Oh my gosh, you have to try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! I still remember the first time I tasted them at this tiny street food stall in Bangkok – one bite and I was hooked. The crispy-juicy chicken with that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce? Absolute perfection. What I love most is how ridiculously easy they are to make at home. Seriously, from fridge to plate in under 30 minutes!
What makes these skewers so special is that magical sauce combo – just mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha dancing together. You can grill them for that smoky char (my favorite), broil them when it’s raining, or even air fry if you’re feeling lazy. The chicken stays so tender inside while getting beautifully caramelized outside. Trust me, once you make these once, they’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners AND impressive party apps!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing too fancy here! The magic is in how simple things come together. You’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken (thighs are my go-to for extra juiciness, but breasts work too). Cut them into 1 1/2-inch chunks – not too big, not too small – just right for skewering. Don’t forget to soak those wooden skewers for 20 minutes if you’re grilling (learned that the hard way when mine caught fire once – oops!).
For seasoning, grab your olive oil, paprika (smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. That’s it! These basic spices create the perfect base for that amazing sauce to shine. I always keep these staples in my pantry because you never know when a Bang Bang craving will hit!
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
Now for the star of the show – that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that gives these skewers their name! You’ll need just 1/2 cup mayo (full-fat for best texture), 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (I use Mae Ploy brand), 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your heat tolerance – I do 2 because I like it spicy!), and if you want a touch more sweetness, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lime juice balance everything perfectly. The beauty? You can tweak this sauce endlessly – more lime for tang, less honey if you prefer savory. It’s all about making it YOUR perfect Bang Bang!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of these skewers is how simple the ingredient list is – you probably have most of this in your pantry already. For the chicken, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds) cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks – they stay juicier than breasts on the grill. But hey, if breasts are what you’ve got, they’ll work too! You’ll also need some basic spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Oh, and don’t forget to soak those wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes if you’re grilling – learned that the hard way when mine caught fire once (oops!).
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
Now for the star of the show – that addictive sauce! You’ll need 1/2 cup mayo (the real stuff, none of that light nonsense), 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (I like Mae Ploy brand), 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha (start with 1 if you’re spice-shy), and if you want a touch more sweetness, 1 tablespoon honey and a squeeze of lime juice brightens it up beautifully. The best part? You can totally adjust the heat and sweetness to your taste – more sriracha for fire lovers, extra honey for those with a sweet tooth!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s get cooking! These skewers come together so fast you won’t believe it. The key is getting that perfect balance between juicy chicken and that irresistible sauce. I’ll walk you through each step – promise it’s easier than it looks!
Preparing the Chicken
First, grab a big bowl and toss your chicken chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil – this helps the spices stick. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, plus 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Get in there with your hands (clean ones, of course!) and really massage those spices into every nook and cranny. Let it sit for just 5 minutes while you prep the sauce – those flavors will start getting cozy!
Skewering and Cooking
Now for the fun part – skewering! Thread about 4-5 chicken pieces onto each soaked wooden skewer, leaving a little space between chunks for even cooking. If you’re grilling (my favorite method!), fire up to medium-high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes total, turning occasionally until you get those gorgeous grill marks and the chicken hits 165°F inside. No grill? No problem! Broil on high for 6-8 minutes per side, or pop them in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway.
Applying the Bang Bang Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens! As soon as those skewers come off the heat, drizzle (or brush) that creamy Bang Bang sauce all over the hot chicken – the warmth helps it cling perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Pro tip: serve extra sauce on the side for dipping – trust me, you’ll want it!
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Listen, I’ve made these skewers more times than I can count, and here are my foolproof tricks! First – never skip soaking those wooden skewers (20 minutes minimum) unless you want flaming chicken sticks (been there!). Chicken thighs really do make all the difference – they stay juicy even if you accidentally overcook them a smidge. Taste your sauce as you go – add sriracha slowly unless you’re brave like me!
Oh! And here’s my secret: let the sauced skewers sit for 5 minutes before serving. The heat helps the sauce cling better and the flavors meld. If you’re serving a crowd, keep extra sauce on the side – people always go wild for it!
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Oh, the possibilities with these skewers! My favorite way? Piled high on a platter with jasmine rice to soak up that extra sauce – absolute heaven. For summer nights, try them over a crisp Asian slaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Need finger food for a party? Just line up the skewers with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping (I always double the sauce recipe – it disappears fast!). They’re even amazing stuffed into warm pita bread with crunchy veggies when you’re feeling something different!
Storage and Reheating
These skewers actually keep beautifully! Just pop leftovers in an airtight container (I separate the skewers with parchment paper) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it makes the chicken rubbery. Instead, warm them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, so I like to thin it with a splash of water before drizzling it back on the warmed skewers. Pro tip: the flavors actually deepen overnight, making these fantastic for meal prep!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier, breasts work just fine. Just watch the cooking time – they dry out faster. I recommend cutting breasts slightly larger (2-inch chunks) and reducing heat to medium if grilling. And maybe brush with extra sauce while cooking for added moisture!
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
No worries! You can totally make these as chicken bites instead – just toss the chunks in a grill basket or on a baking sheet. The sauce will still cling beautifully. Metal skewers work too if you’ve got them – no soaking needed!
How spicy is the sauce really?
That’s the beauty – you’re in control! Start with 1 tablespoon sriracha, then taste and add more. My husband likes it fiery (3 tablespoons!), while my mom sticks to 1/2 tablespoon. The sweet chili sauce helps balance the heat perfectly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! Prep the chicken and sauce separately up to a day ahead (keep sauce refrigerated). Skewer just before cooking so the wood doesn’t get soggy. The flavors actually get better as they mingle!
Nutritional Information
Each skewer packs about 510 calories with 38g of protein to keep you full – not bad for something this delicious! The sauce does add some sugar (12g per serving), so if you’re watching that, go easy on the honey. Remember, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients and how generously you sauce ’em up!
Print
Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ready in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Perfect for grilling or broiling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (garnish)
- Wooden skewers (soaked 20 minutes if grilling)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the sauce: Whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Skewer: Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Cook: Grill on medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and chicken reaches 165°F. Alternatively, broil in the oven for 6–8 minutes per side or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking/turning halfway.
- Sauce it up: Drizzle (or brush) Bang Bang sauce over the hot chicken skewers. Garnish with chopped parsley/cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust sriracha to control spiciness.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Broiling/Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken recipe, grilled chicken bites, creamy spicy sauce, sweet chili chicken, easy chicken skewers