As the sun begins to set and the grill fills the air with tantalizing smells, the thought of skewers sizzles in my mind—none more tempting than Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Picture succulent pieces of chicken marinated to perfection, kissed by a smoky flame, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce that balances heat with sweetness. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together, laughing and savoring each flavor-packed bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it requires minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, making it a go-to for any occasion, from summertime barbecues to cozy indoor dinners. You won’t believe how quickly these skewers disappear, turning ordinary evenings into something special. Ready to bring some excitement to your dinner table? Let’s dive into this easy yet delectable Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Simplicity: This recipe comes together with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky chicken and creamy, spicy sauce creates a flavor profile that delights the palate and satisfies cravings.
Versatile: Whether grilled outdoors or cooked on the stovetop, these skewers are perfect for any season and occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bring these to your next barbecue or family get-together, and watch them disappear in minutes—a true testament to how delicious they are.
Quick Prep: With minimal cooking time, you can serve up a stunning dish without the stress, leaving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ingredients
For the Marinade
• Chicken Breast – Use boneless, skinless chicken for tender, juicy skewers.
• Soy Sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor, balancing the dish nicely.
• Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – Provides creaminess to the sauce; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Sriracha – This key ingredient adds delicious heat—adjust to your spice preference.
• Honey – Adds sweetness to counterbalance the spiciness; agave syrup is a vegan alternative.
For Skewering
• Wooden or Metal Skewers – Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning; ensure metal skewers are clean and ready to use.
Elevate your experience with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, and you’ll find your gatherings brimming with joy and flavor!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
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Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken breast chunks, soy sauce, and lime juice. Leave them to marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse those rich flavors.
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Prepare the Skewers: While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using them. This prevents burning on the grill.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
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Assemble the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Ensure they are packed closely but not too tight, allowing even cooking.
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Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
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Drizzle with Sauce: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over them.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these variations to make this dish your own while keeping that irresistible flavor locked in!
- Nut-Free: Swap mayonnaise with tahini for a creamy, nut-free twist that remains rich and delicious.
- Heat Level: Adjust the spice by substituting Sriracha with a milder hot sauce or adding chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Sweetness Level: Reduce or replace honey with agave syrup to cater to your sweetness preferences while still keeping it vegan.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley into the marinade for a burst of freshness.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and grilling just the same for a plant-based delight.
- Flavor Punch: Add minced garlic or ginger to the marinade for an aromatic pop that heightens the overall flavor profile.
- Serving Variation: Try serving the skewers on a bed of rice or quinoa, drizzling the Bang Bang sauce atop for a full meal experience.
With these ideas, you can reinvent and elevate the classic Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to suit everyone’s tastes!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Creating a delightful meal experience is all about the perfect pairings that harmonize with your dish’s bold flavors.
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Crispy Coleslaw: This refreshing and crunchy side any grilled dish’s perfect complement, providing a contrast to the tender chicken. Its coolness helps balance the skewers’ heat beautifully.
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Grilled Vegetables: An assortment of colorful veggies—think bell peppers, zucchini, and corn—adds a delightful smoky flavor and a pop of color to your plate. They echo the grilling theme and enhance the meal’s health factor.
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Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and fluffy, jasmine rice absorbs the rich bang bang sauce, making every bite a flavorful experience. This base provides a satisfying, filling element to the meal.
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Garlic Noodles: The savory flavor of garlic noodles creates a delicious marriage with the zesty chicken. Their buttery richness adds depth, elevating your dining experience to new heights.
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Mango Salsa: A vibrant, sweet mango salsa provides a touch of brightness, refreshing the palate between bites of spicy chicken. The combination of sweet and spicy sparks joy in every forkful.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the sauce and complements the peppery notes of the chicken. Sip alongside your meal for a truly delightful pairing.
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Marination Time Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, as this enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: While threading chicken, ensure pieces are close but not packed tightly—they need space for even cooking.
- Watch the Grill: Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling to avoid burning, especially if using wooden skewers—medium-high heat is ideal.
- Adjust Spiciness: Taste the Bang Bang sauce and tweak the sriracha level according to your spice preference; it’s key to the flavor balance.
- Garnish for Flavor: Enhance presentation and taste by garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds right before serving.
With these expert tips, your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers will be a show-stopping dish everyone loves!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save time during your busy week! You can marinate the chicken breast chunks up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing the flavors and ensuring maximum tenderness. Simply combine the chicken with soy sauce and lime juice, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; keep it in a sealed jar to maintain its creamy texture. When it’s time to cook, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, grill them for approximately 10-12 minutes, and drizzle with your prepared sauce. This not only cuts down your cooking time but ensures your skewers are just as delicious and flavorful!
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked skewers by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on a grill or stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, drizzling with extra Bang Bang sauce for added flavor.
Serving: Enjoy these skewers chilled or at room temperature for a quick snack, or reheat for a delightful meal anytime!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe FAQs
How should I select the chicken for the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for pieces that are firm and have a pinkish hue—this indicates freshness. Avoid any that are slimy or have a grayish color, as these may not be suitable.
What’s the best way to store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
To keep your skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them. For longer preservation, freeze the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the chicken before cooking it for the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken pieces prior to cooking. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag with all your marinade, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to prepare the skewers, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This method preserves flavor and texture.
What should I do if my sauce is too spicy?
Very! If your Bang Bang sauce turns out too spicy for your taste, there are a couple of solutions. First, you can add more mayonnaise or a bit of sour cream to mellow it down. Alternatively, mixing in a drizzle of honey can balance the heat. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for those with food allergies, like gluten sensitivity?
Absolutely! This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe can easily accommodate gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that the soy sauce you choose is gluten-free. There are many delicious alternatives available in stores. Additionally, always check the labels of other ingredients like mayonnaise to ensure they meet dietary needs.
How can I make the Bang Bang sauce healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up the Bang Bang sauce, I often recommend swapping out traditional mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This offers a creamy texture with added protein and fewer calories. You can also substitute honey for agave syrup to maintain sweetness while making it vegan!
Savory Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken breast chunks, soy sauce, and lime juice. Leave them to marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse those rich flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using them. This prevents burning on the grill.
- In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Ensure they are packed closely but not too tight, allowing even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over them.