Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Tender chicken pieces are marinated and grilled on sticks, making them easy to eat. They get their kick from a zesty sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
These skewers are great for parties or a cozy night in. I love serving them with some extra sauce for dipping. Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one—your family and friends will want more! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast for tenderness, but you can swap it with chicken thighs if you like a juicier option. Thighs are a bit richer in flavor and don’t dry out as easily.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise acts as a creamy base in this marinade. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch or use vegan mayo for a dairy-free version. Both options will keep the chicken moist.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and heat. If you don’t have it, a mix of honey and hot sauce (or ketchup) can work as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness and spice level as needed!
Sriracha: Feel free to modify the amount based on your heat preference. If Sriracha is too spicy for you, try using a milder hot sauce or even a dash of red pepper flakes.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice can be a great substitute for that zesty kick.
How Do You Get Chicken Skewers Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy and flavorful chicken skewers lies in marinating! Marinating is essential as it infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it moist during cooking. Here’s how to ensure you get it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well to create a smooth consistency. This ensures even coating on the chicken.
- Give the chicken ample time to soak up the flavors. A minimum of 30 minutes is good, but try for 1-2 hours for the best results.
- When threading the chicken onto skewers, don’t pack them too tightly. Leave some space to allow heat and flavor to circulate.
- Make sure the grill is hot before cooking. This will sear the chicken, creating nice grill marks while sealing in juices.
- Finally, baste the chicken with extra marinade while grilling for an extra layer of flavor!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. If you let the chicken marinate for a longer time (1-2 hours), it will taste even better! After marinating, it takes about 15-20 minutes to grill the skewers. So, you can have delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ready in about 1 hour total, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix everything together well until you have a smooth marinade. This will give the chicken a delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for 1-2 hours to soak in all those tasty flavors.
3. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature to get those nice grill marks!
5. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. If you like, you can baste the chicken with extra marinade while grilling for more flavor.
7. Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are grilled, take them off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle. Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve them with extra sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a healthier option, try using chicken tenders for a quicker cooking time!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise. It adds a nice tang and creaminess. You could also use sour cream or a dairy-free mayo for a similar texture and taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes, as needed, until warmed through. This will help keep the chicken moist!
Can I Grill These Skewers Indoors?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, using a grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly. Just make sure to preheat it thoroughly to achieve those nice grill marks. You can also use a broiler if your oven has one—just arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
