If there’s one dish I could practically guarantee will be the first picked clean at any cookout or weeknight dinner, it’s this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. These skewers offer an irresistibly juicy, savory bite of chicken layered with a crave-worthy creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, all finished off with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. What really sets them apart is the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and umami flavors that soak right into every bite, making each skewer utterly addictive. Whether you’re serving these as starters, mains, or party fare, this is about to become your most-requested, crowd-pleasing chicken recipe ever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is in its cleverly chosen, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something special: whether it’s tenderness, depth, a spark of heat, or that parade of color and crunch that makes every skewer pop on the plate.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ lbs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or go lighter with breasts—either way, cut them into bite-sized pieces for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This helps the marinade cling to the chicken and gives each bite a subtle richness.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds salty, savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the marinade and gives the chicken a tangy lift.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings in mellow garlic flavor without overwhelming the other elements.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Seasoning is key—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and complexity.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading and grilling; soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): This creamy base is what makes that bang bang sauce so lusciously smooth.
- Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Brings a sweet and tangy element with a gentle kick—absolutely essential!
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, or to taste): Cranks up the heat to your liking; add more for a spicier bang!
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances out the heat and acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lime juice (1 teaspoon): A quick squeeze of citrus for bright, refreshing pop.
- Chopped green onions: Adds color, crunch, and a fresh bite for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a little extra texture and visual flair.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you get started. This step is key to prevent them from scorching on the grill—nobody wants crispy skewers with their dinner!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss in your chicken pieces and mix until every bit is coated with that savory marinade. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This process infuses the chicken with deep flavor and keeps it extra tender.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Make sure it’s silky smooth, taste, and adjust the heat to your liking. This sauce is the magical touch that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe a showstopper.
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto your soaked skewers. Leave a bit of space between pieces for even cooking. This not only ensures every bite gets enough char and grill marks but also makes serving super fun!
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so each side gets golden and just a little charred. In the last couple of minutes, brush a generous layer of bang bang sauce over the skewers, letting it caramelize on the grill.
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
Remove skewers from the grill, drizzle with extra bang bang sauce, and finish them off with green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like. Set any extra sauce on the side for dunking and watch these disappear in record time!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
For that mouthwatering finish, heap on freshly chopped green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds. The green onions bring a crisp freshness, while sesame seeds add a gentle crunch and make your skewers look positively gourmet on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, a quick cucumber salad, or crisp Asian-style slaw. The coolness and crunch of these sides balance the rich and spicy notes of the chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slide skewers over a bed of lettuce leaves or tuck them into warm tortillas for a fun, hands-on meal. You can even de-skewer the chicken and toss it onto salads, noodle bowls, or inside lettuce cups for unexpected twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken skewers (a rarity, but it happens!), let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze cooked skewers, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat bang bang chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also zap them in the microwave for a quick fix, though the grill or oven helps maintain that lovely char.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders are a great option and save on prep time. Just cut them into similar size pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the batch.
Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you prefer, swap in Greek yogurt or a creamy vegan mayo alternative. You’ll still get a beautifully creamy sauce with a slightly tangier zip.
Can the skewers be cooked indoors?
Yes! A stovetop grill pan or even the broiler in your oven will produce fantastic results if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I make the bang bang sauce spicier or milder?
This sauce is all about personalization. For more heat, increase the sriracha; for less spice, use less and maybe add a little extra honey or sweet chili sauce to mellow it out.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe gluten-free?
It certainly can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free if you have dietary concerns.
Final Thoughts
Every time I serve this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, the smiles and empty plates tell the story. The flavors are bold, the process is simple, and the results are nothing short of delightful. If you’re ready to add a true crowd-pleaser to your cooking repertoire, I hope you’ll give these a try—your next gathering or family dinner is about to be legendary!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious combination of tender chicken pieces marinated in flavorful seasonings, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
For the chicken skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 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 (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For garnish:
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred.
- Finish with sauce: Brush chicken skewers with some bang bang sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling. Serve with additional sauce on the side, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can use chicken tenders for quicker prep.
- To increase spiciness, adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- These skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
