If you are on the lookout for a dish that bursts with flavor and effortless charm, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It combines tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated to perfection and grilled to a gorgeous golden char, all complemented by a luscious, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that sings with Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and a touch of honey. It’s a dish that balances heat, creaminess, and tang in every bite, making it perfect for casual get-togethers or a spectacular weeknight dinner. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cooking these irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, and the simplicity of each element really shines through in the final flavor. Every ingredient plays a vital role — from the aromatic garlic and ginger that infuse the chicken, to the tangy rice vinegar and zesty sauces that make the Bang Bang sauce so unforgettable.
- Chicken breast, 1 lb (450g): Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even grilling and maximum flavor absorption.
- Soy sauce, 2 tbsp: Adds depth and umami to the marinade, setting a savory base.
- Sesame oil, 1 tbsp: Brings a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the marinade’s complexity.
- Rice vinegar, 1 tbsp: Offers brightness and balance, cutting through richness.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Gives a sharp, aromatic punch that’s impossible to resist.
- Fresh ginger, 1 tbsp minced: Infuses a gentle heat and freshness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor.
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes: Prevents burning while grilling and makes turning the skewers a breeze.
- Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup: The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, creating that luscious texture.
- Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp: Adds sweetness and a gentle kick that defines the sauce’s unique profile.
- Sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp: Offers bold heat and vibrant color to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Honey, 1 tbsp: Balances the heat with subtle sweetness.
- Lime juice, 1 tsp: Adds a refreshing citrus zing to cut through the richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Create the Marinade
Begin by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This marinade is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe, infusing each chicken cube with layers of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, toss your bite-sized chicken cubes into the bowl and make sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the chicken to soak up all those beautiful Asian-inspired flavors deeply, making every bite juicy and exciting.
Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, you have the perfect chance to whip up the sauce that makes this recipe truly unforgettable. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and tweak it to your liking — perhaps a little more sriracha if you like it spicy, or some extra honey for sweetness.
Step 4: Heat up Your Grill
Preheat your grill or a grill pan on medium-high heat. Having a hot surface ready will give those skewers a fantastic sear and that slightly charred exterior, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto the bamboo skewers. The soaked skewers won’t burn during grilling, plus they make flipping the chicken so much easier. Aim to pack the pieces snugly, but without squishing them, for even cooking.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook about 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve those beautiful grill marks and a perfectly cooked interior. The chicken should be opaque, juicy, and slightly charred on the outside — a sign you’re doing it right.
Step 7: Add the Bang Bang Sauce
Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a moment, then generously brush or drizzle them with the creamy Bang Bang sauce. This step adds that signature spicy, sweet, and tangy glaze that elevates the chicken from dinner to an experience.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers piping hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like, and get ready to impress everyone with this vibrant, flavor-packed recipe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped cilantro or sliced green onions not only brightens the dish visually but also adds fresh herbal notes that cut through the rich Bang Bang sauce perfectly. Toasted sesame seeds are also a lovely touch, adding a slight crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with a range of sides — think fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or a crisp Asian slaw loaded with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zingy dressing. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or sautéed greens complement the bold flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers over a bed of chilled cucumber noodles or spiralized vegetables for extra crunch and freshness. You can also turn this into a vibrant platter with multiple dipping sauces, letting guests customize each bite with a little extra heat or sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the sauce, so the chicken doesn’t become soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain their juiciness and avoid drying out. The Bang Bang sauce can be warmed gently on the stove or microwaved separately and then drizzled over just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a little more juiciness and richness to the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a tad longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to soak bamboo skewers?
Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill. Soaking for at least 30 minutes is ideal for safe grilling.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a balanced heat level. The combination of Thai sweet chili and sriracha gives a pleasant kick without overwhelming the dish, but you can always tweak the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing the flavors to meld improves the taste even more.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can grill the skewers on a grill pan or even broil them in the oven, turning carefully to get a nice charred effect.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is pure joy on a stick. The marriage of juicy marinated chicken with a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce is a combination that’s hard to beat. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—whether it’s for a cozy night in or your next backyard party, these skewers bring big flavor and a whole lot of happiness. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, these skewers bring a delightful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a fresh zing of lime.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes into the mixing bowl and toss them until every piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure searing and proper cooking of the chicken skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the bamboo skewers evenly, handling carefully to keep meat secure.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, grilling until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice charred appearance.
- Rest and Sauce: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute to redistribute juices. Drizzle or generously brush the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the hot chicken skewers.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers warm, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for best flavor absorption; overnight marination will intensify taste.
- Adjust sriracha and chili sauce amounts in the Bang Bang sauce to control spice level.
- These skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce.
