If you love a punchy, flavorful bite that’s also super quick to whip up, you’re going to adore this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. They’re juicy, spicy, and downright addictive – a perfect treat when you want something with a kick but without the fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Trust me, these skewers have a special place in my rotation because they combine the juiciest chicken with an irresistibly creamy, spicy sauce. They’re a fantastic snack, dinner, or party pleaser, and there's just something about that bang bang sauce magic that keeps me coming back.
- Bold Flavor: The combination of sweet Thai chili, sriracha, and creamy mayo creates a sauce that’s spicy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand, making it a quick dish to pull together.
- Versatile & Customizable: Perfect on the grill, in the oven, or even air-fried – plus, you can easily dial up or down the heat.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a summer BBQ, these skewers are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic here lies in simple, complementary ingredients that come together to deliver bold flavor and juicy chicken every time. The spice rub gives depth, while the bang bang sauce ties it all with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet finish. Here's a quick rundown of why each ingredient makes a difference.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender even with high-heat cooking.
- Paprika: Adds smoky warmth without overpowering the other spices.
- Garlic powder: Gives that classic garlicky punch that chicken loves.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Black pepper: Provides sharp heat.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Honey: Balances the heat and adds a hint of caramelized sweetness when grilled.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that mellows the heat.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce: Brings sweetness with a mild chili bite — invaluable for that signature bang bang kick.
- Sriracha: For heat and a bit of garlicky punch in the sauce.
Make It Your Way
I love playing with the spice level — sometimes I add extra sriracha if I’m feeling feisty, or swap in Greek yogurt for some mayo to lighten things up. Give it a go and tweak to suit your own taste buds!
- Variation: Once, I swapped chicken thighs for firm tofu cubes, marinated them the same way, and grilled until crispy – perfect for a vegetarian twist that still packs the same bang bang flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinade Magic
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into one-inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Mixing the spices with honey and oil not only flavors the chicken but also helps it caramelize beautifully when grilled. In a separate bowl, mix all your bang bang sauce ingredients together, then pour half of that sauce over your chicken. Toss to coat well and let it soak up all those flavors for at least 15 minutes – the longer, the better if you have the time!
Step 2: Skewer and Sauce Up
Thread your marinated chicken onto skewers – I use metal ones but bamboo works great if soaked first. Brush the skewers generously with some of the reserved sauce from the chicken marinade bowl; this extra basting adds moisture and flavor while grilling.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the skewers directly over the flames, cooking about 15-20 minutes total. Flip every few minutes to get those gorgeous grill marks on all sides and baste with leftover sauce for that sticky, glossy finish. Keep checking the internal temperature – you want 165°F for juicy but safe chicken. If you’re worried about flare-ups, keep a spray bottle of water nearby.
Step 4: Serve With Style
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate and drizzle or serve with the remaining bang bang sauce for dunking. These babies are best enjoyed hot off the grill!
Top Tip
I’ve tried several variations of this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, and a few little tricks make all the difference between good and fantastic. Here’s what I’ve learned by cooking this recipe over and over:
- Marinate Longer: Even 30 minutes in the fridge lets those flavors sink deep for more intense taste.
- High Heat Grilling: Gives the chicken a beautiful char without drying it out – just watch closely to prevent burning.
- Baste Often: It keeps the meat juicy and amps up the bold sauce flavor.
- Use Thighs Over Breast: I’ve found thigh meat stays moist and tender even when cooked a bit longer.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime to brighten those smoky, spicy flavors. Thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds also add a nice touch and a little crunch that balances out the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
These skewers go perfectly with a simple cucumber salad for cool crunch or jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce. For a heartier meal, I often pair them with grilled corn or quick pickled veggies to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the skewers over a bed of shredded lettuce and scattering extra sauce in cute ramekins around the platter. Sometimes I serve with mini pita pockets and crisp slaw for a fun finger-food style feast that’s both interactive and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once grilled, I let the chicken cool completely before placing leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them a fabulous next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the raw marinated chicken pieces (without skewers) in a freezer-safe bag, then thaw overnight before threading onto skewers and grilling. This keeps the texture fresher and the flavors intact after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping them back on a hot grill or under a broiler for 2-3 minutes per side to revive that grilled char and crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the chicken a bit soggy and lose that fresh-off-the-grill vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster on the grill. If you use breasts, be sure to cut them evenly and monitor the cooking closely to avoid toughness. Marinating longer can help keep them moist.
The recipe has a medium heat level thanks to the sweet Thai chili and sriracha sauces. You can easily adjust spice by adding more or less sriracha according to your heat preference.
Absolutely! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Preparing it ahead saves time and allows the flavors to meld even more, making your grilled skewers taste even better.
Try serving with a fresh cucumber salad, jasmine rice, grilled veggies, or even tossed in a crunchy slaw. These sides complement the spicy, creamy flavors and make a filling, balanced plate.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes I cherish for how effortlessly it delivers restaurant-worthy flavor right from my own grill. It’s become a go-to when I want something quick, impressive, and devilishly tasty. You’ll enjoy the juicy chicken, creamy-spicy sauce, and the vibrant garnishes – it all adds up to a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Delicious 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 juicy, spiced chicken thighs grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, tangy, and spicy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice. This flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main course is perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking for a deliciously bold dish.
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 pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and marinade.
- 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 over the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Reserve the remaining half of the sauce for serving.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Brush the skewers with some of the leftover sauce from the marinade bowl to add extra flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat to ensure a nice sear and cooked-through chicken.
- Grill the chicken skewers: Place the skewers directly over the flame on the grill. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F, turning the skewers occasionally and basting with additional marinade sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken skewers to a serving plate and serve with the reserved bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter bang bang sauce, use reduced-fat mayonnaise or substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast can be used for a leaner option.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the spiciness of the sauce according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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