Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun way to enjoy juicy chicken bites! They’re marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers for easy eating.
These skewers are perfect for parties or a casual dinner night. I love serving them with some crunchy veggies for dipping! You’ll want to make extra because they disappear fast! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I use chicken breast for these skewers since it cooks quickly and stays juicy. Feel free to swap it for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They’ll add a bit more flavor!
Mayonnaise: This is the base for the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a mild kick. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and a dash of hot sauce can work as a substitute. Just adjust to taste!
Sriracha: For heat, I love sriracha! If you want less spice, consider using a milder hot sauce or even Ketchup for extra sweetness.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice is a great alternative. It won’t taste the same, but it will still add acidity!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing flavors into your chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Make sure it’s well-mixed!
- Add chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. I often give it a little massage to ensure all pieces are covered.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, try marinating for a few hours or overnight if you have time!
Letting the chicken sit in the marinade allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making every bite delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Skewers:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After marinating, you’ll need an additional 10-15 minutes to grill the skewers. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be your flavorful marinade and coating sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the chicken is well-coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Prepare to Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. This will help the chicken cook through perfectly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so all sides get cooked and have a lovely char. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside.
6. Final Touches:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill. Drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the skewers for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your beautiful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve them with any leftover sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts due to their juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the breast meat to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha in the marinade or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve the skewers with extra spicy sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. If needed, thread the chicken onto the skewers right before cooking for the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps retain their crispiness!
