These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken! They combine juicy chicken pieces with a sweet and spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
I love grilling these skewers for a quick meal or party snack. They’re super easy to make, and who can resist that yummy sauce? It’s finger-licking good, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for these skewers as they cook quickly and remain juicy. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and helps the spices stick. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try Greek yogurt instead. It gives a nice tang too!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for that sweet and spicy flavor. If you’re out, mixing honey with a bit of vinegar can mimic it. A dash of ketchup can work in a pinch, but it’s not as flavorful.
Sriracha: Adjust this spice level according to your taste. If Sriracha isn’t available, try hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens it all up. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice is a good substitute. Just remember, it will taste slightly different!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked on Skewers?
Getting the chicken just right while grilling can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your skewers come out delicious!
- Marinate well: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better for full flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers: This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
- Leave space between chicken pieces: This helps them cook evenly and gives nice grill marks. Never pack them too tightly.
- Watch the heat: Medium-high heat is best. Too hot will char the outside but leave the inside raw, while too low will dry them out.
- Using a meat thermometer: It’s a great way to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (or up to overnight if you want more flavor!). Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for around 45 minutes to 1 hour in total, depending on the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and a bit of salt and pepper in a bowl. This will be your tasty marinade! Reserve about 1/3 of the sauce for later use. Then, add your chicken pieces to the rest of the marinade and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. While that’s happening, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready for cooking those delicious skewers!
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to get it on the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and grill perfectly!
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be cooked through and have those lovely grill marks. Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the reserved sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for that extra flavor boost!
5. Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and serve with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! These Bang Bang Skewers can work well with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using shrimp, make sure they’re peeled and deveined, and adjust cooking time to about 3-4 minutes per side. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture and cut it into cubes before marinating.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them on a grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, though this may make them a bit less crispy.
Can I Make the Sauce Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version of the sauce, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or try using cashew cream. Ensure that the sweet chili sauce is also vegan (most are, but it’s good to check the label). This makes your skewers delicious and suitable for vegan diets!
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair perfectly with a side of coconut rice, Asian slaw, or a crisp green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them with grilled vegetables or a refreshing dipping sauce like extra sweet chili sauce or a cool cucumber dip!
