Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! They feature juicy chicken pieces marinated in a yummy blend of spices, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
These skewers are perfect for parties, and I love serving them with a bit of extra sauce for dipping. Who doesn’t enjoy a little extra zing with their bites? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for skewers because it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breast or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Olive Oil: I love olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. You can also use avocado oil or any other cooking oil with a high smoke point if you prefer. Just avoid using those heavily flavored oils.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices add depth to the chicken. If fresh garlic and onion are handy, feel free to use about 2 cloves of minced garlic and a quarter of a chopped onion instead. It’ll give an even fresher taste!
Paprika: Paprika enhances color and flavor. If you want a bit of smokiness, reach for smoked paprika. For something a bit spicier, use cayenne pepper, but just a pinch!
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: For the sauce, if you want a lighter version, you can swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. And if you like it sweet, try adding a little maple syrup instead of honey. The flavor will still shine through!
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers to Perfection?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll achieve delicious results. First, make sure your grill is preheated well. A hot grill sears the chicken nicely.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are all about the same size for even cooking. Bite-sized chunks work great!
- When you thread the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between pieces; this helps them cook evenly and get that nice char.
- Grill over medium-high heat and turn them every few minutes to avoid burning. Look for a nice golden char and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps keep them juicy!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook. Plus, if your skewers aren’t pre-soaked, give them 30 minutes in water. So overall, plan for about 1 hour if you include the soaking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice char on it.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Take your soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so that they cook through properly.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if you’re using it). This will give you a tasty, creamy sauce for your skewers. Set it aside for later.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. You’ll want to ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside.
6. Serve with Bang Bang Sauce:
Once the skewers are ready, remove them from the grill. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the skewers, or serve it on the side for dipping—they’ll be delicious either way!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Make it pretty! Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the skewers for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with friends and family!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to your skewers. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the chicken breasts and adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is There a Way to Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes! If you want more heat, you can add extra sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix. For a unique twist, consider including diced jalapeños for an added kick!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store 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, to keep the chicken juicy.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving, as it may thicken slightly as it sits.
