These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super tasty! They feature juicy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a fun kick. Perfect for grilling or in the oven!
You’ll love how simple these are to make. Just thread the chicken onto skewers, whip up the sauce, and get cooking! Perfect for a casual get-together or a weeknight treat! 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast or tofu chunks can be great substitutes for a similar texture!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is essential for creaminess, but you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, a mix of ketchup and sugar can give a similar sweetness.
Sriracha: This is key for heat. For a milder alternative, try using a mild hot sauce or omit it altogether and add black pepper for a bit of spice.
Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley brightens up the dish. If you don’t have either, green onions make a lovely substitute!
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken skewers just right can challenge many. Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly juicy and flavorful:
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers don’t need this step!
- When grilling, keep the heat at medium-high to get a nice char without drying out the chicken. Rotate every 4-5 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking also helps keep them juicy! Enjoy making your skewers!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
- 10-12 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra smokiness or heat
- For garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Extra sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and tasty meal option. In total, you should round up around 35-40 minutes to whip up these delightful skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces. Season the chunks with salt and pepper so they’re flavorful. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and any optional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness according to your preference.
3. Thread the Chicken:
Take your soaked skewers and thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto them. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Preheat Grill or Oven:
If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. For an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
5. Cook the Chicken Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning until the chicken is cooked through and charred nicely (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). If using the oven, bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a bit of char.
6. Brush with Sauce:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers liberally with the Bang Bang sauce on all sides. Let them cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to heat through and caramelize slightly.
7. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat. Drizzle any remaining sauce over them and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds a nice fresh touch!
8. Enjoy:
Serve these warm, alongside extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. They are perfect on their own or enjoyed with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables!
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, spicy, and creamy with a delightful kick—guaranteed to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to fully thaw it first. Thawing is best done overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: place the sealed chicken in cold water for about 1-2 hours until thawed.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
To amp up the spice level, simply add more sriracha or incorporate some chopped fresh chili peppers into the Bang Bang sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or use a mild hot sauce instead. You can also omit it completely if you prefer no heat.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate and thread the chicken onto skewers a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to add the sauce just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
