Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fun and tasty bites of grilled chicken with a spicy and creamy sauce. They are perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in!
What I love most is how easy they are to whip up! Just marinate the chicken, skewer it, and grill away. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are great for skewers as they cook quickly and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version works well!
Mayonnaise: This gives your marinade creaminess. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using a vegan mayo or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It adds a sweet yet spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, mix honey with a bit of hot sauce for a similar taste.
Sriracha Sauce: This spicy sauce gives a nice kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your heat preference or use any other hot sauce you like.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil works well in this recipe. Olive oil also can be used, though its flavor is stronger.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavored When Grilling?
The key to juicy and flavorful chicken skewers is the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Follow these steps for best results:
- Mix all marinade ingredients until smooth. Make sure to taste it; you can adjust the heat or sweetness if needed.
- Coat the chicken pieces well in the marinade and seal them in a container. The longer you let them marinate, the more flavor they absorb (up to overnight is ideal).
- Always grill on medium-high heat, and don’t overcrowd the skewers. This ensures even cooking and nice char marks.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Bang Bang Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate (or longer if you choose). Total cooking time on the grill is about 10 minutes, so you can have these tasty skewers ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure all the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor—longer, if you have time!
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Now it’s time to thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Season the skewers with some salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cooking the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get nice grill marks. Check that the chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes. Drizzle any extra Bang Bang sauce over the skewers and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve them up with a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. For shrimp, grill until they are opaque, which takes about 3-5 minutes. For beef, aim for medium doneness, cooking it slightly longer than chicken.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as some ingredients may separate. Marinating the chicken in advance will also enhance the flavors!
How to Store Leftover Skewers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, or grill for a couple of minutes on each side to revive that delicious grilled flavor!
Can I Make Bang Bang Sauce Vegetarian?
Yes! You can make the Bang Bang sauce vegetarian by replacing mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or yogurt alternative. This keeps the creaminess while making it suitable for a plant-based diet. Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to taste!
