Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fun and tasty bites of juicy chicken on a stick! They’re coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that gives them a nice kick.
These skewers are perfect for grilling or baking, making them super easy for any gathering. I love pairing them with fresh veggies for a colorful and delicious meal! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative; they’ll stay juicier and add more flavor to the skewers.
Mayonnaise: This forms the base of your sauce, bringing creaminess. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter option or a tangy twist.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds that signature sweet kick. If you can’t find it, try mixing honey with a little hot sauce for a similar taste and consistency.
Sriracha: It’s all about the heat! You can switch it for any hot sauce you like, or leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Fresh Herbs: For garnish, parsley or cilantro brighten up the dish. If you’re not a fan of either, green onions or basil can make a delicious alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Skewers Are Tender and Juicy?
To get perfectly tender and juicy chicken skewers, focus on marinating and cooking correctly. The marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps keep it moist during cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply.
- Grill on medium-high heat. Too high can char the outside before the inside is cooked, so find that sweet spot!
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks, which adds flavor.
Lastly, letting the skewers rest before serving helps the juices redistribute—don’t skip this step for juicy bites!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate in the fridge. After marinating, you’ll need around 15 minutes to grill the chicken. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour for the entire process, including prep and cook time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. Set aside half of this delicious sauce for later to serve with the skewers.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you’re planning ahead, let it marinate overnight for even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. After skewering, discard any leftover marinade that was on the chicken.
4. Cooking the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so that they get nicely browned and have those lovely grill marks. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
5. Serving:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the skewers and sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Serve them warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken tenders for quick grilling!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’d like to make this lighter or need a substitute, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in place of mayonnaise. It will add a tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use sour cream or a vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on a pan over medium heat, making sure they are warmed through!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you want to reduce the heat, simply cut back on the sriracha. You can also add more sweet chili sauce to enhance the sweetness without increasing the spice. For extra heat, consider adding more sriracha or even red pepper flakes to your marinade!
