How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, zesty flavors and a pleasing kick, look no further than Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. This recipe is a delightful mix of tender chicken, spicy sauce, and the perfect char from grilling, bringing a vibrant and exciting taste to your next meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a fun weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver an irresistible combo that’s both simple and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Explosion: The spicy bang bang sauce perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness for unmatched taste.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a breeze to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for Grilling: The chicken stays juicy while gaining a smoky char that elevates every bite.
- Great for Entertaining: Skewers are perfect finger food for parties, casual gatherings, or family dinners.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat to suit your preference without losing flavor balance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that pop with taste and texture. Each element contributes something essential — from the juicy, tender chicken pieces in this dish to the creamy, spicy sauce that ties it all together.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for even cooking and juicy bites.
- Sriracha Sauce: Adds the signature spicy kick that defines the bang bang flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that balances the heat and adds richness.
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the sauce complexity.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the sauce, adding a citrusy tang that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural chicken flavors.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Necessary for threading the chicken and easy grilling.
- Optional Garnishes: Think chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.
Variations for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is wonderfully flexible and allows you to tweak the flavors or ingredients to fit your dietary needs, ingredient availability, or just keep things interesting with some tasty twists.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based option.
- Milder Heat: Reduce the sriracha or swap for a milder chili sauce to make it less spicy while keeping flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Add diced red bell peppers or onions onto the skewers for a fresh crunch and color.
- Peanut Twist: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce for a rich, nutty dimension.
- Asian-Inspired Glaze: Brush the chicken with a teriyaki or hoisin glaze before grilling for a sweet-savory kick.
How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and prevent steaming.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. This creamy, spicy sauce is the heart of the dish and packs all the flavor punch.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, letting the flavors fully infuse.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
While marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Brush additional bang bang sauce during grilling for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired and garnish with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into similar-sized chunks to avoid uneven cooking.
- Marinate Well: Letting the chicken soak in the sauce enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the skewers for a nice sear.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that chicken reaches 165°F to stay juicy and safe.
- Rest the Skewers: Let the skewers rest a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring a vibrant contrast to the creamy, spicy chicken. Try topping skewers with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds to add brightness and texture that complements the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with cool, refreshing sides such as cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even a crunchy Asian slaw. These choices balance the heat and round out the meal for both flavor and satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skewers over a bed of lettuce leaves or alongside crispy wonton chips for easy dipping. Alternatively, present the skewers family-style with a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can customize their heat and flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture when stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the skewers before grilling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen raw skewers can last up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat cooked skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or grill briefly to revive the smokiness and crisp edges while keeping the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other proteins like shrimp, pork, or beef—just adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
How spicy are Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The heat level comes mainly from sriracha sauce and can be adjusted by adding more for extra spice or using less for a milder taste without losing the distinctive flavor.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, swap mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo or coconut yogurt to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating helps infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken, but if you’re short on time, tossing the chicken in the sauce just before grilling still delivers tasty results.
What grill setting is best for cooking these skewers?
Medium-high heat works best to quickly sear the chicken and lock in juices while developing a nice char without drying the meat.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers combine big, bold flavors with simple prep to create a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether for casual dinners or lively gatherings, give this vibrant and flavorful dish a try—you may just find your new go-to grilling hit.
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Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for backyard barbecues, casual dinners, or parties, this recipe combines bold flavors with easy preparation and customizable spice levels to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes before grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and prevent steaming.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. This creamy, spicy sauce is the heart of the dish and packs all the flavor punch.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, letting the flavors fully infuse.
- Thread the Skewers: While marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Brush additional bang bang sauce during grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Cut chicken into similar-sized chunks to avoid uneven cooking.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high for a good sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Let skewers rest a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing sriracha according to preference.
- Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free sauce.
- For vegetarian option, replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets.
- Add diced red bell peppers or onions onto skewers for extra crunch.
- Mix peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty variation.
- Brush chicken with teriyaki or hoisin glaze before grilling for Asian-inspired flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 skewers)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Spicy bang bang chicken, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, spicy chicken appetizer, bang bang sauce, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, gluten free appetizer