These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a spicy mayo sauce, giving them a kick that’s super yummy.
These skewers are perfect for a casual dinner or a fun get-together. I love serving them with extra sauce for dipping—you know you want that little extra kick! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for tenderness. You can swap them for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat. It’s also a great choice for a budget-friendly option!
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps it moist while grilling. You could use avocado oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Mayonnaise: For the bang bang sauce, mayo gives the sauce creaminess. Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute but will change the flavor slightly.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It’s sweet and tangy. If you don’t have it, consider making a quick mix of honey and a bit of vinegar to mimic the flavor.
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers to Cook Evenly?
Getting chicken skewers perfectly cooked can be tricky, but it’s all about the prep and temperature. Make sure to cut your chicken chunks evenly to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. This helps with moisture and flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill. A hot grill creates a nice char without drying out the meat.
Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling, and flip them occasionally. They’ll be done when the internal temperature hits 165°F/75°C. Enjoy the perfectly cooked skewers!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes including 20 minutes of marinating and 10 minutes of cooking. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken chunks to the bowl and toss well until they are all coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak in the flavors.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste your sauce and add more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness if you like!
3. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice char marks.
5. Serving Time!
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the generous amount of bang bang sauce over the hot chicken skewers, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and flaky sea salt for a lovely finish.
6. Enjoy:
Serve the skewers immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful, slightly smoky, creamy, and spicy Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
FAQ About Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to your skewers. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for easy grilling, and cut them into similar-sized pieces as the breasts for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! You can use metal skewers if you have them. Just make sure to lightly oil them before threading the chicken. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill grates using a grill basket for easy handling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the chicken before grilling. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy seasoning blend to amp up the flavor.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With These Skewers?
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, steamed rice, or grilled vegetables. You could also serve them with a side of Asian coleslaw for a crunchy contrast!
