Getting a delicious, vibrant dinner on the table takes just about 25 minutes with this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s everything you want from a flavorful meal without all the fuss—trust me, you’re going to love how simple it is!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe has been a go-to for me when I want something impressive yet effortless. The sauce is vibrant and spicy with that perfect balance of sweet heat, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. I promise it’s a crowd-pleaser every time around my grill.
- Bold Flavor Fusion: The combo of sweet Thai chili, sriracha, and a tangy mayo base makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Super Quick Prep: You’ll get these skewers ready and grilled in under 25 minutes—perfect for weeknights or impromptu BBQs.
- Juicy Chicken Thighs: Using thighs keeps the meat tender and packed with flavor, unlike leaner breast meat which can dry out.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to dial up the heat, soften the sauce, or add your own twist, this recipe is a perfect blank canvas.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a specific role in creating an irresistible dish. The balance between spices, sweet honey, and tangy sauce brings out the best in the chicken without overpowering it. When you shop, fresh chicken thighs and quality Thai chili sauce will make a big difference.
- Chicken thighs: They’re naturally juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for quick grilling without drying out.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone that complements the spicy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples add depth without needing fresh aromatics prep.
- Black pepper & sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the chicken.
- Honey: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness and helps create caramelization on the grill.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade stick.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that softens the spiciness beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with acidic punch to keep it lively.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce: Provides sweetness mixed with mild heat and texture.
- Sriracha sauce: Packs the punch that makes this recipe spicy yet balanced.
Make It Your Way
I love playing with this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe to suit whatever I’m craving or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to adjust the heat or swap out a few ingredients to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Variation: I sometimes replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce—still creamy but with a nice tang.
- Heat level: If you love spicy food, I bump up the sriracha. If you want mild, just cut it in half or replace with sweet chili sauce only.
- Veggie skewers: For a fuller meal, add bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple chunks to the skewers—grilled up alongside the chicken they’re heavenly.
- Make it gluten-free: Double-check your chili sauces for gluten content, but most are naturally safe and delicious here.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes—this size makes them cook evenly without drying out. Toss them in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Then, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha in a separate bowl. Pour half of this sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the rest—this is your dipping sauce, and you’ll also use some for basting.
Step 2: Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers evenly. Give each skewer a brush with some marinade from the bowl—this helps add flavor and keeps the chicken moist while grilling. Preheat your grill to high heat, then place the skewers over direct flame. Grill for about 20 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with remaining sauce to build layers of flavor and prevent drying. Watch for an internal temperature of 165°F to know they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is done, transfer your skewers to a serving plate and pass along the leftover bang bang sauce for dipping. You’ll love how every bite delivers creamy, spicy, sweet goodness with the smoky char from the grill.
Top Tip
From my experience making the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, a few small tweaks can make a big difference! These tips helped me nail the perfect balance every time, so I wanted to share them with you.
- Marinate enough: Let the chicken soak up the sauce for at least 15 minutes before grilling to deepen flavors.
- Don’t skip basting: Basting the skewers as they cook keeps the outsides moist and gives that beautiful glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken that’s perfectly cooked, not dry or underdone.
- Prep skewers early: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions right on top—that fresh pop of green brightens the plate. A quick squeeze of lime wedges on the side amps up the zing and helps cut through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a simple cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. On busier days, I like roasting some sweet potatoes alongside or serving with crunchy Asian slaw for texture contrast and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve arranged the skewers on a big platter with small bowls of sauce scattered around for easy dipping. Adding colorful veggies on the skewers or around the plate makes it festive. You can even serve over lettuce leaves as “wraps” for a fun interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating any extra sauce. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated gently.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked chicken skewers wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then stored in a freezer bag for up to a month. When thawed overnight in the fridge and reheated carefully, they’re surprisingly close to fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using a grill pan or oven at medium heat to warm the skewers gently without drying them out. Microwaving works if you're in a pinch, but you might lose some of that crisp char.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can absolutely use chicken breasts, but keep in mind breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Cut them into evenly sized cubes and watch the grill closely to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, marinate a little longer for added moisture.
The heat level is moderate and can be customized easily. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the sriracha or swap it with more sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Yes! The bang bang sauce actually benefits from some resting time in the fridge to let the flavors meld. Make it a day ahead and give it a good stir before serving. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
To avoid sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before heating. Also, brush the chicken skewers with marinade or oil just before placing them on the grill. Avoid flipping too early—let them sear properly first for a natural release.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s fast, delicious, and always gets compliments. It feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for busy weeknights. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll cherish it as much as I do—and have fun making it your own.
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Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature tender, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet Thai chili sauce, and lemon juice. These skewers are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a quick and delicious meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ pound chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- juice of half a lemon
- ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- ¼ cup sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces evenly with the spices and honey glaze.
- Make the sauce and marinate: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Pour half of this sauce mixture over the chicken. Toss well so the chicken is coated in the sauce. Reserve the other half of the sauce for serving.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Brush the skewers lightly with some of the remaining sauce from the marinade bowl to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high heat to ensure good searing and cooking of the chicken skewers.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken skewers over direct flame on the grill. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning frequently for even grilling. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. While grilling, baste occasionally with extra sauce from the marinade to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove chicken skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter bang bang sauce, substitute reduced-fat mayonnaise or replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the sauce to suit preferred spice level.
- Can be served with a side of steamed rice or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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