Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are fun and tasty bites! They feature juicy chicken coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that brings everything to life. Perfect for grilling or baking!
These skewers are great for a party or a simple meal! I love how easy they are to whip up, and they always disappear fast—kind of like magic! 🪄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for flavor and juiciness! If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too. Just remember, thighs are a bit more forgiving if overcooked.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt or even a vegan mayo for a healthier alternative.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a lovely sweetness. If you can’t find it, you can mix honey with a bit of vinegar for a quick homemade alternative.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance. You can swap it out for another hot sauce or use chili flakes for heat.
Fresh Cilantro: Great for garnish! If you’re not a fan, mint or green onions can add a nice fresh touch instead.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
To keep your chicken juicy, marinating is key! A good soak in the marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps retain moisture during cooking.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Soak the bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high before adding the chicken for the best sear.
- Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through to 165°F (75°C).
Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to adjust the marinating time or spices to fit your taste!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, and you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for the best flavor). The grilling will take about 10 minutes. So, overall, just around 50 minutes including marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put the chicken pieces into a big bowl so they’re ready for marinating.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and ensure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
4. Prepping the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help ensure you get a nice sear on the chicken.
5. Skewering the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
6. Grilling the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill, cooking for about 8-10 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
7. Preparing Bang Bang Sauce:
If you have any leftover marinade, you can mix it with a bit more Sriracha in a small bowl for a spicy dipping sauce. It’s optional but adds extra flavor.
8. Serving:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, take it off the grill. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top and serve it with the Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. Just remember that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid overcooking. You want to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just mix everything together, and when you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken and let it marinate. This makes meal prep easier!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven or microwave. To maintain the best texture, reheating on a skillet or grill is recommended.
What Can I Use Instead of Bamboo Skewers?
If you don’t have bamboo skewers, metal skewers work perfectly! Just be cautious, as they can get very hot. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill without skewering, but make sure to keep a close eye to prevent them from falling through the grates!
