Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and vibrant dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. The skewers are marinated in a blend of flavorful seasonings, then grilled to perfection. The key to this dish is the Bang Bang sauce, a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that coats the grilled chicken, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or a fun dish to serve at a BBQ, these chicken skewers are sure to be a hit! The marinade is simple and enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken, while the Bang Bang sauce brings everything together for an unforgettable combination of flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Skewers

Start by preparing the chicken, as it will need time to marinate and absorb all the flavors from the seasoning.

1. Cut the chicken into cubes: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. The uniform size will ensure even cooking and make the skewering process easier.

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2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken and toss it with the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

3. Marinate the chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. This sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible.

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey (if using), rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt.

2. Adjust the spice level: Taste the sauce and adjust it according to your preferred heat level. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or omit the honey for less sweetness.

3. Chill the sauce: For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes. This helps the ingredients meld together, and the sauce will thicken up a bit, making it even creamier.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

After the chicken has marinated and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the skewers.

1. Prepare the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning during cooking. If using metal skewers, simply proceed to the next step.

2. Thread the chicken onto the skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a small gap between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your skewers, you should be able to fit about 4-6 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Skewers

You can cook the chicken skewers using either a grill, grill pan, or in the oven. Here are instructions for both methods:

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.

2. Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Be sure to rotate the skewers for even grilling.

Grill Pan or Skillet Method:

1. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

2. Place the chicken skewers in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other.

3. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

Step 5: Coat the Skewers in Bang Bang Sauce

Once the chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to coat them in the Bang Bang sauce.

1. Drizzle the sauce: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill, skillet, or oven. Drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked chicken skewers. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer.

2. Toss the chicken: If you want to coat the chicken evenly, you can carefully toss the skewers in a large bowl with a little extra sauce. This helps ensure that each bite is loaded with the creamy, spicy goodness of the Bang Bang sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish off the dish, garnish the skewers with some fresh, vibrant toppings.

1. Garnish the skewers: Sprinkle the skewers with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. You can also serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the skewers for an added burst of freshness.

2. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang chicken skewers immediately while they are still hot and juicy. These skewers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a more complete meal.

Additional Tips and Variations

1. Vegetarian or Seafood Option: While this recipe is for chicken, you can easily swap out the protein. Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version. Tofu is another great option for a vegetarian alternative. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and marinate as you would the chicken.

2. Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce based on your spice preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha, and you can balance it out with a bit more honey for sweetness.

3. Meal Prep: These Bang Bang chicken skewers are perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The skewers also store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

4. Grilled Vegetables: If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding some grilled vegetables alongside the chicken. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the chicken beautifully.

5. Coconut Milk Version: For a richer, slightly tropical variation of the Bang Bang sauce, try adding a few tablespoons of coconut milk to the sauce. This will give it a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

6. Skewer Alternatives: If you don’t have skewers, you can also prepare the marinated chicken without skewering it. Simply cook the chicken pieces in a skillet or on a grill pan, then drizzle the sauce over them once cooked.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Flavor-packed: The Bang Bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors that complement the tender, juicy chicken perfectly.

2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs.

3. Versatile: You can adjust the sauce’s spice level, try different proteins, or serve the skewers with a variety of sides for endless customization.

4. Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a party, or a BBQ, the flavor and presentation of these skewers will be a hit with guests of all ages.

Conclusion

These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re grilling on a hot summer day or making a weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to satisfy. The delicious Bang Bang sauce gives them a creamy, spicy kick that takes the dish to the next level. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and watch them disappear quickly! Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and vibrant dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. The skewers are marinated in a blend of flavorful seasonings, then grilled to perfection. The key to this dish is the Bang Bang sauce, a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that coats the grilled chicken, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Marinating Time 20 minutes

Total Time 52 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Skewers:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• For Garnish:
• Chopped green onions or cilantro
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to marinate.
   
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (if using), and garlic powder. Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you want the sauce. Set aside.
   
3. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan:
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
   
4. Grill the Chicken:
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through.
   
5. Coat with Sauce:
   Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken skewers. You can also toss the cooked chicken in the sauce if you prefer more coverage.
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the skewers hot with your favorite side, like rice, salad, or grilled veggies.

Notes

Chicken Options: Feel free to use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Make It Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before for extra flavor. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.

Non-Grill Cooking: If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken skewers in a grill pan or bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Adjust Spice: If you want it less spicy, use less sriracha or omit it. You can also add more sweet chili sauce for a sweeter, milder version.