Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken cubes grilled or baked to perfection and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs and served with lime wedges, these skewers are perfect as an appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Skewers
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to help seasonings stick and promote browning. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread 4-5 chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving small gaps between pieces for heat circulation. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water ahead of time to prevent burning. Metal skewers can also be used. Prepare about 8-10 skewers total depending on quantity.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until creamy and well combined. Adjust sriracha for desired heat and add a teaspoon of water if sauce is too thick. Set aside about a quarter of the sauce for serving separately.
- Cook the Chicken Skewers: Choose your cooking method:
– Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil grill grates and cook skewers 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks form.
– Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place skewers on baking sheet lined with parchment or wire rack. Bake 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until cooked through and slightly golden.
– Pan-Frying: Heat skillet over medium-high with 1 tablespoon oil. Cook skewers in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. - Coat with Sauce and Serve: Transfer cooked skewers to a platter. While hot, generously brush or drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve reserved sauce on the side along with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
- Use vegan mayo and tofu cubes to make a plant-based alternative.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier meat; breasts are leaner but can be substituted.
- Replace sriracha with your favorite hot sauce to vary heat and flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill or pan.
