Experience an explosion of flavor with these incredibly easy-to-make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, a delightful grilled dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat and an irresistibly creamy, sweet, and spicy dipping sauce, this chicken dish is destined for your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, these juicy chicken kabobs offer a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your backyard.
If you’re captivated by the unique flavor profile of Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll also adore our Bang Bang Shrimp for a seafood twist or these exciting Firecracker Meatballs when you’re craving something different with a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
There’s nothing quite like the joy of grilling during the warmer months, and these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers perfectly encapsulate that feeling. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with grilling this summer, and for good reason! It keeps the kitchen cool, minimizes cleanup, and often delivers incredibly flavorful meals in record time. These chicken kabobs are a prime example, offering a quick and satisfying solution for busy weeknights.
From prepping the flavorful chicken to sizzling them on the grill and smothering them in that irresistible Bang Bang sauce, this meal comes together in about 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you need a delicious dinner without the fuss. The combination of savory grilled chicken and the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is simply addictive. It’s a recipe that appeals to all ages, with adjustable spice levels to suit everyone’s preference, ensuring it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Crafting these delectable Bang Bang Chicken Skewers requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top recommendation. They are inherently more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, retaining moisture better during grilling, which results in incredibly juicy and tender skewers. While chicken breasts can be used, be mindful of their quicker cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil or a neutral alternative like vegetable oil or avocado oil is essential. It acts as a binder for the spices, ensuring they adhere well to the chicken, and also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates.
- Spices: The chicken’s seasoning blend is simple yet impactful, featuring a combination of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth, garlic powder and onion powder for aromatic richness, and a foundational mix of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. These spices create a delicious base that perfectly complements the Bang Bang sauce.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our iconic Bang Bang sauce. I prefer full-fat mayonnaise for its rich texture and flavor, but a low-fat variety can be substituted if you’re looking to lighten things up.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star ingredient that gives the sauce its distinctive sweet and tangy heat. My go-to is Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce, but many excellent brands are available. Choose one you enjoy, as its flavor will shine through.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweetness and heat of the sauce, lifting the overall flavor profile. While fresh is always best, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, or omitted if unavailable.
- Sriracha: For that customizable kick! Sriracha provides a vibrant, garlicky heat that balances the sweet chili sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preferred spice level – a little adds a pleasant warmth, while more creates a fiery experience.
Crafting Your Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing these grilled chicken skewers is straightforward, making it an excellent recipe for any night of the week. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavor-packed kabobs:
STEP 1: Season the Chicken to Perfection
Begin by placing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, then generously sprinkle with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the fragrant spice blend. This initial seasoning is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
STEP 2: Prepare Your Skewers
Once seasoned, it’s time to thread the chicken onto your skewers. The number of skewers you’ll need depends on their size. For larger metal skewers, you might use fewer, distributing the chicken evenly among them. If you opt for smaller skewers, you will naturally make more. Aim for pieces to be close but not overly packed, allowing for even cooking. (Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent burning on the grill.)
STEP 3: Whisk Together the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, and sriracha. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens! Once fully mixed, divide the sauce into two equal portions. One half will be used for basting the chicken on the grill, while the other half will be reserved as a fresh dipping sauce. Cover the reserved portion and refrigerate it to keep it cool and fresh until serving.
STEP 4: Grill to Perfection and Baste with Flavor
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken skewers on the grill grates. Cook the chicken, turning every 4-5 minutes, allowing each side to develop a beautiful char and cook through evenly. The total grilling time will be approximately 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). During the final 3-4 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the unreserved half of the Bang Bang sauce. This will infuse the chicken with an incredible sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze.
STEP 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked and wonderfully caramelized, remove the skewers from the grill. Be cautious, as metal skewers will be extremely hot. Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately with the remaining, chilled Bang Bang sauce for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are nothing short of spectacular, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly without any charred stick fragments.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While these chicken kabobs shine on the grill, you can absolutely cook them using other methods.
- Air Fryer: For a quick and crispy option, cook the skewers in an air fryer. Ensure your skewers fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Baste with sauce during the last few minutes.
- Oven Baking: Lay the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through. Baste with sauce in the last 5-7 minutes.
- Grill Pan: A cast iron grill pan on your stove top is another excellent alternative, providing those beautiful grill marks. Cook over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until done, basting as per the grilling instructions.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: This recipe makes a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce, and for good reason! It’s perfect for both basting the chicken during cooking and serving alongside as an irresistible dipping sauce. The extra sauce elevates the dish, allowing everyone to customize their flavor experience.
- Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting your chicken into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures that all the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Watch the Heat: Chicken thighs cook well over medium-high heat, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially after basting with the sugar-rich Bang Bang sauce.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These flavorful skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Rice: Classic steamed white or brown rice is a perfect canvas for absorbing all the delicious Bang Bang sauce.
- Noodles: Serve with a side of simple lo mein or sesame noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Vegetables: Grilled pineapple, bell peppers, zucchini, or a fresh cucumber salad would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing coleslaw provides a nice textural contrast and coolness to the spicy chicken.
Explore More Irresistible Grilled Skewers
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of grilled skewers, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
BBQ Pork Kabobs with Pineapple
Chili Honey Garlic Shrimp Kabobs
Sweet and Sour Meatball Skewers
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I prepare Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The chicken can be seasoned and threaded onto skewers up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made a day or two ahead and kept refrigerated. This makes meal prep incredibly convenient.
How spicy are these chicken skewers?
The spice level is easily adjustable! The recipe provides a good balance of sweet and spicy. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For more heat, feel free to add an extra dash or two!
What is Bang Bang sauce?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce often associated with Chinese-American cuisine, particularly with fried shrimp or chicken. Its primary ingredients usually include mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating a distinctive and addictive flavor profile.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs. However, they tend to dry out more easily on the grill. To prevent this, cut them into slightly larger pieces and be careful not to overcook them. Monitor their internal temperature closely.
How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should also be opaque throughout and the juices should run clear.
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 teaspoons sriracha or to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to evenly coat the chicken.2 pounds chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Thread the chicken onto skewers. (How many skewers you make will be determined by how big the skewers are.) Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Take about half of the sauce and set aside. Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce.1 cup mayonnaise, 2/3 cup thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 4 teaspoons sriracha
- Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Add the skewers and cook, turning every 4-5 minutes, until cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes total.During the last 3-4 minutes, brush the chicken with the bang bang sauce that you set aside.
- When done, remove from the grill. Serve the skewers with the remaining bang bang sauce for drizzling or dipping.
Recipe Notes:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using.
If using metal skewers, be careful removing and serving them – the metal will be HOT!
You can also make these in the air fryer or on a stove top grill. If using an air fryer, make sure your skewers fit in the basket.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.