Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you’re searching for a punchy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s effortless yet bursting with flavor, you have to try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Imagine juicy chicken thighs marinated with a medley of Asian-inspired ingredients, grilled to perfect charred tenderness, then drizzled (or dunked) in a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. They’re irresistibly craveable, fantastic for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or any gathering where delicious food is non-negotiable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted by just how little you need to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, yet every component amps up the taste, texture, or appearance. Each ingredient has a role to play, whether it’s giving depth, bringing heat, or making things irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier than breast meat, these stay tender and succulent on the grill.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the marinade, soaking right into the chicken pieces.
- Sesame Oil: Its nutty aroma infuses the meat, giving major flavor points with just a little bit.
- Rice Vinegar: Lends a subtle acidity that keeps the marinade light and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Honey: Sweetens up the marinade and helps the chicken caramelize for that perfect char.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers deep savory notes with no need to peel or chop fresh garlic.
- Ground Ginger: Provides a gentle, zesty warmth with every bite.
- Wooden Skewers: If grilling, soak them in water for 30 minutes first so they don’t burn.
- Mayonnaise: The base for the unforgettable bang bang sauce; it’s creamy, luscious, and perfect as a dip or drizzle.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers that classic sweet-heat tang that really makes the sauce sing.
- Sriracha: Brings a peppery, garlicky kick; adjust for your preferred level of spice.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the sauce and balances those bold creamy notes.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Fresh, crunchy, and visually beautiful as the finishing touch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Toss the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into this flavorful pool, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours, if you have the time). This step is what locks in all that savory, aromatic goodness and starts building the recipe’s signature flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken soaks up the marinade, mix up the pièce de résistance: bang bang sauce. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and dreamy. Taste and adjust for sweetness, tang, or spice—it’s totally customizable! Pop this in the fridge until showtime.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Once your chicken is marinated, thread the pieces evenly onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t pack them on too tightly; you want each piece to get that lovely grill char on all sides. This step is quick and easy, and you can even wrangle little helpers for a fun hands-on kitchen moment.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Once hot, place the skewers on and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Watch as the chicken caramelizes and grills to a golden-brown, with those craveworthy little char marks. When the juices run clear and the internal temp reads 165°F, they’re ready!
Step 5: Sauce and Garnish
Transfer the cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to a platter. Generously brush them with the bang bang sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping (or both—your call!). Scatter chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top for that gorgeous pop of color and crunch. Serve right away while hot and juicy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Classic garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds are a must for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—they add a crisp, fresh bite and a burst of color that makes the dish pop. For extra flair, try thin slices of red chili or a dusting of crushed peanuts for texture.
Side Dishes
Serve your skewers with fragrant jasmine rice, a colorful Asian slaw, or grilled veggies on the side. Cooling sides like cucumber salad or lightly pickled carrots are wonderful with the spicy, creamy sauce, making for a balanced meal that everyone can dig into.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the skewers onto a rustic wooden board for a backyard BBQ vibe, or stand them upright in a tall glass for a pass-around party appetizer. If you want to level up, serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deconstructed in lettuce cups, drizzled with sauce, for a light and fun “taco” moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep any extra bang bang sauce on the side and add fresh garnishes just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The marinated, uncooked chicken freezes beautifully—thread it onto skewers, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill as usual. Cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can also be frozen, but for best results, keep the sauce separate and refresh with new garnish after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. If you’re using a microwave, cover the skewers with a damp towel to lock in moisture. Wait to add sauce and garnish until after reheating to keep everything tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be swapped in if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure not to overcook them on the grill, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs. The marinade will still keep them juicy and flavorful.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The bang bang sauce gets its kick from sriracha, but you’re in control—add more or less to match your heat preference. The sweetness from the chili sauce and the creaminess of mayo tame the spice, so it’s balanced rather than fiery.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers without a grill?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, the broiler works wonders. Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high, turning once, until caramelized and cooked through. They’ll still have fantastic flavor and a touch of char.
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
For a lighter twist, substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the sauce. You’ll get tang and creaminess for fewer calories, and it’s still absolutely delicious with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Can these be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! Marinate and skewer the chicken in advance, keeping them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. The sauce can also be made ahead. Just grill right before serving for the freshest results, then drizzle with sauce and fresh garnishes.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a true treat—easy, bold, and guaranteed to please anyone lucky enough to snag one. I hope you gather your friends, fire up the grill, and make this recipe a new favorite in your home. Let the flavors and fun of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring extra joy to your table!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a perfect combination of savory and spicy flavors, making them an ideal dish for summer grilling. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mixture, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy and zesty bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- wooden skewers (soaked in water 30 minutes if using)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill. Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Brush skewers with bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
- Skewers can be broiled if grilling isn’t an option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
