Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Flavorful & Quick

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an absolute showstopper! If you’re searching for a dish that delivers a punch of flavor and is guaranteed to impress, you’ve found it. These skewers are incredibly popular for so many reasons. First, that irresistible sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce – it’s truly addictive! It coats the tender chicken in a symphony of tastes that will have you reaching for another skewer before you’ve even finished the first. What makes our Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly special is the perfect balance we’ve struck. We’re talking juicy, perfectly grilled chicken complemented by a vibrant sauce that’s both comforting and exhilarating. They’re fantastic as an appetizer for parties, a fun weeknight dinner, or even a flavorful addition to your barbecue spread. Get ready to experience the magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Get ready to be obsessed with these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! They’re incredibly flavorful, with a delightful spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce that coats tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. The name “Bang Bang” perfectly captures the explosion of taste you’ll experience with every bite.

Ingredients:

*Note on “Bang Bang” Sauce Ingredients: The asterisk indicates ingredients that contribute to the signature “Bang Bang” flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the heat level of the hot sauce to your preference, and the honey can be swapped for maple syrup if you prefer.

Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken

The foundation of any great skewer is well-seasoned protein. For these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, we’re starting with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are my personal choice here because they stay incredibly moist and tender even when cooked on the grill or in a hot oven, making them more forgiving than chicken breasts. Cut your chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the seasonings adhere and also adds a touch of richness. Next, sprinkle over the paprika, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature (or longer in the refrigerator) will allow the flavors to deepen. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to thread the chicken onto them. This prevents them from burning during cooking.

Crafting the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

Now for the star of the show: the Bang Bang sauce! This is what gives the skewers their iconic flavor. In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (or more if you like it spicier!), and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it a bit sweeter, add a touch more honey. If you crave more heat, add another splash of hot sauce. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used for more than just chicken skewers!

Assembling and Cooking the Skewers

Once your chicken is marinated and your sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece so that the heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Cooking Methods for Perfect Skewers

You have a few excellent options for cooking these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, depending on your equipment and the weather.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Baste the skewers with some of the Bang Bang sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to really let that glaze develop and caramelize.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. In the last 5 minutes of baking, you can brush them with some of the Bang Bang sauce.

Pan-Frying:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken skewers in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning regularly, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You can brush with some sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Your Delicious Creation

Once your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, you have a choice: you can either toss them with the remaining Bang Bang sauce for an extra saucy kick, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. I love serving these with fluffy rice, a fresh green salad, or some grilled vegetables. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy the delightful explosion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating absolutely irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken. The vibrant sauce coats the skewers beautifully, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a vibrant appetizer for gatherings, or even a fun addition to your next barbecue.

I truly encourage you to give these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a try. They’re surprisingly simple to make, yet they deliver a restaurant-quality taste that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your preference – a little more sriracha for heat lovers, or a touch less for those who prefer milder flavors. Serve them alongside fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even in soft lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with adding colorful bell peppers or red onion to the skewers for extra flavor and visual appeal!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may separate slightly.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No skewers? No problem! You can absolutely make Bang Bang Chicken without skewers. Simply cube the chicken and marinate and cook it in a skillet or bake it on a sheet pan. You’ll get the same delicious flavor, just without the presentation of skewers.

How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

To increase the heat, simply add more sriracha sauce to the Bang Bang sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely and add a pinch of paprika for color instead.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken thigh skewers coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce, grilled to perfection. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or prepare a grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Step 2
   In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3
   Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers.
4. Step 4
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and 1 tsp salt to create the Bang Bang sauce. Taste and adjust hot sauce as desired.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
6. Step 6
   Brush the Bang Bang sauce generously over the grilled chicken skewers during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
7. Step 7
   Remove skewers from the grill and serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping, if desired.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.