Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty strips of chicken grilled on sticks and coated with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for parties or a fun dinner!
These skewers are super easy to make and so fun to eat! I love serving them with a side of veggies—we both know the sauce makes everything better! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for juiciness, but breasts work too. You can substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option; just make sure to marinate longer for the flavors to soak in.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt instead. It still gives a nice tang and creaminess without the extra calories!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is what gives the skewers their signature flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with some chili flakes as an alternative, but it won’t be as sweet or smooth.
Sriracha: Adjust the spice to your taste! If you’re avoiding spicy, consider using a sweeter sauce or even ketchup. For a kick without the heat, try a little smoked paprika instead.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Properly Marinated?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly so the flavors blend well.
- Make sure to coat every piece of chicken with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon for even coverage.
- Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the fridge. For the best result, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Overnight will give a deeper flavor.
- When ready to skewer, shake off excess marinade, but don’t rinse. This way, you’ll keep the bold flavors intact!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (or longer for best flavor). The cooking time on the grill is around 10-15 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in size. Place these pieces in a large mixing bowl. Don’t worry about making them perfect; just aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This marinade will add so much flavor to the chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate overnight for even more flavor!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create those wonderful grill marks on the chicken!
5. Skewering:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to thread it onto the skewers. Take the marinated chicken pieces and slide them onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally, so they grill evenly on all sides. You’ll know they are done when they have nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve:
Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Serve them warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
8. Optional Dipping Sauce:
If you’d like to amp up the flavor, consider serving the skewers with a side of peanut sauce or some extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. It’s a great addition!
Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! They’re perfect for a barbecue, party, or a fun meal at home!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs, so be careful not to overcook them. The marinating time can be the same, but you might want to check for doneness earlier.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or want to make it dairy-free, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. Just be aware that the flavor and creaminess will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start breaking down the chicken’s texture.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy them in wraps or salads for a flavorful meal!
