These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are perfect for a quick and tasty dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated and grilled, then drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a kick!
They’re super fun to eat and great for sharing, or you can keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!). I love serving them with some veggies on the side for a colorful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but chicken breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast can also be a nice substitute.
Olive Oil: This helps the chicken cook well on the grill. You can swap it for canola or avocado oil if that’s what you have handy.
Mayonnaise: It’s the base of the Bang Bang sauce and adds creaminess. If you want a lighter version, plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a lovely sweetness. You can use any brand, but if you want less sugar, look for a low-sugar version.
Sriracha: This adds heat! Feel free to adjust the amount. If you’re not a fan, you could replace it with a milder hot sauce or leave it out entirely.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for meat that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Make sure to preheat your grill; this helps the chicken cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
- When threading chicken onto skewers, don’t pack them too tightly. This allows heat to circulate around the pieces.
- Keep an eye on cooking times! Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking; this keeps them juicy. Enjoy your quick and easy dinner!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to desired heat)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnishes (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to cook. So, in just about 20-25 minutes, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, make sure to preheat the broiler. A hot grill will help the chicken cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
2. Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
Next, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. It’s easy; just slide the meat right on!
3. Season the Chicken:
Brush your chicken skewers with olive oil and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. If using a broiler, set the skewers on a broiler-safe pan about 6 inches from the heat and cook for 4-6 minutes per side.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
6. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once the skewers are cooked, take them off the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps your chicken juicy!
7. Serve with Bang Bang Sauce:
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken skewers or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Both ways are delicious!
8. Add Garnishes:
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the top. This will add a fresh crunch and color!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers warm with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and slightly spicy chicken dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it beforehand! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quick thaw.
How Do I Make the Sauce Spicier or Milder?
If you’d like to make the sauce spicier, simply increase the amount of sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper. To make it milder, reduce the sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce, or omit it entirely.
What Can I Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair perfectly with rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. You might also serve them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.