Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs are tender chicken pieces on skewers, coated in a tasty, spicy sauce. Perfect for grilling, they pack a punch of flavor in every bite!
When it’s time for a barbecue, these kabobs are a hit! I love serving them with rice or fresh veggies for a fun meal. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even my toddler can help assemble them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here as they stay moist and cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute. They both work well and keep that creamy texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives that signature sweetness and tanginess. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts honey and ketchup for a quick makeshift version. It may not be exactly the same, but it’ll give you a sweet flavor.
Sriracha: It provides heat but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. Or, you can substitute it with other hot sauces like sambal oelek or even chili flakes for a different kick.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor. If you’re in a rush, pre-minced versions work, but I recommend fresh for the best taste!
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken makes a huge difference in taste, especially for kabobs. Here’s how I do it:
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. The mayo gives a silky sauce that sticks to the chicken, while the honey and lime juice add a tasty twist.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-covered.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. More time (up to 2 hours) means more flavor, but even a quick soak works if time is tight.
This step not only boosts flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy while grilling. Remember to reserve some sauce for after grilling for extra flavor!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10-12 minutes to grill. You will also need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken for the best flavor. So overall, from start to finish, plan for about 1 hour total—most of it is just waiting for the chicken to soak in that delicious sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is your tasty Bang Bang sauce!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Set aside about 1/4 cup of the Bang Bang sauce for later. Then, add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the remaining sauce. Toss everything together really well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. If you have extra time, hanging out in the fridge for up to 2 hours will make it even better!
3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. While it’s heating up, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces onto your skewers. Make sure they’re close together but not too tightly packed, so they grill evenly.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Grill the kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to make sure they cook evenly and get beautiful grill marks. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Drizzle and Serve:
Once your kabobs are perfectly grilled, take them off the heat. Drizzle those gorgeous Bang Bang sauce you set aside earlier over the kabobs. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them up hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping, if you like. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef for these kabobs. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted to suit the protein—shrimp will cook faster, while beef may take a bit longer depending on thickness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, the flavors will meld even more, making the sauce even tastier when you use it!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet or grill for a couple of minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out. Drizzling a little extra sauce while reheating can help keep them moist!
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs?
These kabobs pair wonderfully with jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. If you’re looking for a fun side, consider serving them with Asian-style noodles tossed in sesame oil and veggies!
