Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise; ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste; 2 tablespoons honey

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an absolute explosion of flavor that I can’t get enough of! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. These aren’t just any chicken skewers; they’re a culinary adventure that has captured the hearts (and taste buds!) of so many. What makes them so beloved? It’s the perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken coated in that signature creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s the kind of flavor profile that leaves you craving more with every bite. The magic lies in the addictive sauce, a tantalizing blend that coats each piece of chicken, creating an irresistible, crave-worthy bite that’s perfect for any occasion.

Get ready to make your own irresistible

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, this chicken version offers a creamy, spicy, and sweet kick that’s utterly addictive. They’re perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners. The secret lies in the irresistible sauce that coats tender chicken pieces, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. We’re going to walk through each step to ensure you achieve perfectly cooked, flavor-packed skewers every time.

Ingredients:

Wooden skewers, (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut into 1-inch cubes)

1 tablespoon extra virgin extract olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise

⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

2 teaspoons Sriracha, (or more to taste)

2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken for Skewers

The first step is to get our chicken ready. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with the extra virgin extract olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. This initial seasoning will add a foundational layer of flavor before we even get to the star of the show – the bang bang sauce. For the best results, let the seasoned chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to have your wooden skewers soaking in water. Soaking them prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven, which is crucial for a perfect presentation and eating experience.

Crafting the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

Now for the magic! In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (adjust this to your preferred level of heat – start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you like it spicier!), and honey. Whisk everything together until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. This is your bang bang sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more sweetness from the honey, or perhaps a bit more heat from the Sriracha. This sauce is rich, slightly tangy from the chili sauce, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of the mayonnaise. It’s the coating that will make these chicken skewers truly “bang bang”!

Assembling the Skewers and Marinating

Once your chicken is seasoned and your sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. Don’t pack the chicken too tightly on the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. For each skewer, you should aim for about 3-4 pieces of chicken. Once all the chicken is on the skewers, it’s time to let it get acquainted with the bang bang sauce. Place the assembled skewers in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour about half of the bang bang sauce over the chicken skewers, turning them to ensure they are well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. This marinating step is key to infusing the chicken with that signature bang bang flavor.

Cooking the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

You have a few options for cooking these delicious skewers, and they all yield fantastic results!

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely grill marks.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. For a bit of extra caramelization, you can broil them for the last minute or two, watching them very carefully to prevent burning.

Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the chicken skewers to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Regardless of your chosen cooking method, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. The goal is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly caramelized exterior from the sauce.

Finishing Touches and Serving Your Bang Bang Masterpiece

Once your bang bang chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. While they are still warm, you can brush them with a little more of the reserved bang bang sauce for an extra punch of flavor and a glossy finish. Serve these amazing skewers immediately. They are absolutely delightful on their own as an appetizer or a light meal. For a more substantial meal, you can serve them with rice, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. The creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce coating the tender chicken is truly a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – a true taste sensation!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited about making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as I am! This recipe truly shines because it delivers incredible flavor with surprisingly little effort. The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce is absolutely addictive, coating tender, juicy chicken chunks that are perfectly grilled or baked. They’re a fantastic appetizer for parties, a fun weeknight dinner, or even a delicious addition to a potluck. The combination of savory chicken and that signature sauce makes these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving – they’re versatile and always a hit!

I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You won’t regret the explosion of taste you get with every bite! Remember, you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, and there are so many fun ways to serve them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the best serving suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

A: These skewers are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a delightful appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic light lunch or dinner, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad, steamed rice, or some roasted vegetables. For a fun meal, consider serving them on a bed of lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the skewers even quicker when you’re ready to cook. You might need to stir it well before using, as it can separate slightly.

Q: How can I make these skewers spicier or milder?

A: To increase the heat, simply add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha and consider adding a little extra mayonnaise or a touch of honey to balance the flavors.