Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fun, tasty bites of grilled chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they bring a party to your plate!
I love how juicy and flavorful these skewers are. Pair them with a side of veggies and you’ve got a meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist—just watch out for the sauce, it’s addictive! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a juicy alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. It adds a tangy flavor while keeping the dish moist.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is essential for the signature sweetness. If you can’t find it, you can mix equal parts honey and ketchup for a simple substitute, although it may lack the same zing.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat by using less or more sriracha according to your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder hot sauce or even just red pepper flakes.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens flavors! If you don’t have lime, lemon juice is a good alternative that will work nicely.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked on Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers is about timing and temperature. To ensure they cook perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill seals in moisture and creates those lovely grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Be mindful of how close the chicken pieces are on the skewer. Leaving space helps them cook evenly.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps retain juices for tender chicken.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus marinating time of at least 30 minutes—longer if you can wait! It will require about 10-15 minutes of grilling time. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour for marination and cooking combined. Perfect for a weekend dinner or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this marinade for later use when serving.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2-3 hours) to let the flavors soak in.
3. Prepare the Skewers and Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to reduce the risk of burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take the pieces out and thread them onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. It’s all about that grill goodness!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Brush some vegetable oil on the grill to prevent the skewers from sticking. Place your chicken skewers on the grill and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be cooked through and have those lovely grill marks! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve the Skewers:
Once they’re done, lift the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved sauce you set aside earlier and sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Now dig in and enjoy your spicy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor to the skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey and a splash of hot sauce for sweetness and heat. Alternatively, you can use a homemade version by combining equal parts of sugar and vinegar, adding garlic and chili flakes to taste.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Definitely! If grilling isn’t an option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
