Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty bites of chicken grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy sauce. They’re fun, easy to eat, and packed with flavor!
These skewers are a hit at any gathering! I love serving them with fresh veggies on the side. So, get ready for some fun finger food—your friends will be asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cutting into bite-sized pieces. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast can work too, or for a vegetarian take, try cubed tofu or tempeh.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient helps in creating a creamy texture for the sauce. If you want a lighter option or are vegan, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a bit of zing. If you can’t find it, you can make a quick version using ketchup and a little vinegar with sugar, or opt for hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
Sriracha: Adjust to taste! If you’re not a fan of heat, you can replace it with a mild hot sauce or simply use more sweet chili sauce. For a kick without the heat, try adding a little smoked paprika instead.
How Do I Perfectly Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Combine the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix really well.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge; 1-2 hours is ideal for fuller flavor.
- If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes can help, but do try to allow for longer if you can.
By marinating, the spices penetrate the meat, making every bite more flavorful. And don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! Adding a touch of cumin or smoked paprika can give a nice twist.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for marination, plus around 20 minutes for preparation and cooking. So, plan for about 50 minutes total, allowing extra time if you can marinate the chicken in the fridge for a couple of hours for more flavor. Delicious and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by taking a large bowl and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated and the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours if you have time.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grab another bowl. In it, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is nice and smooth. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more sriracha! Make sure to set aside some of this delicious sauce for drizzling on top later.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take your skewers and start threading the chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly. This will help them get that nice char on the grill!
4. Grill the Skewers:
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, and brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place your chicken skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. You can cut a piece open to check if it’s no longer pink inside.
5. Serve:
Once your skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill. Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top for a burst of flavor, and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley as a garnish to make it look pretty!
6. Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers warm. They make a great appetizer or can be enjoyed as a main dish with your favorite sides. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, pork, or tofu as a substitute. If using shrimp, make sure to adjust the cooking time to around 5-7 minutes, as shrimp cooks much faster. For tofu, press and cube it, then marinate and cook as directed, ensuring it gets nice and crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ketchup and a splash of vinegar. This blend will give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the recipe!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain that juicy texture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance! Just refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. If the sauce thickens while stored, stir in a little bit of water or more mayonnaise to reach your desired consistency before using.
