Bold, Juicy, and Drizzled with Creamy Heat—Perfect for Dinner or Your Next Backyard BBQ
Ready to fire up your taste buds? These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers combine juicy, marinated chicken with a spicy-sweet creamy sauce that delivers on flavor every single time. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this easy dish brings the heat and the comfort. Let’s make it happen!
Introduction
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about food on a stick—especially when it’s grilled to perfection and slathered with a sauce that’s both spicy and creamy. That’s what you get with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and sauces, grilled or baked to golden perfection, and finished with a decadent drizzle of bang bang sauce.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a weekend cookout, these chicken skewers are a go-to recipe that delivers on ease, speed, and big flavor. This dish offers versatility in cooking method—grill, oven, or air fryer—and the famous bang bang sauce? It’s so good you’ll want to put it on everything.
Tools Needed, Number of Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Grill, oven, or air fryer
- Baking sheet (if using the oven)
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)
Servings: 4 (about 8–10 skewers)
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 10–25 minutes depending on method
Total Time: 40–60 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until a uniform marinade forms.
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours if time allows. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors and stay juicy while cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. This spicy, creamy sauce is the magic touch that sets these skewers apart.
Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if you like extra heat. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge and thread it onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim for 5–6 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
You have three options for cooking:
Grill Method:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re nicely charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the skewers on the sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the skewers in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for crisp, even cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange the cooked skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning during grilling or baking.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor if you prefer them over chicken breast.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—spacing the chicken allows for even cooking and caramelization.
- Double the sauce if you’re a dipper—this sauce works beautifully with veggies, fries, or salads.
- Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the skewers over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a full meal.
- Add a side of grilled vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for a colorful plate.
- Serve as party appetizers or game-day snacks with the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb lunch option.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan or oven.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or air fryer until heated through. Add fresh sauce after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way. The flavors meld together beautifully when the sauce is chilled for a couple of hours. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. It keeps the sauce creamy with a slight tang and fewer calories.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Sriracha. You can tone it down by using less Sriracha or omit it entirely for a mild version. If you love heat, add more to taste.
4. Can I bake the chicken without skewers?
Absolutely. Just lay the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result will be just as flavorful.
5. Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
Yes, though homemade is always best. Store-bought versions may vary in flavor and sweetness, so if you go that route, taste before using and adjust with extra lime juice or Sriracha if needed.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers offer the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and visual appeal. Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are easy to thread and even easier to cook, whether on the grill, in the oven, or in an air fryer. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds a bold punch that transforms simple chicken into something truly crave-worthy.
This recipe is quick enough for weeknights and fun enough for cookouts or entertaining. With the flexibility to adjust the spice level, cooking method, or even the protein, these skewers are as versatile as they are delicious.
So, whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a cozy dinner for two, or just need a flavorful protein option for your meal prep, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to impress. Fire up the grill—or preheat your oven—and treat yourself to one of the most delicious skewer recipes you’ll ever make.
Let’s get cooking—you’ve got flavor to build and skewers to stack!
