Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – A Flavor Explosion on a Stick!

Introduction
If you’re looking for a bold and irresistible dish to spice up your grilling game, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect choice! These juicy, marinated chicken skewers are coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious skewers, from marinating the chicken to grilling it to perfection. Plus, we’ll share expert tips, variations, storage advice, and serving suggestions to make your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers even better.

Now, let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembling the Skewers:

• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them until they are well-coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using)

1. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level if necessary by adding more Sriracha or honey.
3. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use it.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini slices.
2. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. The chicken should have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. In the last minute of grilling, brush some bang bang sauce onto the skewers for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.

Drizzle with more bang bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Helpful Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

• While 30 minutes is enough, marinating the chicken for 2-4 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
• If you’re short on time, you can even marinate overnight in the fridge.

2. Use the Right Chicken Cut

• Chicken thighs are more tender and juicy than chicken breasts.
• If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers

• Leave a little space between each piece of chicken and vegetables so they cook evenly.
• Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking, with some parts being raw while others are overdone.

4. Soak Wooden Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.

5. Use a Meat Thermometer

• Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• A thermometer helps prevent overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.

6. Make Extra Bang Bang Sauce

• The sauce is delicious not only on chicken but also as a dip for fries, veggies, or even shrimp.
• Store extra sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

7. Prevent Sticking on the Grill

• Brush the grill grates lightly with oil before cooking.
• Alternatively, spray the skewers with a little cooking spray to prevent them from sticking.

8. Adjust the Spice Level

For extra heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha or add a little more honey to balance the heat.

Variations

1. Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the skewers on it.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Broil for an additional 2 minutes to get a slight char.

2. Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the skewers in a single layer and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Brush with bang bang sauce before serving.

3. Vegetarian Version

• Replace chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables like eggplant and cauliflower.
• Follow the same marinade and grilling steps.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the bang bang sauce separately in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

• Marinated raw chicken can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
• Cooked skewers can also be frozen but should be wrapped in foil and stored in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, though this may slightly dry out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

With Grilled Corn or Potatoes: Classic summer sides that complement the smoky flavors.

Over Rice: Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a crunchy Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad for balance.

As a Wrap or Sandwich: Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and stuff them into a tortilla or toasted bun with extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

2. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can:

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Assemble the skewers a few hours before cooking and keep them covered in the fridge.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal.

3. What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute:

• Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy texture.
• Sour cream for a slightly different flavor.
• Vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

6. What vegetables work well on the skewers?

Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple are all great choices. Feel free to mix and match your favorites!

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or cauliflower, and follow the same marinade and grilling process.

8. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

They pair well with:

• Rice: Jasmine rice, coconut rice, or fried rice.
• Salads: Cucumber salad, coleslaw, or an Asian-style slaw.
• Grilled sides: Corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or grilled asparagus.

9. Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Of course! Reduce the honey or sweet chili sauce slightly if you prefer a more savory and spicy flavor.

10. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling before serving.

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture.

Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that make them an instant favorite. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors, baking them in the oven, or cooking them in an air fryer, they remain delicious, versatile, and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a quick bang bang sauce, you can create a dish that is sure to impress family and friends.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a fun, flavorful meal, try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. You won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!

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