Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty dish! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty sauce and then grilled until they are perfectly cooked and juicy.
These kabobs are great for a quick dinner or a backyard party. I love to serve them with rice or a fresh salad, and let’s be honest, who can resist that delicious bang bang sauce? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect here for its tenderness. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too. They add extra flavor and stay juicy.
Mayonnaise: It acts as a base for the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute with a similar creamy texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and tang. If you can’t find it, you could mix equal parts honey and ketchup for a quick alternative. It’ll change the flavor a bit but still taste awesome!
Sriracha: Add sriracha for heat! Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you want a milder kick, use a dash of mild chili powder instead.
Rice Vinegar: This gives a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar can be used instead. It’s a bit stronger, so start with less and adjust to taste.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is the key step to lock in flavor and moisture. Mix your marinade ingredients well and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for a few hours or overnight for even better flavor.
- Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade.
- Use a plastic bag for easy mixing and to save on cleanup.
Also, cooking the kabobs at medium-high heat helps them grill nicely without drying out. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
This method turns simple chicken pieces into juicy, delicious kabobs that everyone will love!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and marinate the chicken, plus another 10-12 minutes for grilling. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This creates a deliciously spicy marinade. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them well until they’re nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors!
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you get started with the kabobs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). This will help give your chicken those perfect grill marks and cook it through nicely.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated and the grill is hot, it’s time to thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly. This step is super fun and makes for a great presentation!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally so that they cook all the way through and get those lovely grill marks. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Add Finishing Touches:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush any remaining marinade over the kabobs. This adds a flavorful glaze that makes the kabobs even more delicious!
7. Serve:
Once they’re done grilling, take the kabobs off the grill and garnish with some chopped parsley for freshness. Serve them immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your tasty Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs! Yum!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to your kabobs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm them up on the grill for an extra touch! Just be sure to cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinade?
Yes, if you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought marinade! Look for Asian-inspired sauces that complement the flavors in the recipe, but keep in mind that the final taste may vary slightly. Adjust other ingredients, like salt and honey, based on the marinade’s flavor profile.
