Get ready to fall in love with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe—a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together juicy, char-grilled chicken and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. Every bite is loaded with bold flavors and a touch of heat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lively gatherings. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using a stovetop pan, these vibrant skewers promise to steal the show and leave you reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is its simple, accessible ingredients—each one playing a key role in delivering layers of flavor, tenderness, and visual appeal. You won’t need anything fancy, just a handful of staples that work together harmoniously.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender bites; thighs add extra richness, while breasts are lean and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: A light coating ensures the chicken stays moist and gets a lovely char while grilling.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild, savory backbone, infusing the chicken with subtle depth that complements the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and earthiness that balances the sweeter elements.
- Wooden skewers: Make sure to soak them if grilling so they don’t burn—you can also use metal skewers if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings zesty sweetness and a hint of tang, giving the sauce its signature flavor.
- Sriracha: For a customizable kick—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the heat and acidity.
- Rice vinegar (optional): A splash of tang to brighten the sauce and cut through the richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Skewer the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl, then drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. This quick marinade not only seasons the chicken but also helps keep it juicy on the grill. Thread the chicken onto your soaked skewers, spacing the pieces just enough so they’ll cook evenly and get those irresistible grill marks.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar if you’re using it. The result is a velvety, sweet-heat sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. Split the sauce in half—half for brushing during grilling, half for dipping or drizzling when serving. Trust me, you’ll want extra!
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lay the skewers across the hot grates, listening for that satisfying sizzle. Grill the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets golden and lightly charred. During the last few minutes, generously brush the chicken with your reserved Bang Bang sauce, letting it caramelize into a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Sauce and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the grill. Arrange them on a platter and either drizzle with more Bang Bang sauce or serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine! Classic toppings like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and a bit of crunch, while a handful of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten up the whole dish. The finishing touches make the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe truly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside crisp lettuce leaves for DIY lettuce wraps or with a tangy Asian-style slaw that contrasts beautifully with the spicy-sweet chicken. Roasted veggies or cucumber salad also make fantastic accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Stand the skewers upright in a tall glass for a playful appetizer presentation, or layer them over a platter of colorful salad greens for a light lunch. You can even tuck the chicken into warm tortillas or pita for a fusion-style wrap—this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is as versatile as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the skewers cool to room temperature. Remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep extra sauce in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture and punchy flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, simply take the cooked, cooled chicken off the skewers and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Freezing the sauce isn’t recommended, as it may separate, so whip up a fresh batch for serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Once warmed through, toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce and serve as you like.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or even broil the skewers in the oven. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and turn them every few minutes for even cooking and a lovely char.
Is there a way to make this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or use a milder hot sauce. You can also add a little extra honey or mayonnaise to mellow out the heat without losing any flavor.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Definitely. The Bang Bang sauce can be mixed up to 3 days ahead and kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using, and it’ll be ready to go when you fire up the grill.
What’s the best way to soak wooden skewers?
To prevent burning, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the chicken. You can even prep them the night before and leave them in water in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use other proteins in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again for its unbeatable flavor, simple prep, and showstopping presentation. Whether you’re hosting friends or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, give it a try—you’re in for a treat!
