These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty bites of chicken drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce. They’re perfect for grilling at a cookout or a fun dinner at home!
What’s not to love? You can easily whip these up and impress your friends. I like to serve them with a side of rice or salad, making it a delicious meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best here. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts are leaner. You can also substitute with shrimp or firm tofu for a lighter option.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess while adding a tangy flavor. Vegans can use plant-based mayo!
Sriracha: Adjust the heat by using less sriracha or switching to chili powder for a milder flavor. If you love heat, try adding some extra!
Sweet chili sauce: This is essential for that sweet kick. If it’s unavailable, mix honey with a bit of soy sauce for a makeshift alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers are Juicy and Tender?
To avoid dry chicken, marinating is key! The olive oil not only adds flavor but also locks in moisture. Prep the chicken with oil, seasonings, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the fridge.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat, flipping the skewers to achieve that perfect char.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be opaque and juicy inside.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have mouthwatering chicken skewers that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (black or white) – optional
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – optional
- Metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30-35 minutes. Quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into small, even pieces. Place these pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good toss to ensure each piece is coated in seasoning.
2. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to build those skewers! Take your soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers and thread the chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to space them out slightly – this helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), and soy sauce. Mix until it’s nice and smooth – this creamy sauce is what makes the skewers special!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, turning them occasionally. You want them to be nicely charred and cooked all the way through. Keep an eye on them!
5. Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Now comes the fun part: drizzling those skewers generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
6. Garnish:
For a lovely finish, sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top, along with toasted sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these flavorful skewers immediately while they’re hot! They go perfectly with rice, salad, or your favorite steamed veggies. Enjoy your delicious creation!
This recipe for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a crowd-pleaser that combines juicy grilled chicken with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Recipe?
Yes! While chicken is the classic choice, you can absolutely use shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; shrimp cook quickly, while tofu may need longer marinating.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier or Milder?
To increase the heat, add more sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes directly on the skewers. If you want a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha and omit the crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting it to suit your taste.
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers in advance—just cover them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply grill them from cold; just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave. You might want to add a splash of water to keep them moist while reheating!
