Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super fun and tasty! These juicy chicken pieces are coated in a creamy and spicy sauce that brings big flavor in every bite.
Grilling them is a breeze, and the kids love to help out. I like to serve them with extra sauce on the side—because why not have a little extra fun? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh chicken breast is best for this recipe, giving you juicy pieces when cooked. You can use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness or make it vegetarian with firm tofu or seitan.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or even a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It gives the skewers a nice sweetness. If you don’t have this, a mixture of ketchup and a touch of sugar or honey can work in a pinch.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust this based on your spice preference. If you don’t have sriracha, try a different hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat without the sauce.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness. Lemon juice could be a suitable substitute, or vinegar can create a similar tang.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. Ensure you coat every piece with the mixture completely. A longer marination, ideally 2 hours, allows the spices and sauce to penetrate the meat better.
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and mix well to coat.
- Cover it and let it rest in the fridge. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work, but longer is better.
Remember, the longer the chicken marinates, the tastier it will be when grilled!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Skewering:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will need at least 30 minutes to marinate in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for extra flavor, you can let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours. Grill time will be around 10-12 minutes, making this a quick and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is blended smoothly. Make sure to set aside half of this sauce for later so you can use it as a dip.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and add them to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken gently in the marinade until each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 2 hours if you want a deeper flavor.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Be sure not to pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on and grill them for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get a nice char and cook evenly. The chicken is done when it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and brush them with the reserved sauce for extra flavor. Garnish your skewers with some freshly chopped parsley. Serve these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: shrimp cooks faster (about 5-7 minutes), while beef may need a bit longer depending on the cut and thickness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. If they’re a bit dry, drizzle with a little olive oil or extra sauce when reheating.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to use it!
Is It Necessary to Soak the Skewers?
Yes, soaking the wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Aim for at least 30 minutes of soaking time. If you’re in a rush, you can use metal skewers, which do not require soaking.
