Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory — tender grilled chicken coated in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce that packs serious flavor. Every bite delivers a smoky char from the grill and a smooth, spicy coating that makes these skewers impossible to resist. I once served them at a summer cookout with a side of jasmine rice and extra sauce for dipping — they vanished in minutes! Whether you’re hosting a party, meal-prepping, or simply craving a flavorful dinner, these skewers hit all the right notes.
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Creamy
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy grilled chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili, and a hint of sriracha. Perfect for BBQs, appetizers, or weeknight dinners, these skewers are full of flavor and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes if using (to prevent burning).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge).
- Meanwhile, whisk together the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust spiciness and sweetness to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly charred on the edges (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Brush or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked skewers. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot with rice, noodles, or a salad.
Notes
- For extra crispy edges, finish the skewers under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
- Great for meal prep — store cooked skewers and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pair with cucumber salad or jasmine rice for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Skewers
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – Tender, juicy, and ideal for skewering.
Olive oil – Keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasoning stick.
Garlic powder – Adds depth and aroma.
Smoked paprika – Brings a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for balanced seasoning.
Wooden or metal skewers – For threading and grilling the chicken pieces.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce.
Sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and tangy heat.
Sriracha or hot sauce – For that bold, spicy kick.
Honey (optional) – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Lime juice – Adds brightness and enhances flavor.
For Garnish
Chopped green onions or cilantro – For freshness and color.
Sesame seeds – Adds a light crunch and nutty aroma.
Directions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred on the edges (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
While the chicken cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking.
Once the chicken is done, brush or toss it generously with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping — these skewers are delicious on their own or served over rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, marinating (optional) 30 minutes, and cooking 10–12 minutes. Total time: approximately 45–55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and toss with fresh sauce before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers – Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Spicy Mango Version – Add 2 tablespoons of mango puree to the sauce for fruity sweetness.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls – Serve over jasmine rice or noodles with steamed veggies.
Air Fryer Skewers – Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Coconut Bang Bang Skewers – Add shredded coconut to the sauce for tropical flavor.
Vegetable Skewers – Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between chicken pieces.
Peanut Bang Bang Sauce – Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a Thai-inspired version.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang – Mix honey and minced garlic into the sauce for extra sweetness and depth.
Grilled Pineapple Twist – Add pineapple chunks between the chicken pieces for a sweet and smoky bite.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce cups.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
Moderately spicy — you can adjust the sriracha to make it milder or hotter.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely — it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I marinate the chicken in the sauce?
It’s best to brush it on after cooking to prevent the sauce from burning on the grill.
What can I serve with these skewers?
Rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables all make great sides.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, just use a dairy-free mayo alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely — just scale up the ingredients for larger gatherings.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw it completely before seasoning and grilling.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Grill on high heat at the end for 1–2 minutes per side to get that perfect char.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that turns simple grilled chicken into something extraordinary. The creamy, spicy-sweet sauce paired with smoky, juicy chicken makes this recipe irresistible from the first bite. Perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or weeknight dinners, these skewers are versatile, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Once you taste the signature Bang Bang flavor, you’ll want to put this sauce on everything — and you just might!
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