Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! They feature juicy chicken pieces coated in a creamy and spicy sauce that’s absolutely delicious. Perfect for grilling!
I love making these for parties because everyone gets to enjoy them right off the skewers. Plus, they disappear quickly! Who can resist that yummy sauce? 😋
Making these skewers is a breeze! Just marinate the chicken, thread them on sticks, and grill away. I always serve them with a side of veggies—they make the perfect combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for skewers. You can swap it for chicken thighs for a juicier option if you prefer. Alternatively, try tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil works great too. For a lower-calorie option, you could use a light spray of cooking oil instead.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices are key for flavor. If you love fresh ingredients, you can substitute garlic powder with minced garlic and onion powder with freshly chopped onion, but this may add moisture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a bit of spice. If you can’t find it, mix ketchup with a dash of hot sauce or use honey mixed with red pepper flakes for a homemade version.
How Do I Grill Perfectly Cooked Skewers?
Grilling skewers is simple, but there are a few tips to make sure your chicken comes out just right. First, marinating is key; it not only enhances flavor but helps keep the chicken juicy while grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leaving space allows for better air circulation and grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached at least 165°F (75°C).
- Brushing some sauce on during the last minute of grilling adds flavor without burning it.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if using)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. After marinating, you’ll spend around 15 minutes grilling. In total, you should expect around 1 hour for the entire process, including hands-on time and waiting for the chicken to marinate.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, make the Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and honey if you like it a bit sweeter. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired. Set the sauce aside.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and brush some of the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Serve the skewers hot, drizzled with any leftover sauce you have and garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add more flavor and juiciness to your skewers. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they reach the right internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
If you want to make it spicier, simply add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on the chicken before grilling. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the Sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce, like a chili garlic sauce.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This will enhance the flavors even more!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also brush on more Bang Bang sauce while reheating for extra flavor!
