If you are craving something bursting with bold flavors and a delightful kick, this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe will become your new go-to. Juicy, tender chicken thighs get an irresistible coating from a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that perfectly balances heat with sweetness. Grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, these skewers bring a vibrant Asian-inspired flair to your table with every bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, these skewers promise a crowd-pleasing experience that is both impressive and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding creamy richness and sweetness to delivering a fresh lime brightness and a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll gather in your kitchen to whip up this flavor-packed dish.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these provide the perfect base for absorbing all the delicious marinade flavors.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Provides a gentle sweetness and subtle heat, a signature element in this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Offers a spicy kick—adjust it to your heat preference for the perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce brilliantly.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Brightens the marinade with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and perfect seasoning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps with grilling.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle layer of spice and complexity.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh garnishes that add crunch, color, and nutty flavor at the finish.
- Bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes: Prevents burning and makes grilling easier.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the sauce is perfectly smooth and well blended. This sauce packs all the flavors that make the dish memorable—creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet all in one.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pour all but ¼ cup of the sauce over your chopped chicken thighs, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Marinating helps the chicken soak in those delicious flavors and stay juicy while grilling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—you can even leave it for 2 hours or overnight to intensify the taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers and Grill
While your chicken marinates, soak your bamboo skewers in water to avoid burning later. When ready, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and gets a beautiful charred edge. This grilling step adds a smoky flavor that complements the sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Garnish
Remove the skewers from the grill and generously drizzle the reserved sauce over the top. Finish off by sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an appealing burst of color and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their tastiest.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle nuttiness and a lovely crunch, making the presentation vibrant and inviting. Don’t skip these little touches—they elevate the dish from great to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with a chilled cucumber salad for something light and refreshing. Jasmine rice or coconut rice offers a comforting, mild base that balances the bold sauce nicely. For something heartier, try grilled veggies or even a tangy Asian slaw to complement the flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers laid out on a large platter sprinkled with extra green onions and sesame seeds. For a fun party touch, provide small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Alternatively, slice the grilled chicken off the skewers and toss with rice noodles and fresh herbs for a delicious Bang Bang Chicken bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the garnishes, add fresh green onions and sesame seeds just before serving again.
Freezing
If you want to save the skewers for longer, freeze the cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container to drizzle after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Once warm, drizzle with reserved sauce and add fresh garnishes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but thighs are recommended for juicier, more flavorful results. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out quicker.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The heat level primarily comes from the Sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but it’s easily adjustable. Feel free to reduce or omit the Sriracha for milder flavors or add more if you love a serious kick.
Can I cook these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! Using a grill pan or broiler works wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the chicken and turn frequently to get a nice char without burning.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, despite the creamy texture, the sauce uses mayonnaise, which is typically dairy-free. Always check your mayo brand to be sure or use a vegan mayo alternative if needed.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Combine with chicken right before grilling for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves exciting, bold flavors without complicated prep. It brings together the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet with a quick grilling method that’s perfect for any occasion. Give these skewers a try, and you’ll soon be reaching for this recipe again and again—trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy Asian-inspired grilled dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs. Coated in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice, these skewers deliver a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, they make an ideal main course for a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Other
- Bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce and marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce for drizzling at the end.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat ensuring it is properly heated before cooking.
- Thread the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers evenly.
- Grill the skewers: Cook the chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and develops a light char.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the taste.
- Reduce or omit the Sriracha if you prefer a milder heat level.
- If a grill is not available, these skewers can be cooked under a broiler as an alternative.
