These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, tasty, and oh-so-simple to make! With a zesty sauce that packs a punch, they’re perfect for grilling or baking.
I love serving these at parties—everyone can’t get enough of that poppin’ flavor! Pair them with a fresh salad or some rice, and dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re going for a healthier option, turkey can be a great substitute.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even a pinch of cumin can work. Feel free to adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the base, but Greek yogurt can be a tasty low-calorie substitute. For a vegan option, use vegan mayo. You can also mix in lime zest for added brightness.
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers to Cook Evenly?
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken skewers, cut your chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Also, soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- When marinating, give the chicken time to soak up those flavors—at least 15 minutes is ideal.
- When cooking, preheat your grill or oven properly to ensure a good sear on the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; spacing them out allows for better airflow and even cooking.
Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks; it should be opaque and reach 165°F (75°C) internal temperature for safety. Enjoy your perfectly grilled Bang Bang Skewers!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Bamboo or metal skewers, soaked in water if using bamboo
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for grilling or baking. Total time is approximately 35-40 minutes. You can spend a little more time marinating if you want deeper flavors, making it a flexible recipe that fits your schedule!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic (if using) until everything is combined and smooth. Set it aside in the fridge while you marinate the chicken; this helps the flavors to develop even more!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces along with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the seasonings. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—if you have time, marinating up to an hour will enhance the flavors!
3. Assemble Skewers:
Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. Leave a little space between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Skewers:
Grilling Method: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and arrange the skewers on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has golden edges.
5. Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with the delicious Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Feel free to serve extra sauce on the side!
6. Enjoy!
Serve these hot alongside rice, a crisp salad, or grilled veggies. Your family and friends will love the spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors of these irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can also use chicken tenders or even shrimp for a delicious variation. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the chicken marinade. You can also use a hotter chili powder or sprinkle some cayenne on the chicken before cooking!
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in a microwave until heated through. They’ll still be tasty!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. The rest of the ingredients (sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, etc.) are typically vegan-friendly, but be sure to check their labels.
