Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tasty grilled bites that pack a punch! They’re marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, making each bite exciting. Plus, they’re super easy to make for any gathering!
Just imagine biting into juicy, flavorful chicken on a stick—what’s not to love? I like to serve them with a simple dipping sauce, and they disappear faster than I can cook them! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless chicken breast is ideal for this dish as it cooks quickly and stays juicy on the skewers. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for those with dietary restrictions. Both options will maintain the sauce’s texture!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient provides a lovely sweetness with a hint of spice. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and a little vinegar can mimic the flavor. Adjust to your taste for sweetness!
Sriracha: Adjust this based on your spice preference. You could swap it for a milder hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or even omit it for a completely mild version. You can always add heat later if desired!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice can be a good substitute. It’s a bit more tart but still adds a nice zing!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll succeed! Start by marinating your chicken to infuse flavor and moisture. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for an even cook. If using a grill pan, make sure it’s hot before adding the skewers.
- Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewers to promote even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, not grilling!
- Cook the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning often. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 165°F.
- Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling, as this helps the juices redistribute.
With these simple steps, you’ll have tender and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ready to enjoy!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, plus 10 minutes for grilling. Overall, expect a total of about 25-30 minutes, depending on how long you marinate the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your tasty Bang Bang sauce!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take about 1/4 cup of the sauce and set it aside for later use. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the remaining sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give it even better flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Once your chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high and lightly grease the surface. Now, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Cook and Serve:
Brush the chicken skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with your favorite dipping sauce or serve them over rice for a delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Proteins for Bang Bang Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time: shrimp will cook faster, while beef may need a bit longer depending on the cut. Make sure whatever you use is cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts honey and soy sauce, adding a splash of rice vinegar for acidity. This won’t be exactly the same but will give a nice sweet and tangy flavor to your skewers!
How Do I Properly Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them on a grill or skillet to maintain their texture instead of in the microwave.
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce up to 2 hours ahead for optimal flavor, or a few hours if you’re short on time. Just make sure to grill them fresh right before serving for the best taste and texture!
