Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a delicious spicy sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
These bites are great for parties or a casual dinner. I love serving them with extra sauce for dipping—because who can resist more sauce? 🎉
Making these skewers is a breeze! Just mix the sauce, coat the chicken, and get grilling. Easy and oh-so-good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I use chicken breast for its lean protein and quick cooking time. If you want dark meat, go for chicken thighs; they’re juicier and packed with flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a minute longer.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise creates a creamy base for the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works really well and adds a nice tang. Similarly, vegan mayo can be used for a plant-based touch.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a mild kick. If unavailable, you can mix a bit of honey with hot sauce or even teriyaki sauce for a twist.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the spice to your comfort level. If you prefer less heat, you can use ketchup or a mild hot sauce. Alternatively, try adding a bit of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice works too if you’re in a pinch. You could also substitute with lemon juice for a similar taste.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
The key to great chicken skewers is even cooking and flavor infusion. Start by marinating the chicken, which not only boosts flavor but also keeps it tender. Aim to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; more time equals more flavor!
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get those nice grill marks.
- Ensure the wooden skewers are soaked for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Thread chicken pieces carefully, avoiding overcrowding, so they can cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the chicken, turning every few minutes until it’s no longer pink in the middle and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
After grilling, remember to brush on the reserved sauce for extra flavor and a glossy finish. Enjoy your skewers warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (or up to 2 hours if you want more flavor). Cooking time on the grill is roughly 10-12 minutes. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to 2 hours to enjoy these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Remember to set aside half of this sauce for serving later!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the sauce (not the reserved half!). Toss the chicken well to ensure every piece is coated in the savory sauce. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you’d like a richer flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This will give your chicken those delicious grill marks and help it cook evenly.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally to get that nice golden color on all sides. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and has lovely grill marks!
6. Add Final Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Brush them with the reserved sauce for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the skewers with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately. Don’t forget to offer the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Just adjust grilling time as needed; shrimp will cook faster, while veggies may take a bit longer depending on their size.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey with a splash of vinegar and a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. Alternatively, a mix of barbecue sauce and a bit of sugar works well too for a sweet kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to toss the chicken in the marinade closer to grilling time for the best flavor infusion.
