Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! With juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, they are perfect for grilling or baking.
Eating these skewers feels like a party in your mouth—who can resist that yummy flavor? I love serving them with fresh veggies on the side. It’s a hit every time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and quick cooking. If you prefer, you can swap them with chicken thighs for juicier meat or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient keeps the chicken moist and adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute while still giving it a tangy kick.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce provides a unique sweetness. If you can’t find it, mix honey with a little hot sauce for a similar taste.
Sriracha: Adjust the spice level to your comfort. If Sriracha is too spicy, you can replace it with ketchup mixed with a little hot sauce or leave it out altogether for milder skewers.
Cilantro: For garnish, fresh cilantro adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan, green onions or parsley also work well.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly?
Cooking chicken skewers perfectly requires attention to both marinating and grilling. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy, follow these tips.
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes, around 1-inch pieces, so they cook at the same rate.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer marinating (up to 2 hours) allows flavors to penetrate better.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. A hot grill makes those lovely grill marks and seals in moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking the skewers will take around 15 minutes, so the total time is roughly 55 minutes, including grilling. It’s a quick and fun dish to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will be both your marinade for the chicken and a tasty dipping sauce later on.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Reserve about 1/4 of the sauce to use later as a dip. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss it until each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will add even more flavor!
3. Grill the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd them; give each piece some space for even cooking!
Brush the grill or grill pan with olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Then, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have beautiful grill marks.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle in the chicken. Serve your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved dipping sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the skewers. Just ensure they are cut into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Thigh meat may take a minute or two longer to cook than breast meat, so keep an eye on them!
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No worries! You can use metal skewers instead, which don’t require soaking. If you don’t have skewers at all, you can also cook the marinated chicken directly on the grill or in a grill pan, stirring occasionally until cooked through.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure everything is well combined again!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or you can pop them in the microwave for a quick option!
