Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy pieces of chicken are threaded onto sticks and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch!
These skewers are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I love serving them with crunchy veggies and watching everyone enjoy the delicious flavors. It’s always a hit! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for these skewers as it cooks quickly. If you want a change, try thigh meat for a juicier bite, or use shrimp for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: This helps to add flavor and keep the chicken moist. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil works wonderfully, and it has a high smoke point, too.
Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper): These spices give the skewers a robust flavor. Feel free to swap smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder taste or even add cumin for a warm twist.
Mayonnaise: A base for the sauce, it gives creaminess. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or even vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and heat. If you’re in a pinch, try using honey mixed with a bit of hot sauce for a quick substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Skewers Don’t Stick to the Grill?
Grilling can be tricky if the chicken sticks. To prevent this, follow these tips:
- Use cooking oil: Brush the grill grates with oil before heating up.
- Properly preheat: Let your grill reach medium-high heat—this helps sear the chicken and creates those nice grill marks.
- Let it be: Avoid flipping the chicken too early. Wait until you see grill marks forming; this means it’s ready to turn.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for the chicken to marinate. Cooking on the grill will take another 10-12 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour to have your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before starting. This will help prevent them from burning while grilling.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes the chicken tasty and tender!
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a separate bowl. Taste your sauce and add more sriracha if you like it spicier. Set this aside for later.
4. Preheat and Prepare to Grill:
When the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure not to crowd them too much so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally, so they get those nice grill marks and cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them drizzled with the Bang Bang sauce, or set the sauce on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a nice touch!
Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can use beef, pork, or shrimp instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time slightly: beef and pork may take a bit longer, while shrimp cooks faster (about 5-7 minutes on the grill). Always ensure that any meat you use is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you’d like a lighter version, Greek yogurt works great as a mayonnaise substitute and adds a nice tang. You could also use a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based option. Just mix it with the other sauce ingredients as usual!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven to retain the best texture. If you want to freeze them, do so before grilling and cook them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time!
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. This helps the flavors develop even more!
