Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Spicy Perfection
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! This recipe transforms succulent chicken pieces into a mouthwatering appetizer or a sensational main course, all thanks to a simple yet exquisite sweet and spicy sauce. Each bite promises a delightful interplay of creamy, tangy, and subtly fiery notes, making these grilled chicken kabobs an instant crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your summer entertaining repertoire or a quick weeknight meal.
The secret lies in the irresistibly creamy Bang Bang sauce, which coats the perfectly grilled chicken, infusing it with a unique depth of flavor. If you’re already a fan of this iconic sauce, you might also love exploring our Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Kabobs for another fantastic seafood option.
Discover the Magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
If you’re searching for a dish that consistently impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are your answer. Marinated to tender perfection and then grilled, each skewer is generously brushed with a luscious, creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that creates an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish is not just food; it’s an adventure for your palate, offering a balance of flavors that appeals to almost everyone.
Serve these delectable chicken skewers with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and an extra side of the glorious Bang Bang sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad, offering a light counterpoint to the rich chicken. For a creative twist, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce wraps or warm tortillas. Alternatively, complement the vibrant flavors with a classic side like Lemon Herb Rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Adore This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these chicken skewers. Beyond their fantastic taste, they offer unparalleled convenience and versatility. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Effortlessly Delicious: The recipe is straightforward, allowing you to achieve gourmet flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing Power: The sweet and spicy profile of Bang Bang sauce is universally appealing, making these skewers a hit at parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable Spice Level: You have full control over the heat! Adjust the amount of Sriracha to make it as mild or as fiery as you desire.
- Versatile Serving Options: From appetizers to a hearty main course, or even as a component in salads and wraps, these skewers adapt to any mealtime need.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: Embrace outdoor cooking with this recipe, which makes the most of your grill for smoky, tender chicken.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and the sauce can be prepped too, significantly cutting down on day-of cooking time.
Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Crafting these delectable skewers starts with a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.
The Chicken
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice due to their lean profile and ability to absorb marinade beautifully. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier, more forgiving option with a richer flavor that holds up wonderfully on the grill. Whichever you choose, cut the chicken into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This size is ideal for threading onto skewers and ensures even cooking without drying out. After cutting, gently dab the chicken pieces with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture; this helps the marinade adhere better and promotes a superior sear on the grill. For an exciting alternative, consider using large shrimp to create delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers!
The Flavorful Marinade
A simple yet potent marinade infuses the chicken with foundational flavors before it even touches the grill.
- Chili Powder: Adds a warm, earthy, and mildly spicy base note to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic depth that complements almost any savory dish.
- Onion Powder: Offers a sweet and pungent onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onion.
- Olive Oil: Helps distribute the spices evenly, tenderizes the chicken, and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
Crafting the Iconic Bang Bang Sauce
The heart and soul of this dish is undoubtedly the Bang Bang sauce – a creamy, sweet, and spicy concoction that makes these skewers truly irresistible.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce. For the absolute best results, seek out Kewpie mayo. Its rich, umami-packed flavor and silky texture are superior, but any good quality regular mayonnaise will still yield a fantastic sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A non-negotiable ingredient, sweet chili sauce brings a unique blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a mild background heat. It’s crucial for achieving the characteristic “bang” in Bang Bang sauce.
- Sriracha: This hot sauce is your primary tool for adjusting the spice level. Sriracha offers a vibrant chili-garlic heat that is both assertive and flavorful. If Sriracha isn’t on hand, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or your preferred hot sauce can be substituted, though the flavor profile might shift slightly. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- Honey: Essential for balancing the heat and tang, honey adds a natural, rich sweetness that rounds out the sauce’s complex profile. It’s a signature component that makes the sauce so addictive.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors, ensuring a well-balanced sauce.
How to Prepare Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled, flavor-packed Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large glass mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken pieces with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, for up to 24 hours. The longer the marination, the deeper the flavor will penetrate the chicken.
- Prepare Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill. Place the wooden skewers in a shallow baking dish and submerge them completely in water. Let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour, before assembling your kabobs. This simple step keeps them from charring and breaking during grilling.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Once the chicken is marinated and the skewers are adequately soaked, remove the chicken from the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces onto the prepared kabob sticks. Arrange the chicken evenly, leaving a small space between each piece, to ensure consistent cooking and even heat distribution.
- Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is marinating or just before grilling, prepare your signature sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie), sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you prefer more or less heat.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for about 335°F. Once hot, carefully place the assembled chicken kabobs onto the grill grates. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown char on all sides.
- Sauce and Finish: Once the chicken is golden, turn the kabobs over one last time and generously brush all sides with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest piece of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the cooked kabobs from the grill and let them rest on a clean platter for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve them warm, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Get ready to savor every sweet, spicy, and creamy bite!
Recipe Variations and Expert Tips for Success
Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with these creative variations and helpful tips:
- Tropical Sweetness: For an extra burst of flavor and a touch of tropical sweetness, add chunks of fresh pineapple to each skewer alongside the chicken. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, complementing the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Crispy Texture: After marinating the chicken, for an added layer of texture, coat the chicken pieces in panko breadcrumbs before threading them onto skewers and grilling. The panko will crisp up delightfully on the grill, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
- Perfect Grilling Technique: Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat. Don’t overcrowd the grill, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: As mentioned, always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20-30 minutes before use. This prevents them from igniting or charring excessively during grilling, ensuring your kabobs stay intact.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables on your skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, for added color and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these flavorful skewers:
This particular version of Bang Bang sauce strikes a delightful balance between sweet and lightly spicy. The heat primarily comes from the Sriracha, which means you have full control over the spice level. We recommend adding most of the Sriracha as directed, then tasting and adding more in small increments until it reaches your desired level of heat. It’s designed to be flavorful rather than overwhelmingly hot.
While the original Bang Bang Chicken is a traditional Sichuan Chinese dish, the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill typically includes mayonnaise (often Kewpie mayo for its rich flavor), sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (or another hot sauce for heat), and a touch of honey for sweetness. This combination creates a uniquely addictive flavor profile that has become a global favorite.
Absolutely! If you prefer not to fire up the grill or if the weather isn’t cooperating, these skewers can be easily baked. Arrange them on a baking dish or sheet and bake in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. For those coveted crispy edges, transfer them to the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Yes, the air fryer is an excellent option for achieving beautifully cooked and slightly crispy Bang Bang chicken skewers, especially if you want to mimic a deep-fried texture without the oil. Simply brush the assembled skewers with the Bang Bang sauce and arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and cooking. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, absolutely! Marinating the chicken can be done 2-24 hours in advance, making this an ideal dish for meal prep. You can also mix the Bang Bang sauce a day or two beforehand and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, on cooking day, all you have to do is thread the chicken, grill, and baste!
No skewers? No problem! You can still enjoy all the flavors of Bang Bang Chicken. Simply marinate and cook the diced chicken pieces directly in a skillet or on a grill pan until cooked through. Then, toss them with the Bang Bang sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. It’ll be just as delicious, just in a different format!
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage and reheating ensure your leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers remain delicious for days to come.
- Refrigerator: To store leftovers, remove the chicken pieces from the skewers. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Storing the chicken off the skewers prevents the wood from drying out or imparting any unwanted flavors.
- To Reheat: You can reheat the chicken in the microwave until warmed through, or for best results, warm them in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. If you have any extra Bang Bang sauce, brush a little more over the chicken before reheating to refresh the flavors and moisture.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
10
20
2
2
30
6
people
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1½” pieces
Bang Bang Chicken Marinade
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Bang Bang Chicken Sauce
- 1/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large glass mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Mix to combine, then cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 2-24 hours.
How to Cook the Chicken Kabobs
- Preheat the grill to about 335°F (medium-high heat).
- Place the wooden skewers into a shallow baking dish and cover with water. Soak for at least 30 minutes—1 hour so the sticks don’t burn while the chicken cooks.
- Once the wooden skewers have soaked, remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the pieces onto the kabob sticks. Be sure to evenly space the chicken so it will cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Place the chicken kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook the kabobs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is golden brown. Turn the chicken over, brush generously with the Bang Bang sauce, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest on a platter for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Notes
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If you have any extra bang bang sauce, you can brush it over the chicken before reheating.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Protein: 16g
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Fat: 14g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
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Trans Fat: 0.03g
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Cholesterol: 52mg
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Sodium: 417mg
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Potassium: 340mg
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Fiber: 0.4g
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Sugar: 7g
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Vitamin A: 162IU
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Vitamin C: 6mg
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Calcium: 9mg
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Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Appetizer, Main Course
American
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More Delicious Kabob Recipes to Explore
If you loved these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic kabob recipes perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a quick, flavorful meal on a stick:
- Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Kabobs
- Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
- Bang Bang Shrimp Kabobs
- Vegetable Kabobs
- Southwest Chicken Kabobs
- Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Lemon Rosemary Chicken Kabobs
- Asian Beef Kabobs
- Discover more Summer Recipes
- Explore other Easy Weeknight Meals
These grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner, providing a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful main dish or appetizer. Each piece of juicy chicken, tenderized by its marinade and perfectly grilled, comes alive with the sweet and spicy kick of the signature Bang Bang sauce. They are guaranteed to become a family favorite!