These Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs are a fun, flavorful treat! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a spicy sauce and grilled to perfection, making them nice and juicy.
Serve them at your next gathering and watch everyone go for seconds! I love to pair them with a cooling dip to balance the spice. Perfect for those who like a little kick! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its tenderness and quick cooking time. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient gives a sweet and spicy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix honey with a bit of hot sauce or use a homemade version with sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Sriracha Sauce: This sauce amps up the heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. You can swap it with another hot sauce or even leave it out for milder kabobs.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice can work just as well.
How Do I Grill Kabobs Without Them Sticking?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky if they stick to the grill. Here’s how you can avoid this common issue:
- Brush your grill or grill pan with olive oil right before adding the chicken to create a non-stick surface.
- Make sure your grill is fully preheated on medium-high heat. A hot grill will help sear the meat quickly, preventing sticking.
- Leave some space between the chicken pieces on the skewers. This allows heat to circulate for even cooking.
Following these steps should help you achieve beautifully grilled Kabobs without the fuss! Enjoy your cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. After that, you’ll need around 12 minutes to grill the kabobs. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour in total, including marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined. This flavorful sauce is what gives the kabobs their delicious taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take about one-third of the sauce and set it aside in a separate bowl. This reserved sauce will be used for serving later. Next, add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the large bowl. Stir well to ensure all the chicken is nicely coated with that yummy Bang Bang sauce. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for even more flavor, up to 2 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. To help prevent sticking, brush the grill with a little olive oil. This step is important for achieving perfectly grilled kabobs!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and helps the chicken get those lovely grill marks!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks!
6. Finish with Bang Bang Sauce:
Once the kabobs are off the grill, brush them with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for an extra burst of flavor. This isn’t just for taste but also gives them a glossy look!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the kabobs for a nice touch. Serve them warm with any extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust the marinating time: shrimp takes only about 15-30 minutes, while beef may require at least an hour to absorb the flavors. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces before marinating.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No problem! You can create a simple substitute by mixing equal parts honey or maple syrup with a bit of hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce) to achieve a sweet and spicy flavor. Adjust to your taste based on the sweetness or heat level you prefer.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it. If you want to prep further, you can assemble the kabobs and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before grilling. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave for a quick option. Just be careful not to overheat to keep the chicken tender!
