Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy pieces of chicken on a stick, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for grilling, they bring a burst of flavor to any meal!
These tasty treats are always a hit at parties! I love serving them with some crunchy veggies on the side. Warning: you might just want to eat them all yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using chicken breast for its lean texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs add more flavor and moisture. Tofu or tempeh can replace chicken for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: This is key for creaminess. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version, giving a tangy flavor. Vegan mayo works great too if you’re avoiding eggs.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and heat. If you can’t find it, you can mix equal parts honey and soy sauce for a similar taste. Adjust chili flakes for heat!
Sriracha: Use more or less depending on your heat preference. You can swap it with any hot sauce you like or omit it for a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: Great for grilling, but you could use other oils like canola or avocado oil. Just avoid oil with strong flavors that might overpower the dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Don’t Dry Out?
To keep your chicken tender and juicy, marinating is essential. The longer you marinate (up to 2 hours), the more flavorful your chicken will be. Here’s a quick rundown:
- After mixing the marinade, ensure all chicken pieces are coated well.
- Let them sit in the fridge; this not only adds flavor but also helps with moisture retention.
- When grilling, keep an eye on the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the skewers rest a few minutes after grilling for juice redistribution.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. After marinating, you’ll need around 15 minutes to cook the skewers on the grill. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure to save about 1/4 cup of this sauce to serve with your skewers later—it’s delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to your bowl with the marinade. Toss them well to coat every piece. Once coated, cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, don’t forget to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Now, take your marinated chicken and thread the pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly and get those great grill marks!
5. Cook the Skewers:
Before grilling, brush the skewers with olive oil to add flavor. Place them on the hot grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, carefully take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy and delicious.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Drizzle them with the reserved sauce and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy these tasty skewers with friends or family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating! The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before marinating.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you want a lower-calorie option, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for mayonnaise. You can also try using sour cream or a vegan mayo if you’re looking for alternatives that accommodate dietary preferences.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the microwave or on a grill pan over low heat until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers are versatile! They pair well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve them with additional dipping sauces for extra flavor!
