If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and spice, then this Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need to add some excitement to your meal rotation. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated just right, threaded onto skewers, grilled to smoky perfection, and finished with a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce that dances with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a delightful combination of textures and colors to the table, making it a go-to recipe for casual barbecues or an easy weeknight dinner. Once you try these spicy chicken skewers paired with that luscious sauce, they’ll quickly earn a special place in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role in delivering bold taste and pleasing texture. These staples are easy to find but combined together they create something truly delicious and memorable.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Offers juicy, tender meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasoning adhere.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Provides a savory, aromatic punch.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Contributes a subtle smoky undertone that’s irresistible.
- 8-10 skewers (wooden or metal): Essential for easy grilling and serving; soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning.
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or ¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup Greek yogurt): Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, adding richness and tang.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: The key to the sauce’s spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar): Balances heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice): Brings a bright, acidic pop that lifts the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions: Adds freshness and color as a garnish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Offers a delightful nutty crunch sprinkled on top.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks that grill evenly and soak up all those tasty seasonings. Give the chicken a good pat dry so the oil and spices stick well. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for that smoky warmth. Toss everything in olive oil to lock in moisture and help everything cook beautifully on the grill.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whip up the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where all the magic happens—the creamy mayo cools down the sriracha’s heat, the honey balances the spice, and the vinegar gives it a lovely tangy finish. If you prefer it less spicy, simply add a bit more mayo or honey to suit your taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking. Feel free to get creative here by alternating chicken with colorful veggies like bell peppers or red onions, but the chicken skewers alone are more than satisfying.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the skewers on the grates. Grill them for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets a lovely char and cooks thoroughly. You want to see those gorgeous grill marks while maintaining the chicken’s juiciness inside.
Step 5: Add the Bang Bang Sauce
During the last few minutes on the grill, brush the skewers generously with the bang bang sauce for a sticky, glossy finish packed with flavor. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the cooked skewers just before serving to keep things fresh and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once off the grill, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the skewers to add both freshness and a bit of textural contrast. Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds instantly brightens the appearance and flavor, complementing the spiciness beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of fresh lime on top adds a citrusy zing that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp cucumber salad, jasmine rice, or grilled vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy coleslaw or warm pita bread to sop up the bang bang sauce and balance the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these skewers on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe, or thread the grilled chicken onto mini skewers for a fun appetizer at parties. Alternatively, consider serving over a bed of mixed greens tossed with a simple vinaigrette to create a protein-packed salad bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate in a small container to maintain its freshness and prevent soggy chicken.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, freeze the cooked chicken skewers without the sauce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the chicken and prevent the sauce from separating. Add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor, making them a fantastic choice for Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. Just cut them to a similar size to ensure even cooking.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a moderate level of heat thanks to the sriracha but it’s balanced out with creamy mayonnaise and a touch of sweetness. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing the sriracha or adding extra mayo or honey.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan or even broil the skewers in the oven, turning them frequently to get a nice char. This way, you get delicious results even if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning and allows you to handle them safely.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo. Both will maintain the creaminess while slightly altering the flavor profile in a delicious way.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the secret to making these irresistible Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe, it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy a dish that’s equal parts fun, flavor-packed, and easy to prepare. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe guarantees smiles all around and maybe even requests for seconds. Dive in and savor every spicy, creamy, smoky bite—you won’t regret it!
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Spicy Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Chicken Skewers are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a quick and easy grilled meal. Marinated with simple spices and olive oil, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, these skewers make a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 8–10 skewers (wooden or metal; soak wooden skewers in water if using)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or ¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a bowl and season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss the chicken with olive oil until well-coated to help retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the spiciness and sweetness to your taste preference.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers. If desired, alternate the chicken with vegetables of your choice for added flavor and texture.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken properly and create charred grill marks.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
- Brush with sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the bang bang sauce to add flavor and moisture. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the chicken after removing from the grill.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier skewers.
- Adjust the Sriracha and honey amount to customize the sauce’s heat and sweetness.
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
