles or greens for a casual, hands-on meal that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
To freeze, remove chicken from skewers and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. The Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe components freeze well separately, but sauce is best added after thawing to maintain its creamy texture. Frozen chicken pieces can last up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven to preserve juiciness and avoid drying out the meat. Then add a fresh drizzle of the Bang Bang sauce after warming to revive that vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but be sure to trim any excess fat and adjust grilling time to ensure they cook through without drying.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it milder?
The spiciness mostly comes from the sriracha, so feel free to decrease or omit it to suit your taste. The sweet chili sauce and honey also help balance out the heat for a pleasant kick without overwhelming burn.
Can I grill these skewers indoors?
Yes, a grill pan works beautifully on the stovetop. Just preheat it well to get those char marks and turn the skewers often to cook evenly without burning.
Are the skewers gluten-free?
Yes! This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just double-check your sauces to ensure no hidden gluten additives if you are strictly avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to bring it back to creamy perfection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both straightforward and bursting with flavor, you really can’t go wrong with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. Every bite offers that satisfying char and creamy kick you crave. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going straight into your favorite recipes rotation. Grab your skewers and sauce ingredients and get ready to impress everyone at your table!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature tender, juicy chicken cubes grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for summer grilling, this Asian-inspired main course offers a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible dish to serve at gatherings or as a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken evenly with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to fully coat each piece with flavor.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, distributing the pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve light char marks. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked and juicy.
- Mix Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Coat and Serve: After grilling, brush the chicken skewers generously with the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter sauce option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
- These skewers pair wonderfully when served over steamed rice or with a fresh, crunchy slaw.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
