These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy bites of chicken coated in a tasty, spicy sauce. Quick to make, they are great for a fun dinner or party snack!
Getting your hands on these skewers is a must, especially with their deliciously sweet and spicy kick. I love serving them with some crunchy veggies on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken breast is perfect for these skewers because it cooks relatively quickly and stays juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too as they are flavorful and tender.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. It brings a similar tanginess without the extra fat.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce gives a lovely sweetness and slight heat. You can use homemade sweet chili sauce or if unavailable, a mix of honey and hot sauce can work as a substitute.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust this according to your spice tolerance! If you want less heat, try using ketchup mixed with a dash of hot sauce instead.
Fresh Cilantro: This is used for garnish and adds freshness. If you’re not a fan, green onions or parsley make good alternatives.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken skewers can be a straightforward process if you pay attention to a few key points. Proper marinating, soaking the skewers, and monitoring cooking time are essential steps to get juicy chicken.
- Start by soaking your bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow it to absorb the flavors deeply.
- When grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high. This helps achieve good grill marks and ensures even cooking.
- Cook the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F or 75°C).
Don’t forget to drizzle some reserved sauce over the skewers right after they come off the grill for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. This will be your delicious Bang Bang sauce! Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take about 1/3 of the Bang Bang sauce and set it aside for later. Now, add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is completely coated with sauce. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate it for up to 2 hours.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, take your soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the skewers for extra flavor. Garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro before serving. These skewers are best enjoyed warm, and feel free to serve them with extra dipping sauce on the side. Dig in and enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. If you’re using shrimp, adjust the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes per side, as they cook much faster. For tofu, choose firm or extra-firm, and make sure to press it to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
How Can I Make Bang Bang Sauce Spicier?
If you love heat, try adding more sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also include chopped fresh chilies for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any 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 minutes, or in the microwave for a shorter time. Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for the best flavor!
