Bang Bang Chicken Skewers With Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
Introduction
These bang bang chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and coated in the most addicting creamy bang bang sauce.
They’re perfect for summer cookouts, game day spreads, or an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant worthy.
The chicken gets a quick, bold seasoning, then pairs with a sweet-heat sauce made from mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken Skewers
Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce
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How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers With Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
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Soak skewers and prep chicken
Soak the wooden skewers in cool water for at least 20 minutes so they do not burn on the grill.
Cut the chicken breasts into even bite-size chunks so they cook at the same speed.
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Season and marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until every surface is well coated with the flavorful marinade.
Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
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Mix the creamy bang bang sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder.
Taste and adjust the heat by adding a little more sriracha or sweet chili sauce as you like.
Cover and refrigerate the sauce until serving so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
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Thread the chicken onto skewers
Remove the chicken from the fridge and drain any excess marinade that collects in the bottom of the bowl.
Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space at each end for easy turning.
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Grill or pan-cook the skewers
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Cook the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Check for doneness by cutting into a thicker piece; the juices should run clear and the center should be opaque.
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Serve with bang bang sauce
Transfer the hot skewers to a platter and spoon or drizzle some bang bang sauce over the top.
Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping, along with lime wedges or chopped herbs if you like.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Thighs stay very juicy and forgiving, especially on the grill or under high heat. They bring a richer, slightly more savory flavor without changing the seasoning or sauce.
- Mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt
- Greek yogurt gives the sauce a tangy, lighter taste while still keeping it creamy and dippable. Use whole-milk yogurt for the best texture and add a pinch of salt to balance the tang.
- Sriracha with gochujang chili paste
- Gochujang adds deeper, slightly smoky heat and a subtle fermented note that makes the bang bang sauce more complex. Start with half the amount of sriracha called for, then adjust until you like the spice level.
Tips
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Aim for cubes about 1 to 1½ inches so the chicken stays juicy but still cooks through quickly. Smaller pieces can overcook fast and dry out on the skewers.
- Do not skip soaking wooden skewers
- Soaking saturates the wood with water so it is far less likely to burn or snap on the grill. If you have time, soak them for 30 minutes instead of 20.
- Layer flavor with a quick final brush
- Reserve a tablespoon of the marinade before adding the raw chicken and brush it over the skewers during the last minute. This adds a glossy look and a little extra sweetness on the outside.
- Adjust sauce thickness to your liking
- For a thicker, clingy sauce, add a spoonful more mayonnaise and chill it longer. For a thinner drizzle, whisk in a teaspoon of water or lime juice until it loosens slightly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer
- An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out and helps you avoid overcooking the chicken. Aim for 160°F, then rest a few minutes; carryover heat finishes it to 165°F.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 451 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 35 | g |
| Total Fat | 28 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I marinate the chicken overnight or prepare this dish ahead?
- Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. Do not go past 12 hours, or the texture can start to turn mushy from the salt. Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the fridge.
- How can I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same speed. Cook over medium-high, not blazing hot heat, so the outside does not scorch before the inside cooks. Pull the skewers off the heat as soon as the thickest piece reaches 165°F.
- Can I cook these chicken skewers in an air fryer?
- Yes, these work very well in an air fryer for an easy indoor option. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and cook at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Check a thicker piece for doneness and add a minute or two if needed.
- How spicy is the bang bang sauce, and how can I adjust it?
- The sauce has a gentle kick from sriracha balanced by the sweet chili sauce and honey. For less heat, cut the sriracha in half and add a spoonful more mayonnaise or honey. For more heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
These bang bang chicken skewers are lovely with steamed rice, chilled noodles, or a crunchy cabbage slaw.
For a fun twist, add pineapple chunks or bell pepper pieces to the skewers for sweet pops of flavor and color.
Serve with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onion for a bright, fresh finish.
More pairings:
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