If you’re craving a dish that combines fiery spice with creamy goodness, you’ve got to try Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. These flavorful bites come together quickly, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The blend of tender chicken with a luscious, spicy sauce makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and packed with ingredients that bring vibrant color, texture, and taste to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your hectic schedule without compromising flavor.
- Bold Flavors: A spicy, creamy sauce gives your chicken skewers a delicious kick that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile Dish: Served as an appetizer or main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser at parties or family dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary without fuss or fancy tools.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level easily to suit your taste buds, making it perfect for all heat preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated but thoughtfully balanced. Each ingredient plays a vital role — from juicy chicken pieces to the creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together with vibrant notes of sweetness and heat.
- Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose accordingly for more tenderness or lean meat, cut into bite-sized cubes for easy skewering.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Soak wooden ones beforehand to prevent burning and make grilling easier.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy and rich base for the sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Sriracha Sauce: Adds vibrant heat and a punch of flavor to the bang bang sauce.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Balances the spice with natural sweetness, creating that irresistible bang bang flavor.
- Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: Adds tanginess that brightens up the sauce and refreshes the palate.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle savory notes without overpowering the delicate sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the true flavors of your chicken and sauce.
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds (Optional): Gorgeous garnishes that add crunch and freshness when serving.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe to your liking. It’s incredibly flexible and adapts well whether you want to tweak ingredients for dietary needs or experiment with flavors.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets to keep the bang bang spirit alive without meat.
- Grilled or Oven-Baked: Cook on a grill for smoky char or use the oven for an easy indoor alternative with great results.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or crispy fried onions on top for a delightful texture boost.
- Milder Sauce Option: Reduce sriracha and add more honey for a kid-friendly or less spicy sauce.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh cilantro or basil into the sauce or as a garnish to add aromatic freshness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts or thighs into uniform chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to thread onto skewers.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and balanced. Taste and tweak the heat or sweetness as desired.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even grilling and easy turning.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-6 minutes per side, until the chicken is charred slightly and cooked through. Alternately, you can broil in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Coat with Sauce
Once cooked, generously brush or drizzle the creamy bang bang sauce over the chicken skewers so every bite is bursting with flavor. You can serve extra sauce on the side for dipping too.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Pre-Soak Skewers: Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Even Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken into uniform sizes to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add a teaspoon of water or lime juice if your sauce feels too thick for easy drizzling.
- Rest Before Serving: Let cooked skewers rest for a few minutes to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice or high-quality sriracha can significantly elevate the sauce’s flavor profile.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Freshly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro make fantastic garnishes that add brightness, texture, and lively color to your skewers.
Side Dishes
Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers alongside steamed jasmine rice, crunchy Asian-style slaw, or even quick cucumber salad to balance the richness with fresh and cool elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, thread the skewers into lettuce cups with a splash of extra sauce for hand-held wraps, or pair with naan bread and yogurt for an exciting fusion experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers without losing any flavor or moisture.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked, skewered chicken wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover skewers gently in the oven at low heat or in a skillet with a splash of water to retain juiciness rather than microwave for a quick, but less tender option.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and tend to stay tender during grilling, making them a fantastic choice for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a nice spicy kick from sriracha but it’s easy to adjust—reduce or increase heat by modifying how much sriracha you add.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if incorporating soy sauce into your sauce variations, and ensure your sriracha is labeled gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve leftover sauce?
Store leftover sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week and use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle over salads and grilled veggies.
Can I prepare this recipe for a party?
Definitely! Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are excellent party finger food and easy to serve buffet-style with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are one of those delightful dishes that come together quickly yet taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of spicy, creamy sauce and tender chicken makes every bite irresistible. Whether for a tasty weeknight dinner, a casual party appetizer, or a fun cooking project, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you reach for time and time again. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears from the plate!