Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor, offering a spicy, tangy, and creamy combination that is absolutely irresistible. The marinade infuses the chicken with spices, while the rich Bang Bang sauce adds layers of creaminess and heat. These skewers are incredibly easy to prepare, whether you’re grilling them outdoors or cooking them on a stovetop. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and bold flavors, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Variations
- Grill vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the marinade and sauce.
- Use different protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, beef, or tofu for a variation on this recipe.
- Make it sweeter: If you enjoy a sweeter sauce, increase the honey in the Bang Bang sauce for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Note that the sauce may separate when reheating, so stir it before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make these skewers without a grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the marinade.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and marinate it in advance. Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before grilling. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. However, if you use frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully for this recipe, offering more flavor and juiciness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as thighs may take slightly longer.
Is the Bang Bang sauce spicy?
The Bang Bang sauce has a mild to medium spice level, thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute for a gluten-free or low-sodium option.
What can I serve these skewers with?
These skewers pair well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with a side of dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.
Can I use the Bang Bang sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce is versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for fries, shrimp, or spring rolls, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect balance of bold flavors, tenderness, and spice. With juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy sauce, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. They’re simple to prepare, customizable, and the ideal dish for anyone who loves spicy, savory, and satisfying food.
PrintSpicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, tender chicken marinated in a flavorful, spicy sauce and grilled to perfection, topped with a creamy Bang Bang sauce for the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and sriracha for a spicier or milder version of this dish.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For a sweeter sauce, increase the honey in the Bang Bang sauce.
- To make this dish more customizable, add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg