These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat full of flavor! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a fun kick.
What I love most is how simple they are to make! Just grill the skewers and impress your family or friends at dinner. It’s like a flavor party on a stick! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. However, chicken breasts work too! If you need a lighter option, turkey breast is another great choice.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is traditional for creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute for a lighter dip. You can also use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
Sriracha: If you’re not a fan of spicy, reduce the sriracha or swap it with a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce alone. For extra heat, add more if you dare!
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: If it’s unavailable, you can make a quick version using sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes mixed together. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll do in a pinch!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is in the marinating and cooking. Make sure you season your chicken with salt and pepper and let it rest in olive oil for at least 30 minutes. This helps the spices penetrate and keep the chicken tender.
- Soak the skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- Grill on medium-high heat—this cooks the chicken evenly and builds a lovely char.
- Don’t overcook! Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8-10 wooden or bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 10-12 minutes to grill. In total, expect about 30 minutes before you can enjoy these scrumptious skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix it well to ensure all the pieces are coated evenly.
2. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced out. This will help them cook evenly. Set the skewers aside for now.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until you have a smooth sauce. Taste it and adjust the spice or sweetness to fit your preference—yum!
4. Preheat Your Grill:
Heat up a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to cook through and to develop nice char marks.
6. Brush with Bang Bang Sauce:
Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and brush them generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Save some sauce for later use!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Put the chicken skewers on a serving plate and sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the remaining Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your flavorful skewers warm! These are perfect as a fun appetizer or a delightful main dish for the family.
These skewers offer a delicious balance of smokiness from grilling and a creamy, sweet-spicy tang from the Bang Bang sauce, making them perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun family dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and cut them into 1-inch cubes, similar to the breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you’d like a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version if preferred!
How Do I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or in the microwave, adding a splash of the Bang Bang sauce to keep them moist!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld even better overnight, making it extra delicious!
