Bite into these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s oh-so-yummy! Perfect for grilling or broiling, they’re a fun twist on dinner!
I love serving these skewers at parties. They’re always a hit and I can’t help but snack on the extra sauce—it’s like liquid gold! Don’t forget the napkins; things might get a little messy! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for skewers. If you want a different flavor, try chicken thighs for a juicier bite or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, Greek yogurt is a yummy substitute that still brings creaminess with less fat.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet touch here is perfect. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with a bit of soy sauce and sweetened ketchup for a similar flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance. You can swap it for any hot sauce you like or even use chili powder for a milder heat.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works as alternatives, though rice vinegar is more mild.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Getting juicy chicken skewers is all about the marinating time and the cooking method. Here’s how to do it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes—longer is better for flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat your grill well to create a nice sear on the chicken, which helps to lock in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; space keeps the heat circulating for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) means your chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Let the skewers rest after grilling. This ensures the juices redistribute for a juicy bite!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate, plus around 15 minutes of cooking time on the grill. In total, you should set aside about 30 minutes (or a bit longer if you choose to marinate for up to 2 hours). Your taste buds will thank you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This tangy and spicy blend will be both your marinade and sauce for serving.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take about half of your sauce and set it aside for later. Now, add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl. Toss the chicken well so every piece is coated in that tasty mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want an even bolder flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Once your chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly!
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to get a nice char and be cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the skewers and sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra flavor and juiciness to your skewers. Just keep in mind that they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a mayonnaise substitute, Greek yogurt works great and adds a nice tang. You can also use sour cream or even avocado for a different twist. Just keep the ratios the same!
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You could also grill them again for a few minutes to revive that charred flavor!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance—just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to use, simply toss the chicken in and let it marinate!