Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated and grilled on skewers, then topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. Yum!
These skewers are perfect for parties or a casual dinner. They look fancy, but making them is easy! I love serving them with some fresh veggies on the side—perfect for dipping!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you need a substitute, try boneless chicken thighs, which are a bit richer in flavor.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version. I find that Greek yogurt adds a nice tang!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings a delicious sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find it, mix ketchup with a bit of sugar and hot sauce as a quick substitute.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it to be. You can replace it with any hot sauce you prefer or even skip it if you like it milder.
Fresh Herbs: I like to use parsley or cilantro for garnish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, consider using green onions or even mint for a fresh touch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to achieving juicy and flavorful skewers. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Make your Bang Bang sauce and reserve some for later. Mix the remaining sauce with the chicken pieces and let them sit for at least 30 minutes; longer is even better.
- Use a grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high, which will help sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling. Turn them every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char, around 10-12 minutes total.
Following these tips will really help make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a hit at the dinner table!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to grill. Plus, don’t forget to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor! So overall, plan for about an hour to enjoy these tasty skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the delicious Bang Bang sauce you’ll use to coat the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Set aside a small portion of the sauce—this will be used later for drizzling on top of the skewers. Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the remaining sauce. Toss the chicken well to coat every piece in that tasty sauce. For the best results, let this marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take the marinated chicken and thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on it and grill for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they’re cooked through and have a lovely char on the outside.
4. Drizzle and Serve:
After grilling, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the top of the skewers for an extra burst of flavor. Then, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy these warm, flavorful chicken skewers!
## FAQs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken breast with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: shrimp needs about 3-4 minutes on the grill, while tofu should be grilled for about 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.
How Can I Make These Skewers Gluten-Free?
To make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers gluten-free, check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. You can also make your sweet chili sauce at home to ensure it’s gluten-free!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to thread them onto the skewers right before grilling for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or place them back on a grill or skillet over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry them out!
