Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! These juicy chicken bites are coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Perfect for grilling or oven-baking!
They make a great snack for parties or a quick dinner. I love stacking them high on a plate, and then pretending I’m a chef on a cooking show! 🍗🎉 You’ll enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you want a different taste, try boneless thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the marinade. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star for flavor, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with a bit of hot sauce for a homemade version.
Sriracha: Adjust it according to your heat preference. If you need something milder, try using a mild chili paste or simply omit it.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger really elevate the dish. If fresh isn’t available, a pinch of garlic powder and ground ginger can work in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers are Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken skewers juicy, marinating is key! Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but if you can prepare it the night before, that’s even better for maximum flavor. The marinade not only adds taste but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Mix all marinade ingredients well. Toss chicken to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate.
- Soaking skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill. Just remember to do this for about 30 minutes before use.
- If grilling, preheat your grill well. An adequately hot grill gives you that great sear and grill marks.
- Turn the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Skewering and Garnishing:
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another hour for marinating the chicken. If you decide to marinate the chicken overnight, it’ll be even tastier! Cooking on the grill or in the oven will take about 20 minutes total. So, in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 35 minutes, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remember to set aside half of this delicious sauce for dipping later!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around so every piece gets coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; if you have more time, letting it sit overnight will give you even more flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling or Baking:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you prefer baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything is nice and hot when the chicken hits the heat!
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space in between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill or Bake the Skewers:
Place the skewers on your grill and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re fully cooked and have lovely grill marks. If you’re baking, arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked through, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved marinade for dipping, and sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this tasty treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as follows: shrimp cooks quickly (about 2-3 minutes per side), beef might need longer depending on thickness, and tofu should be pressed and marinated similarly before grilling.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but it’s best if you let it sit for about 4-6 hours or even overnight for extra flavor. Just be careful not to marinate too long (more than 24 hours) as the acidity from the lime juice can start to change the texture of the chicken.
What if I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers instead, which don’t require soaking. Alternatively, you could make a stir-fry with the marinated chicken in a pan if skewers aren’t available.
How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Store leftovers 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 10-15 minutes or microwave for a minute or so until heated through. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or meal!
