If you love bold flavors that pack a punch and chicken that stays juicy and tender, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining succulent grilled chicken thighs with a luscious, creamy bang bang sauce that hits just the right balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, these skewers are perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend cookout, or impressing friends at your next gathering. Each bite bursts with smoky paprika and garlic nuances, while the signature sauce adds a vibrant kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving the dazzling flavor and perfect texture of this dish. Each one plays a role, whether it is creating the smoky backdrop, tenderizing the chicken, or bringing together the dynamic sauce that defines the recipe.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs): Thighs stay juicy and tender even with high-heat grilling, and cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a beautiful char on the grill.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Imparts a subtle smoky flavor that makes these skewers irresistible.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural chicken flavors and balances the spices.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat for complexity.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for grilling, with wooden skewers needing a soak to prevent burning.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the bang bang sauce, lending richness and smooth texture.
- Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Brings a perfect blend of sweetness and mild spice.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds a spicy punch that gives this recipe its signature kick.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and acid with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity, cutting through the richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Skewers and Chicken
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to ensure they don’t catch fire while grilling. Meanwhile, toss your diced chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend of seasonings is simple but critical: it infuses each piece with smoky and savory notes.
Step 2: Thread and Grill the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each chunk. This spacing allows the heat to circulate evenly for perfect cooking. Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then cook the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally so each side gets that gorgeous char while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken grills, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk them together until silky smooth and vibrant. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe — creamy with a sweet and spicy twist that elevates every bite.
Step 4: Serve with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, brush each skewer generously with the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. The heat contrast and tangy sweetness create a flavor experience that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or cilantro. Their refreshing herbal notes provide a crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce while adding a pop of green that invites you in visually.
Side Dishes
These skewers demand sides that complement without overpowering. Think a light cucumber salad, fragrant jasmine rice, or even grilled corn on the cob. The coolness and subtle sweetness from these sides balance the smoky spice of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe on a bed of crunchy Asian slaw or wrapped in butter lettuce leaves for a handheld delight. Alternatively, slice the grilled chicken off the skewers and drizzle the sauce over a rice bowl with roasted veggies for an easy weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate if possible to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers gently in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the juiciness and prevent the chicken from drying out. Reapply fresh bang bang sauce or serve extra on the side.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work but tends to dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook it. Consider marinating longer and grilling over medium heat to retain juiciness.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat thanks to sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can always adjust the sriracha amount up or down to match your spice preference.
Can I make the bang bang sauce dairy-free?
Yes, swap regular mayonnaise for a dairy-free or vegan version to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Definitely. Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which keeps your cooking safe and the skewers intact.
What’s a good substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, try mixing a little honey or sugar with chili garlic sauce as a quick substitute to maintain the balance of sweetness and heat.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is the kind of dish that becomes an instant favorite — quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these skewers promise a taste adventure that is both comforting and exciting. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are flavorful grilled chicken thigh pieces marinated with smoky spices and served with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight meals, these skewers combine the boldness of sriracha and sweet chili sauce with a hint of lime for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly. Grill until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice charred surface.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, brush the skewers generously with the Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the sriracha in the sauce to 2 tablespoons.
- You can bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The Bang Bang sauce is versatile and works great as a drizzle for rice bowls, salads, or other grilled dishes.
