These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super tasty and packed with flavor! Tender chicken pieces are marinated, grilled on skewers, and topped with a yummy spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance!
They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun barbecue with friends. I love to serve them with a side of rice or veggies for a colorful plate. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are juicier. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version!
Oil: Vegetable or olive oil works great here. For a unique flavor twist, you can use sesame oil to enhance the Asian flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be a fun change. Use about 2 cloves for a bolder garlic kick!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor, but regular paprika works too. If you want more heat, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For the Bang Bang Sauce: If you want to cut calories, substitute Greek yogurt for mayo. You can also adjust the Sriracha based on how spicy you like it. Just a touch for mild, or more for that fiery zing!
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
To get perfectly grilled chicken skewers, choosing the right technique is key. Make sure your grill is preheated so you get nice, charred flavor. Here’s how:
- Thread the chicken onto skewers. Leave space between pieces for heat to circulate.
- Cook on high heat and flip halfway—about 4-5 minutes per side. You want that beautiful grill mark!
- Always check the internal temperature—it should be at least 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. A meat thermometer is your best friend!
Follow these steps to keep your chicken juicy and flavorful!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of cooking time. So, you can enjoy these yummy skewers in about 30 minutes or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is essential to give your chicken those beautiful grill marks and keep it juicy inside.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. This will add delicious flavor to every bite!
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Next, carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces; this helps them cook evenly on the grill. About 3-4 pieces per skewer is perfect!
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should have nice grill marks when it’s done!
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 the sauce is smooth and creamy—the perfect balance of sweetness and heat!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the skewers for added flavor and crunch. It not only looks great but tastes delicious, too!
8. Final Touch:
Serve immediately while they are hot, and enjoy them on their own or with steamed rice or a fresh salad to make a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, spicy, and creamy Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can use shrimp, firm tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein—shrimp cooks faster while tofu should be well-pressed to remove excess moisture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over your skewers!
What Can I Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair perfectly with steamed rice, a fresh garden salad, or even poké bowls! You can also serve them with extra bang bang sauce for dipping for an added flavor boost.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
