Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the ultimate dish for anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors with just the right amount of heat. These juicy, tender chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy sauce that infuses every bite with a burst of flavor. After being grilled to perfection, they’re drizzled with a rich and creamy bang bang sauce that brings a delightful combination of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness. The result is a dish that’s impossible to resist, whether served as a main course or as a flavorful appetizer.

The first time I made Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, I couldn’t believe how quickly they came together, yet the flavor was absolutely amazing. The marinade worked its magic, and as the skewers hit the grill, they sizzled and caramelized, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. When I drizzled the creamy bang bang sauce on top, I couldn’t wait to take my first bite. The sweetness and heat complemented the tender chicken so well, I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite.

What I love most about these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for a BBQ with friends, a weeknight dinner, or a fun dish to bring to a party. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce, and the skewers can be served with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to rice. No matter how you serve them, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to make your meal feel a little more exciting and full of flavor.

Perfect for:

• BBQs and grilling parties
• Casual weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping for the week
• Tailgate parties
• Game day snacks

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Here’s why Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will be your new go-to recipe:

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of the marinated chicken and the spicy, creamy bang bang sauce creates an explosion of flavor with every bite.
• Grilled to Perfection: Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky char that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Simple and Quick: These skewers are easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute get-togethers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, these skewers fit any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant parties.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce to suit your preference—add more heat or tone it down for a milder version.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 30 minutes
• Grilling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (approximately 4 skewers per serving)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are perfect for skewers, offering a juicy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken stay moist and juicy while grilling, while also enhancing the overall flavor.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy-sweet flavor to the sauce that balances out the heat from the sriracha.
• Sriracha Sauce: Provides a spicy kick to the sauce, giving it that signature “bang” flavor.
• Honey: Helps mellow out the heat from the sriracha, balancing the sauce with a touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring that they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you like your sauce.
4. Set the Sauce Aside: Set the bang bang sauce aside while you prepare the skewers.

Prepare the Skewers:

5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, ensuring they are packed snugly but not too tightly to allow for even grilling.

Grill the Chicken:

6. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
7. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be sure to rotate the skewers occasionally for even cooking.

Serve the Skewers:

8. Drizzle with Sauce: Once the chicken is grilled and perfectly cooked, drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
9. Garnish and Serve: Optional garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve the skewers with a side of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, serve the skewers with small dipping bowls of the bang bang sauce for guests to enjoy.
• On a Salad: Add the skewers on top of a fresh, crisp salad for a lighter meal option that’s packed with flavor.
• As a Main Dish: Pair with your favorite grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
• With Noodles: Serve the skewers alongside some stir-fried noodles or noodles in a light soy sauce dressing for a full meal.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are some helpful tips for making your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers even better:

• Use Thigh Meat: For extra juiciness, try using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll stay tender and flavorful after grilling.
• Add Vegetables to the Skewers: For added color and flavor, thread some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions between the chicken pieces on the skewers.
• Grill on High Heat: Make sure the grill is preheated to a high temperature for that perfect char on the outside of the chicken while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate it for up to 2 hours, but no longer than 4 hours, to prevent it from becoming too salty.
• Adjust the Spice: You can easily adjust the heat of the bang bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha depending on your spice tolerance.
• Make It Ahead: If you’re prepping for a party, you can marinate the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Just grill the skewers right before serving.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are 10 variations you can try for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

• Spicy Mango Bang Bang Skewers: Add mango puree to the sauce for a tropical twist with a hint of sweetness.
• Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Coat the chicken in shredded coconut before grilling for a crunchy texture.
• Lemon Garlic Bang Bang Skewers: Add lemon zest and garlic to the marinade for a citrusy kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Bang Bang Chicken: Wrap each piece of chicken in bacon before grilling for an added savory flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Bang Bang Skewers: Add a bit of soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the marinade for an umami depth of flavor.
• Honey-Sesame Bang Bang Skewers: Stir in a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce and top with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
• Grilled Shrimp Bang Bang Skewers: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood version of the dish.
• Peanut Butter Bang Bang Skewers: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty variation.
• Buffalo Bang Bang Skewers: Substitute the sweet chili sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist on the classic.
• Vegetarian Bang Bang Skewers: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of the skewers.

Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken (before grilling) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and grill as directed.
• Storage: Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving or enjoy it cold in salads and wraps.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Here are some special equipment items to help you make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:

• Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan is essential for getting that smoky char on the chicken.
• Skewers: Either metal or soaked wooden skewers work great for threading the chicken.
• Basting Brush: Use a brush to glaze the chicken with the sauce while grilling.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer for precision.
• Small Whisk or Fork: Use a whisk or fork to mix the bang bang sauce ingredients together evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and combining the sauce ingredients.

FAQ Section for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Can I make these skewers in the oven?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
2. Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
   While making the sauce from scratch is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought sauce as a time-saving option.
3. Can I use other meats for these skewers?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or pork, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
4. Is there a way to make the sauce less spicy?
   Yes, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a mild chili sauce for a less spicy version.
5. How long can I store leftover skewers?
   Leftover skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of bold flavors, smoky grilled chicken, and a creamy, spicy sauce. With easy-to-follow instructions and room for customization, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, these skewers offer a delicious way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing, flavorful meal that’s both quick and satisfying.

With so many options to adjust the flavors and spice level, you can make these skewers just right for any palate. Fire up the grill, whip up the sauce, and get ready to impress with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers at your next meal or party!

I’d love to see how you make these skewers your own! Be sure to tag me on Instagram when you give them a try. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite customization. Happy cooking!