These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the kind of dinner that feels fun, a little bold, and easy enough for a busy night. The chicken turns juicy on the grill or in the oven, then gets coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that everyone seems to reach for first.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- 1 Skewers wooden or metal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for a light coating if you want extra browning
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or another chili sauce, adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.25 tsp alcohol-free vanilla optional, for a subtle roundness
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same rate. Add the chicken to a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using. Toss until the pieces are well coated.
- Thread the skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water first so they do not burn too quickly.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and alcohol-free vanilla if using. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.
- Cook the skewers: Grill, bake, or air fry the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Turn them as needed so they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Finish with sauce: Brush the cooked skewers with some of the sauce, then drizzle more over the top just before serving. Save a little sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
This recipe brings together simple ingredients and big flavor. The skewers cook quickly, the sauce comes together in minutes, and the final result works just as well for a weeknight meal as it does for a casual get-together.
- Quick to prep and easy to cook
- Full of sweet, spicy, creamy flavor
- Great for grilling, baking, or air frying
- Easy to serve with rice, salad, or vegetables
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you will need for the chicken and the sauce.
- Chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cornstarch, for a light coating if you want extra browning
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha or another chili sauce, adjust to taste
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Alcohol-free vanilla, optional, for a subtle roundness
- Wooden or metal skewers
If you want to switch things up, chicken thighs stay especially juicy, while chicken breast keeps things lean and simple. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise for a lighter sauce with a tangy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same rate. Add the chicken to a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using. Toss until the pieces are well coated.
Step 2: Thread the skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water first so they do not burn too quickly.
Step 3: Make the bang bang sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and alcohol-free vanilla if using. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.
Step 4: Cook the skewers
Grill, bake, or air fry the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Turn them as needed so they cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 5: Finish with sauce
Brush the cooked skewers with some of the sauce, then drizzle more over the top just before serving. Save a little sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so the skewers cook evenly.
- Do not skip preheating your grill, oven, or air fryer.
- Keep an eye on the sauce, since a little extra chili sauce can make it much hotter.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them long enough to help prevent charring.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
You can make this recipe your own in a few easy ways.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a faster version.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Swap in yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a tangier sauce.
- Serve the sauce over rice bowls instead of on skewers.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet contrast.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These skewers taste wonderful with fluffy rice, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple slaw. They also pair nicely with grilled corn, buttered noodles, or warm flatbread for a more filling meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra sauce in a separate container so the chicken stays fresh. Reheat gently in the oven, air fryer, or skillet until warmed through, then add fresh sauce before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
Meals like this always bring a little energy to the table. There is something about food on a skewer that makes dinner feel relaxed and shareable, and that is usually when the best conversations happen.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken and mix the sauce ahead of time. For the best texture, cook the skewers right before serving.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake them on a lined sheet pan, turning once during cooking so they brown nicely on both sides.
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you use. Start with a small amount, then add more if you want extra kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well and stay juicy. They are a great choice if you want a richer bite.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are one of those easy meals that delivers a lot of flavor without making dinner feel complicated. Once you try them, they may just earn a regular spot in your rotation.