These Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are perfect for a tasty meal! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a zing to every bite.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip these up! Just thread the chicken onto skewers, grill them, and enjoy a fun dinner with friends or family. It’s finger-licking good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their tenderness, but boneless breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey would also be a great substitute!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is essential for creaminess, but you could swap it out for Greek yogurt for a lighter take. You can adjust the heat with the sriracha—if you prefer mild flavors, just use a bit less.
Sweet Chili Sauce: If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, combine honey with soy sauce for a quick substitute. This keeps the sweetness but adds a different flavor depth.
Smoked Paprika: It adds a wonderful smoky touch, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use regular paprika. You could also try a bit of cayenne for some added heat!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
To get juicy chicken skewers, it’s crucial not to overcook the meat. Stick to these tips:
- Marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. The olive oil helps keep it moist!
- Keep an eye on the grill. Cooking for 4-5 minutes per side should do the trick.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should hit 165°F (75°C).
Following these steps will result in flavorful, tender chicken that everyone will love!
Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for an extra smoky flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes to grill the chicken. You’ll enjoy tasty skewers in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by putting the cubed chicken into a large bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated nicely. Then, thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even grilling.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce based on how spicy or sweet you want it!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it over medium-high heat. Before adding the skewers, it’s a good idea to lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, place your chicken skewers on it. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once. Keep an eye on them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked!
5. Glaze with Sauce:
During the last minute of grilling, brush a generous amount of the bang bang sauce over the skewers. This will allow the sauce to warm up and get a little caramelized, adding even more flavor.
6. Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken skewers from the grill. Serve them hot, with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. If you want, add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy these delicious, creamy, spicy grilled chicken skewers that are perfect for warm-weather entertaining or a fun weeknight dinner!
FAQs for Easy Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp will cook much faster, while tofu may need a little longer to get golden and crispy.
How Can I Make the Sauce Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of sriracha you use, or substitute it with a dash of paprika for flavor without the heat. You can also increase the mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce for added sweetness and creaminess!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using, as some separation may occur.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until heated through, and consider adding a little extra bang bang sauce to refresh the flavors!
