These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, tender pieces of chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that you’ll want to put on everything! Perfect for grilling or broiling.
They’re super fun to eat, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love food on a stick? I whip these up for parties and enjoy the compliments—they’re a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great as it stays tender when cooked. If you want, you can swap it out with chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for making the chicken moist and flavorful. You can switch to vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the base of the sauce, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, use vegan mayo!
Sriracha: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat tolerance. If it’s too spicy, you might want to use ketchup mixed with a bit of hot sauce instead.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly?
To avoid uneven cooking with your skewers, it’s essential to keep an eye on the size of your chicken pieces. Aim for uniform cubes so they cook at the same rate.
- When threading the chicken, leave small spaces to allow heat circulation. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks.
- Make sure your grill or broiler is preheated. This creates a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Check doneness at around 8-10 minutes total. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes for cooking, totaling about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Great for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken gets that lovely grilled flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the bite-sized chicken cubes and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Take wooden or metal skewers and carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces for better cooking. This helps with air circulation and ensures they get that nice char!
4. Cooking the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill or under the broiler. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nice and slightly charred on the edges. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until everything is smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level based on your taste!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once your chicken skewers are ready, place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the delicious Bang Bang sauce generously over the top. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy these flavorful, creamy, and spicy chicken skewers fresh off the grill! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking to amp up the heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for an extra kick!
Can I Prep the Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just thread the chicken onto the skewers and grill when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The Bang Bang sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for about a week!