If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant flavors, a touch of heat, and the perfect blend of creamy and tangy, you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. These tender chicken cubes marinated in a lively mix, then grilled to juicy perfection, are coated with a luscious, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your next meal or impress guests with something that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant, right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with ingredients that combine to give you a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the tender chicken breasts and bold ginger to the punchy sriracha and creamy mayonnaise—all working together to create that signature bang bang magic.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor to the marinade for richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and gives a slight crispy edge when grilled.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that complements the heat.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth throughout the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the palate.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a touch of spice to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste): Provides the signature heat with bright flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Included again in the sauce for tang and balance.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Boosts savoriness in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Adds a mellow, natural sweetness that rounds out the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the garlicky flavor in the sauce layer.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra kick of spice if you like it hot.
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes: Prevents burning on the grill and holds the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used to coat the grill grates and brush over chicken for perfect grilling.
- Chopped green onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and a nutty finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together so every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This marinade is your flavor foundation, softening the meat and infusing it with a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and fragrant notes. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer, up to 2 hours, if you want an even more intense flavor boost.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken is soaking up those delicious flavors, whisk together a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that makes this dish truly unforgettable. Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. This sauce should be bright, tangy, and packed with a little heat, perfectly complementing the juicy grilled chicken. Cover it and chill in the refrigerator so all those tastes blend beautifully.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, thread your chicken cubes onto bamboo skewers. Leave a little space between each piece; this ensures even cooking and helps the chicken develop those irresistible charred edges on the grill. Remember to soak your skewers beforehand to avoid flare-ups or burning — it’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Brush the chicken skewers lightly with oil to achieve a beautiful sear and to lock in moisture. Grill them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed those enticing grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and juicy perfection.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce and Garnishes
Once off the grill, spoon the bang bang sauce generously over the chicken skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and, if you like, a scattering of sesame seeds. These final touches add freshness, texture, and a pop of color that really makes the dish come alive.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add a lovely crisp, fresh bite that balances the richness of the bang bang sauce. Sesame seeds are optional but highly recommended—they add a light nuttiness and a subtle crunch that elevates the experience with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a well-rounded meal, add a fresh cucumber salad or crunchy Asian slaw to provide contrast and brightness, cutting through the rich creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress even further? Serve these skewers over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves as finger food for a party, or slice the grilled chicken off the skewers and toss it into a vibrant noodle bowl with fresh veggies and herbs. Either way, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as flexible as it is flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making for a perfect next-day meal that’s just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container to protect against freezer burn. When freezing, it’s best to store the skewers without the sauce to preserve texture and flavor, adding fresh sauce when you reheat them.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently on the grill or in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that delightful char and keep the chicken juicy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the meat. Warm up your bang bang sauce separately and drizzle it fresh before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe because they stay juicy and provide a slightly richer flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted easily. The amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes control the heat, so feel free to add more for a fiery kick or reduce for a milder taste. The creamy mayonnaise balances the spice beautifully, making it palatable for most taste buds.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes, you can! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the skewers in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broiling at the end can help mimic that grilled char.
What’s the purpose of soaking bamboo skewers in water?
Soaking prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire during grilling. It’s a simple step that ensures safe cooking and keeps your skewers sturdy and moist.
Is the Bang Bang sauce gluten-free?
It depends on the soy sauce you use. Many soy sauces contain gluten, but you can substitute with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is an absolute game-changer for any cook looking to delight friends and family with big flavor and effortless cooking. It’s the kind of dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, packed with vibrant tastes and textures you’ll want to come back to again and again. Trust me, once you try these skewers with that irresistibly creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, you’ll have a new favorite on your recipe list.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken cubes coated in a creamy, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for summer BBQs or quick weeknight dinners, the chicken is marinated, skewered, and grilled to juicy perfection, then served with a zesty sauce and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Grilling and Garnish
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for grilling
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the marinade.
- Refrigerate the Chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to thoroughly infuse into the chicken.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Oil and Grill the Skewers: Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil to enhance charring and prevent sticking, then place them on the grill.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even char on all sides. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with the prepared Bang Bang sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- The marinade can be made a few hours in advance to enhance flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
