These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun twist on dinner. Juicy chicken is marinated and grilled, then drizzled with a spicy, creamy sauce that makes each bite a tasty adventure!
Trust me, you’ll be licking your fingers after these! I love serving them up with fresh veggies for an easy weeknight meal. Just don’t forget the napkins—things might get a bit saucy! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts are leaner. If you’re in a pinch, use tofu or seitan for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: A staple for flavor, but you can use tamari for a gluten-free version. If you want less sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used instead, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is what gives the bang bang flavor. If you want less sweetness, you can use a homemade mixture of chili paste with a bit of sugar and vinegar.
Sriracha: It adds heat, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice level. You can also substitute another chili sauce or leave it out if you prefer milder flavors.
How Do I Get Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Achieving perfectly juicy chicken skewers is all about marinating and grilling correctly. Here are some tips:
- Marination is key: Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better!
- Preheat your grill: Make sure it’s hot before adding your skewers; this helps sear the chicken.
- Avoid overcooking: Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 75°C).
- Rest after grilling: Let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy.
Enjoy making these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! They’re sure to be a hit at your gatherings.
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (to add heat as desired)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Juice of half a lime (optional, for tanginess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 10-15 minutes for grilling. If you let the chicken marinate longer, you can enhance the flavor even more. So, a total of about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how long you let it soak in that tasty marinade!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken cubes and stir them around until they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have time, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for an even tastier result.
2. Preheat Your Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Don’t forget to oil the grill grates or pan lightly to prevent sticking!
3. Skewer the Chicken:
After marinating, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers. Make sure not to crowd them too much; this helps them cook evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on your hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice, slightly charred look to it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, it’s the perfect time to whip up your bang bang sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken skewers are done grilling, take them off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
7. Drizzle or Dip:
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing!
8. Finish with Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for a lovely finishing touch. Serve your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers immediately and enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually more flavorful and tend to stay juicier than breasts when grilled. Just be sure to adjust your grilling time if the pieces are thicker.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken before grilling.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the bang bang sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving to mix the flavors again.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.