These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Perfect for your next BBQ!
Honestly, who can resist juicy, grilled chicken with a kick? I love serving these with some fresh veggies for a light meal. They disappear faster than I can make them! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless thighs for more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast is great, while thighs usually yield juicier results. For a twist, try shrimp or tofu for a different protein!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you want a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be a good stand-in. It gives a tangy flavor and fewer calories without losing the creamy texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It’s sweet with a hint of spice. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with a bit of hot sauce. You’ll still get that sweetness with a kick!
Sriracha: This adds heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, try using a little less or even ketchup mixed with hot sauce. I often adjust the amount based on who I’m serving.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Start by marinating the chicken, which helps maintain moisture. Here’s how to grill them perfectly:
- Preheat the grill until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t flip them too often!
- Look for clear juices when you press on the chicken to check doneness.
- Basting with the bang bang sauce toward the end helps keep them juicy and adds flavor.
Let them rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This lets the juices settle back in. Enjoy your succulent skewers!
How to Make Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For Skewering:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes, including 15 minutes for marinating the chicken. If you want to let the chicken marinate longer for extra flavor, you can do so for up to 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. This will give you a deliciously creamy and spicy sauce!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your cubed chicken and place it in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of the bang bang sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor) while you preheat the grill.
3. Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot so the chicken gets a good sear. While the grill heats up, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Once the grill is hot, brush it lightly with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has some nice grill marks.
5. Finish with Bang Bang Sauce:
When the chicken skewers are done, take them off the grill and brush them with the remaining bang bang sauce for extra flavor. Yummy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your skewers with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve immediately alongside extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Enjoy your deliciously spicy, creamy bang bang chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful compared to breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if your thigh pieces are larger.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may separate a bit during storage.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers instead! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as metal skewers may heat up more quickly and cook the chicken faster.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Feel free to ask any other questions you may have about the recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
