Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the bold, juicy upgrade your grill nights have been waiting for. Coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that clings to every perfectly charred bite, they’re impossible to resist. One taste and you’ll want to make them on repeat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with bold flavor: Every skewer is coated in a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Quick to prepare: Minimal prep, short marination time, and just a few minutes on the grill or stovetop mean this meal is weeknight friendly.
- Perfect for entertaining: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an instant hit at cookouts, parties, and casual dinners. They’re easy to serve and always disappear fast.
- Great for meal prep: Marinate in advance and cook when ready—or grill a batch for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- Kid-approved with a twist: Tone down the heat, and even picky eaters can’t resist the juicy grilled chicken coated in that velvety sauce.
- Pairs with anything: From jasmine rice to grilled veggies or warm flatbread, these skewers are versatile and dinner-table ready.
Detailed Ingredients and Instructions
Creating Bang Bang Chicken Skewers doesn’t require complex ingredients or fancy techniques. With a few pantry staples and a solid marinating method, you’ll be well on your way to juicy, flavorful skewers. Here’s a closer look at everything you’ll need, and how to make sure every step delivers maximum flavor and tenderness.
The Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. While both work well, thighs offer more moisture and flavor. Cut the chicken into equal-sized chunks so they cook evenly on the skewers. Roughly bite-sized pieces are best—large enough to stay juicy, but small enough to eat in one or two bites.
The Marinade
The secret to juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in a simple but bold marinade. Use a mix of garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, a touch of honey, and a neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil. This combination tenderizes the chicken while adding layers of flavor. Let it sit in the fridge for at least thirty minutes—longer if you can, even overnight if prepping ahead.
How to Make the Bang Bang Sauce
This creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce is what sets these skewers apart. Classic bang bang sauce includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, a splash of lime, and a hint of garlic powder. The result is rich, bold, and perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness. It’s ideal for drizzling, dipping, or brushing on after grilling.
Assembly Tips
Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between pieces so the heat can circulate, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelization, and we want those edges crisp and golden.
Cooking Methods
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for several minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Oven-Broiled: Place skewers on a foil-lined sheet, then broil them close to the flame, turning once halfway. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Stovetop Skillet: Use a grill pan or heavy skillet with a splash of oil. Cook over medium-high heat, rotating the skewers for even cooking and browning.
Finishing Touches
Once the skewers are fully cooked, brush or drizzle with bang bang sauce. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for a colorful, flavorful finish. If you’re feeling bold, a light dusting of red pepper flakes adds extra heat and visual appeal.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated for several days. Just stir well before using. This makes it easy to prep for busy nights or weekend gatherings.
Tips, Variations, and Storage Options
There’s more than one way to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers shine. Whether you want to tailor the spice level, try new flavor profiles, or plan ahead for future meals, this section has you covered with pro-level tips and creative variations.
Pro Tips for Success
- Even Cutting Is Everything: Keep chicken pieces uniform in size. This ensures even cooking, so you don’t end up with undercooked centers or dried-out edges.
- Soak Your Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least thirty minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
- Oil the Grill Grates: A lightly oiled grill helps prevent sticking and promotes that gorgeous char we’re after. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to swipe the grates before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leaving a bit of space between each chicken piece helps achieve better caramelization and reduces steaming.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Tasty Variations to Try
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Want a quick and crispy version without grilling? Preheat your air fryer and cook skewers in batches at a high temperature. Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers: Swap chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp. Since shrimp cooks much faster, reduce grill time to just a couple of minutes per side.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use cubed tofu or cauliflower florets as a substitute for chicken. Marinate and grill just as you would the original recipe. They soak up flavor beautifully.
- Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl: Skip the skewers and serve the grilled chicken pieces over a bed of jasmine or coconut rice. Drizzle with bang bang sauce, and top with cucumber, shredded carrots, and scallions.
- Spicy Peanut Bang Bang Sauce: Add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist. It brings rich nuttiness that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
- Bang Bang Chicken Wraps: Tuck leftovers into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and extra sauce for a satisfying lunch wrap or dinner on the go.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in the marinade. Double-check that your chili sauce and mayo are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Carb or Keto: Use a sugar-free chili sauce and mayonnaise-based sauce without added sugar. Serve with roasted veggies instead of rice or bread.
- Dairy-Free: Choose a vegan mayo alternative and confirm your chili sauce doesn’t contain dairy additives. The sauce still turns out creamy and satisfying.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to four days. Keep sauce separate if possible.
- Freezer: Skewers can be frozen before or after cooking. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe bags. For best results, freeze without sauce and add fresh after reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Warm cooked skewers in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, covered, to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer or oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken.
Equipment Needed
Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers doesn’t require a professional kitchen—just a few dependable tools can make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing your bang bang sauce. Use one for raw ingredients and another for the finished sauce to keep things safe and sanitary.
- Grill or Grill Pan: An outdoor grill gives the best smoky flavor, but a stovetop grill pan works beautifully too, especially for small batches.
- Skewers (Metal or Wooden): Metal skewers are reusable and don’t need soaking. Wooden skewers work great, just soak them first to prevent burning.
- Tongs: Essential for turning skewers while cooking without piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Basting Brush: Handy for brushing sauce on after grilling to ensure every bite gets coated in that creamy-spicy goodness.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, here are some other crowd-pleasers to try:
- Sweet Chili Chicken Bites: Bite-sized, oven-baked chicken pieces glazed in a sticky sweet chili sauce perfect for game day or casual dinners.
- Steak Sandwich Recipe: Juicy, seared steak slices layered on toasted bread with a rich, savory sauce and fresh toppings, creating a bold, satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Spicy Thai Noodle Salad: cold noodle salad with peanut dressing, shredded veggies, and just enough heat to balance your meal.
- Sticky Honey Garlic Drumsticks: Oven-baked drumsticks coated in a sticky garlic glaze—tender, juicy, and finger-licking good.
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken Tacos: Juicy grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple folded into soft tortillas with spicy crema.
Pairing/Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers? Here are some great ideas to build a complete, balanced meal:
- Side Dishes: Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice makes a perfect base. Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn bring balance to the spicy sauce.
- Salads: A fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red onions cools down the heat beautifully. Coleslaw adds crunch and contrast.
- Drinks: Pair with cold citrus-based drinks like sparkling lemonade, Thai iced tea, or a light beer for casual gatherings.
- Sauce Extras: Offer a dipping trio with extra bang bang sauce, a creamy avocado ranch, and a spicy chili-lime crema.
- For Entertaining: Serve skewers on a platter garnished with lime wedges, chopped herbs, and crushed peanuts. Add small plates of sliced fruit or chilled melon for a refreshing bite between spicy bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken up to twenty-four hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked skewers also keep well for up to four days.
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level, depending on how much sriracha or chili sauce you use. You can adjust it to taste.
What cut of chicken works best?
Chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture, but breasts work well too—just don’t overcook them.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating so it absorbs flavors evenly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, if you reduce the heat. Use less sriracha or swap with ketchup or a mild chili sauce to make it more approachable.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate, depending on portion size and sauce amount):
- Calories: around 350
- Protein: about 28g
- Carbohydrates: approximately 12g
- Fat: around 22g
- Sugar: approx 5g
This assumes moderate sauce use and lean chicken thighs. For more precise tracking, plug exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator.
Seasonal and Occasion Variations
- Summer BBQs: Grill outdoors, serve skewers with grilled pineapple, watermelon slices, and a chilled pasta salad.
- Winter Comfort: Roast skewers in the oven and pair with garlic mashed potatoes or a warm veggie stir fry.
- Game Day: Cut chicken smaller for mini skewers, then serve as spicy skewered appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
- Holiday Spread: Add skewers to your buffet with elegant garnishes like pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and golden roasted vegetables.
- Family Dinners: Serve with rice and steamed green beans for a balanced, weeknight-friendly meal.
Seasonal and Occasion Variations
- Summer BBQs: Grill outdoors, serve skewers with grilled pineapple, watermelon slices, and a chilled pasta salad.
- Winter Comfort: Roast skewers in the oven and pair with garlic mashed potatoes or a warm veggie stir fry.
- Game Day: Cut chicken smaller for mini skewers, then serve as spicy skewered appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
- Holiday Spread: Add skewers to your buffet with elegant garnishes like pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and golden roasted vegetables.
- Family Dinners: Serve with rice and steamed green beans for a balanced, weeknight-friendly meal.
My Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short soak infuses flavor and tenderness. Longer is better, but thirty minutes is the minimum.
- Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness—fresh always beats bottled.
- Taste the sauce before serving: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Adjust your bang bang sauce before slathering it on.
- Get a good sear: High heat adds flavor. Don’t be afraid of a little char on the edges—it enhances the texture.
- Serve with contrasting textures: Creamy sauce meets best with something crunchy or fresh on the plate.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are more than just grilled meat—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a party, these skewers deliver bold taste with minimal effort. With their creamy, spicy sauce and juicy grilled chicken, they fit into nearly any season, event, or meal plan. Customize them, make them ahead, or enjoy them hot off the grill—no matter how you serve them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’re ready to bring some heat and a whole lot of flavor to your dinner table, this is the recipe to bookmark and make again and again. And while you’re here—don’t forget to check out the related recipes above for even more ideas to keep your meals exciting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken skewers
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes if grilling)
Bang Bang sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
Optional garnish
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven broiler to medium-high heat.
Grill or broil the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar until smooth.
Brush the cooked chicken skewers generously with the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it over the top.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
