These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Tender chicken pieces are marinated and grilled on skewers, then topped with a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a nice kick.
They’re perfect for a barbecue or a simple dinner. I love making extra sauce for dipping because who can resist that creamy goodness? You’ll want to make this again and again! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken breast is perfect for skewers as it cooks quickly and stays moist. If you want to try something different, chicken thighs can offer more flavor and tenderness.
Mayonnaise: This is key for the creamy Bang Bang sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo works well too.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a lovely sweetness and a hint of spice. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey with a little hot sauce can create a similar effect.
Sriracha: Adjust this for your spice level. If you’re looking for milder heat, try a dash of smoked paprika instead, or use a sweet chili sauce that’s less spicy.
Green Onions: They add a fresh crunch as a garnish. If you don’t have them, fresh cilantro or parsley can be a nice substitute.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is a vital step! It helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper into the chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but you can go up to 1 hour for more flavor.
- Use a non-reactive bowl (like glass or plastic) to avoid any unwanted flavors from reacting with metal.
By letting the chicken absorb these spices, you’ll get a tastier result that makes each bite delicious! Don’t skip this step for the best outcome.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Additional Items:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if cooking on a grill)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating the chicken. Then, plan for another 15 minutes for grilling. So, overall, you should be ready to enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the chicken is nicely coated with the seasonings. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you can wait. This gives the chicken a chance to soak up all those delicious flavors.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grab another bowl and mix up your Bang Bang sauce! Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Make sure to set aside a little bit of this sauce for dipping later on. Yum!
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to skewer! First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. This step is not only fun but makes the chicken easy to handle on the grill.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Now, it’s time for grilling! Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is fully cooked (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F) and you see nice grill marks on the chicken. Make sure you watch them closely so they don’t burn!
5. Glaze the Skewers:
About 2 minutes before you finish grilling, brush the chicken skewers with the Bang Bang sauce for added flavor and moisture. This step will make your skewers even more tasty!
6. Serve:
Once grilled, take the skewers off the grill and garnish them with the chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve your delicious skewers hot with the reserved Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. If you’re using shrimp, just cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re opaque. For tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture and grill until golden brown on all sides.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha to 1/2 tablespoon or omit it altogether. For extra heat, feel free to add more sriracha or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when marinating the chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! You can use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking. If you have a grill pan, you can also cook the chicken without skewers. Just make sure to turn the chicken pieces frequently for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet over medium heat, brushing with a little extra sauce to keep them moist!
