If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and excitement, the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish combines tender grilled chicken with a creamy, spicy, and tangy bang bang sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next barbecue, these skewers deliver irresistible taste and a fun presentation. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect marinade to that signature bang bang sauce that brings the dish to life with its balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed evenly for quick and consistent grilling.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the chicken marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang to brighten flavors and tenderize.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps lock in moisture and creates a light coating that crisps on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Delivers a fresh, slightly spicy zing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that adds richness.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings fruity sweetness and sticky texture.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: Packs in bold, spicy kick, with room to adjust heat levels.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Deepens the sauce’s umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky essence in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like an extra hit of heat.
- Bamboo skewers, soaked: Prevents burning and makes grilling easier.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps chicken moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Adds fresh, nutty garnishes to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss so every piece is wonderfully coated with the marinade. Let the chicken soak up all these flavors by refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, up to 2 hours. This step is key to developing that juicy, flavorful bite you’ll love.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything until silky smooth and keep it chilled until serving. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, balancing creaminess with sweet and spicy notes.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto your soaked bamboo skewers. Leave a tiny gap between pieces to ensure even cooking and that gorgeous grilled char on every side.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to keep the chicken from sticking. Brush the skewers lightly with vegetable oil, place them on the grill, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get an even char, and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Step 5: Serve with Bang Bang Sauce
Once grilled, serve the chicken skewers hot, drizzled generously with your homemade bang bang sauce. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch. This step elevates the dish from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like bright green onions and toasty sesame seeds add a pop of color and texture that complement the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly. They also make the dish look inviting and restaurant-quality, which always impresses guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe with light, fresh sides such as a crunchy Asian slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or even crisp cucumber salad. These options keep the meal balanced and add layers of texture that play nicely against the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skewers over a bed of noodles or rice bowls with colorful veggies and drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top. You can also chop the grilled chicken and toss it into tacos or wraps with fresh herbs and crunchy slaw for a portable, flavorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The skewered chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, but separate the sauce to keep the texture fresh and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the marinated chicken cubes before grilling. Place them in a sealed freezer bag and defrost overnight in the fridge before threading and grilling. The cooked skewers themselves are best eaten fresh but can be frozen if tightly wrapped.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture. Serve with fresh bang bang sauce for that freshly made flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content, making them a fantastic alternative for this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a moderate spice level thanks to sriracha and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less depending on your preference.
Do I have to use a grill?
No worries if you don’t have a grill! You can cook the skewers under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove while still getting that lovely char and smoky flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Marinate and sauce them similarly, and grill until golden and slightly crispy.
What should I do if I don’t have bamboo skewers?
If bamboo skewers aren’t on hand, metal skewers work great, or you can simply cook the chicken pieces as bites on a grill pan or sheet pan.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a total winner whenever you want incredible flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of tender grilled chicken and that sensational bang bang sauce will have you coming back for seconds and sharing this tasty secret with everyone you know. Trust me, once you try it, it just might be your new favorite go-to dish!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature tender, juicy grilled chicken cubes marinated in a flavorful blend of soy, ginger, and garlic, then paired with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes and serves 4 with vibrant garnishes of green onions and optional sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Grilling and Garnish
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for grilling
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat and Oil the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Brush and Grill Chicken: Brush the chicken skewers lightly with vegetable oil to promote browning and place them on the hot grill.
- Cook the Skewers: Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes total, turning occasionally to achieve even char and cook through. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Plate the skewers and serve hot with the chilled Bang Bang sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- For an indoor alternative, grill the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or broil under a high heat setting in the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juiciness.
- Serve with steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
