BANG BANG CHICKEN
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring a bold twist to your grilling game with tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for BBQs, casual dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce elevates the flavor of the grilled chicken, offering a satisfying kick that’s balanced with a touch of honey. Served with slaw, rice, or grilled veggies, it’s a complete and flavorful meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these skewers are sure to impress. They’re quick to prepare, can be made in advance, and offer a deliciously unforgettable taste.
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
Chicken Breasts – The lean, tender foundation of the skewers, ensuring a juicy bite with each piece. Boneless and skinless for ease of preparation and a healthier option.
Olive Oil – Adds a subtle richness and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken, ensuring a perfectly grilled exterior.
Smoked Paprika – Infuses the chicken with a warm, smoky depth, enhancing the savory flavors with a gentle heat.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples bring savory, aromatic flavors, creating a well-rounded seasoning that complements the rich Bang Bang sauce.
Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, adding smooth texture and balancing the heat from the chili and Sriracha.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Offers a sweet and tangy kick, balancing the richness of the mayo and giving the sauce its signature flavor.
Sriracha & Honey – The Sriracha adds bold heat while honey provides sweetness, harmonizing perfectly for that addictive Bang Bang taste.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
Recipe Tips
- Pre-soak Bamboo Skewers
To avoid burnt skewers, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This simple step ensures that the skewers won’t catch fire on the grill and guarantees a perfectly cooked batch of chicken skewers. - Adjust the Heat Level
Customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of Sriracha used in the Bang Bang sauce. Start with one tablespoon and taste test before adding more if you like it extra spicy. The sweetness from honey and Thai sweet chili sauce balances the heat, but the more Sriracha you add, the hotter it gets. - Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and optimal tenderness. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure you don’t overcook or undercook the chicken. This also applies whether you’re grilling or air frying the skewers.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Coleslaw
A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich, spicy flavor of the Bang Bang sauce. The cool, tangy dressing contrasts the heat, creating a harmonious balance. For extra flavor, try adding shredded apples or cilantro to your slaw. - Steamed Rice
Serve these skewers with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the flavorful Bang Bang sauce. The rice will help mellow out the heat from the sauce, providing a neutral backdrop that lets the chicken’s bold flavors shine. - Grilled Vegetables
Complement your Bang Bang Chicken with a side of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Their smoky char enhances the grilled chicken, and the vegetables’ natural sweetness balances the spicy sauce, creating a colorful and satisfying meal.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They’re slightly more flavorful and juicier, but will require the same preparation and cooking time. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes the recipe even quicker when you’re ready to cook. - How can I cook these skewers if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers on the stovetop in a grill pan or even in an air fryer. Simply cook them until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking. - Can I freeze the chicken skewers?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared skewers before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When ready to cook, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.
BANG BANG CHICKEN
Ingredients
- For the Skewers:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha adjust to taste
- Honey
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them thoroughly to ensure an even coat. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, aiming to fit four or five pieces per skewer.
- For the Bang Bang sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl. Pour half of this mixture into another small bowl and set it aside for later. Brush the remaining sauce over the chicken skewers to coat them.
- Grill the skewers on a preheated grill or cook them on the stovetop, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Once cooked, brush the skewers with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and garnish with parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
Notes
Feel free to use chicken thighs or tenderloins as an alternative to chicken breasts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, place the skewers in a single layer in the basket, and air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make-Ahead Tips:
You can prepare the skewers in advance. Refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Leftovers:
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal or enjoy them cold, topped on a salad or tossed with pasta.