Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty bite-sized pieces of chicken grilled to perfection. They’re coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that gives them a nice kick!
These skewers are great for a fun get-together or a simple dinner. I love serving them with extra sauce for dipping—because who doesn’t want more deliciousness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using chicken breast for this recipe due to its lean texture and ability to soak up the marinade flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it out for turkey breast or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise gives a creamy texture to the sauce. If you’re watching calories, you might consider Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute. It’ll still offer creaminess but with a bit more protein!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat. If unavailable, you can make your own by mixing honey with a bit of chili sauce or even use BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance! For a milder alternative, try a little bit of mild hot sauce or even omit it, allowing the sweet chili sauce to shine.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of it, you can substitute lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar for some tang.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to ensuring it’s flavorful and moist. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly in a bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re all coated evenly. Don’t be shy; use your hands!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes is crucial, but for deeper flavor, aim for 2 hours if possible.
- When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave gaps. This allows heat to circulate as they cook, which helps achieve those nice grill marks.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade and Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
You’ll Also Need:
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (you can marinate for up to 2 hours for better flavor). Cooking on the grill takes about 10-12 minutes, making the total time approximately 50-60 minutes, including a little bit of resting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix everything well until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture will be both your marinade and dipping sauce, so let’s get it all set!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, take half of that tasty sauce you just made and set it aside—this will be for dipping later. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the remaining marinade. Stir and mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will stop them from burning on the grill. Get everything prepped, and you’ll be ready to go!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once your chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated pieces of chicken onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so they cook evenly. This is where it starts to look delicious!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on your preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through. You want the chicken to be cooked through and nice and golden with grill marks. To be sure it’s done, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Now, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Thigh Meat Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they remain juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just dice them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and follow the recipe as directed!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. It will still give you that creamy texture and tang. Another option is to use avocado for a rich and nutritious twist.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a day ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just mix in the chicken before you’re ready to cook. This can actually enhance the flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Enjoy them again as a quick snack or meal!
