Looking for a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and downright irresistible? Try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Tender chicken is marinated to perfection and grilled or baked on skewers, then coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that gives each bite a delightful kick. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, these skewers are a must-try for anyone craving a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re grilling for a party or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will be the star of the show!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They come together in no time, making them perfect for those evenings when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between. The flavor is out of this world, with a spicy kick that adds excitement to your dinner table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish! Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Olive oil: This helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a lovely richness.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
Onion powder: It complements the garlic and adds depth to the marinade.
Smoked paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Mayonnaise: The base of the bang bang sauce, providing creaminess.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a delightful sweetness that balances the heat.
Sriracha: For those who love a spicy kick! Adjust to your taste.
Wooden or metal skewers: Use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning, or metal ones for convenience.
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to the sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, shrimp or tofu can be substituted for the chicken, making this dish versatile for different dietary preferences. You can find the exact quantities of these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken cubes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This marination is crucial; it infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy while grilling. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit longer will deepen the flavors even more!
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is soaking up those delicious spices, it’s time to whip up the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk them together until smooth. This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. Feel free to adjust the sriracha to your liking; if you love heat, go for it! Set the sauce aside for later.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Next, it’s time to get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this part. A well-preheated grill ensures those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear on your chicken!
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Now comes the fun part! Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This spacing allows for even cooking and helps the heat circulate around the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some veggies like bell peppers or onions between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color!
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want to achieve those gorgeous grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and tender, not dry!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them hot, drizzled with the bang bang sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes too!
Tips for Success
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor—up to 2 hours if you can!
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Experiment with different spices in the marinade for a unique twist.
Don’t overcrowd the grill; give each skewer space for even cooking.
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Equipment Needed
Grill or Grill Pan: A traditional grill works best, but a grill pan on the stovetop is a great alternative.
Skewers: Use wooden skewers soaked in water or metal skewers for convenience.
Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing the sauce.
Whisk: Perfect for blending the bang bang sauce smoothly.
Variations
Shrimp Skewers: Swap out chicken for shrimp for a quick-cooking alternative that’s equally delicious.
Tofu Skewers: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Marinate and grill just like the chicken.
Veggie Skewers: Add colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, healthy twist.
Spicy Bang Bang Sauce: Increase the sriracha for a fiery kick, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Herb-Infused Marinade: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro into the marinade for a fresh flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Salad: Pair the skewers with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the bang bang sauce.
Cold Beverages: Enjoy with iced tea or a light white wine to complement the flavors.
Garnish: Add lime wedges and extra herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, it’ll be packed with flavor and ready to go!
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, rice, or even grilled vegetables. The bang bang sauce also makes a great dip for crispy veggies!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is best, you can use thawed frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s completely thawed before marinating for even flavor absorption.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill for best results!
Can I make the bang bang sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter version of the sauce. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is more than just cooking; it’s about creating joyful moments around the dinner table. The aroma of grilled chicken mingling with that spicy bang bang sauce fills the kitchen with warmth and excitement. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these skewers are sure to impress. They’re easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and adaptable to suit everyone’s tastes. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. So grab your skewers and let the grilling adventure begin!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and serve hot with the bang bang sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to the sauce.
You can also substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
