Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated and grilled on sticks, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I love serving them with a side of crunchy veggies. Trust me, they’ll make you say “bang bang, yum yum!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for skewers because it cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the marinade. For a healthier option, you can replace it with Greek yogurt. It gives a tangy taste while keeping it creamy.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for that sweet and spicy kick. If you can’t find it, a mixture of ketchup and a little sugar can work as a substitute, though it’ll change the flavor slightly.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the heat to your liking with sriracha. You can also swap this for your favorite hot sauce, or leave it out entirely if you prefer milder flavors.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These add depth to your marinade. Fresh garlic and onion also work well; just adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Evenly?
Grilling chicken skewers requires attention to spacing and heat control for best results. Here are my tips:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Leave a little space between chicken pieces on the skewers for even cooking. This ensures that every piece gets exposed to the heat properly.
- Preheat your grill on medium-high heat. If it’s too hot, the chicken may char on the outside while staying raw inside.
- Turn skewers occasionally while grilling to cook evenly. This also helps create a nice char.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your meal! 🥢
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes (ideally 2-4 hours) for marinating the chicken. Grilling will take an additional 10-15 minutes. So, set aside some time for marination to really enhance the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is smoothly combined. This tasty marinade will make your chicken full of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have the time, let it chill for 2-4 hours. The longer, the better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is important to get that perfect char on the chicken.
4. Thread the Chicken on Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This will help them cook evenly and get that lovely grilled texture.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on the chicken until it’s fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Drizzle:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. If you have some marinade left, feel free to drizzle it over the skewers for extra flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped parsley. You can also add a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, though it won’t need as long marinating since it’s already cooked!
What if I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts honey and a hot sauce of your choice. Alternatively, combine some ketchup with a dash of vinegar and sugar for a sweeter flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, simply increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the marinade. You could also add red pepper flakes or even chopped fresh jalapeños to the chicken before grilling! Just remember to balance it out with the honey to keep that sweet heat flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
