These Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a spicy, creamy sauce and grilled until golden brown. Yum!
Get ready for a flavor explosion! I love serving these with a side of rice or veggies. They’re always a hit at cookouts—plus, they’re really fun to eat off a stick! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work too if you prefer them. You could also try shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Mayonnaise: This is the base of the sauce that adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute is great too!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives the dish its signature flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and hot sauce can mimic that sweet and spicy taste.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat to your liking; you can replace it with another hot sauce or even leave it out for a milder version, especially for kids.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used if you prefer a more intense garlic flavor. A clove or two, finely chopped, would work well!
How to Ensure Juicy and Flavorful Chicken on Skewers?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating! Make sure you give your chicken enough time in the marinade—at least an hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor. The marinade not only adds taste but helps keep the chicken moist when grilling.
- Use a medium-high grill temperature to ensure you get a nice sear without overcooking.
- Keep an eye on the skewers as they cook; turn them gently to avoid tearing the meat.
- Basting with extra sauce in the last minute adds extra flavor and keeps them succulent.
Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy Thai sweet chili sauce or similar Asian-inspired sauce (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to grill. Allow an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken, making it a perfect dish for planning ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Make sure to set aside about one-third of this sauce in a separate bowl for later use as a dipping sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces in the remaining marinade to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours of marination.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to help prevent sticking.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, carefully turning them to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for nicely charred edges and fully cooked chicken.
6. Baste and Finish:
In the final minute of grilling, brush the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the top of the chicken skewers. This adds a glossy finish and extra flavor to your skewers.
7. Serve:
Once fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Drizzle with any extra sauce you have and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve the skewers immediately while they’re hot for the best experience!
Enjoy these delicious, creamy, spicy, and grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as a flavorful appetizer or main dish! They’re perfect for summer BBQs or any casual meal. Happy grilling!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly: shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu may need a little longer for a nice sear.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of extra sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it since the ingredients might separate while sitting.
What Should I Serve With These Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables! Enjoy the mix of flavors!
