Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (Cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (For extra heat); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (Adjust for more or less spice); Skewers (For grilling)

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect fusion of flavor and fun, turning your typical grilled chicken into a deliciously spicy and savory treat. This recipe elevates your grilling game with a delightful sauce that brings a touch of Asian flair and a kick of heat. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are bound to impress.

The chicken is marinated in a mix of simple yet flavorful seasonings, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with taste. The star of this dish is the creamy Bang Bang sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements that complement the grilled chicken beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these skewers are sure to become a favorite, offering a delectable experience with every bite.

Why make this recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are not just another grilled chicken recipe; they bring excitement to your table with their unique taste and visual appeal. The blend of spices ensures that the chicken is flavorful on its own, but the addition of the Bang Bang sauce really takes the dish to a whole new level. Fast and easy to prepare, they can be ready to serve in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Beyond their quick preparation time, these skewers cater to various preferences, appealing to both adults and children alike. They can easily be served as appetizers, party snacks, or as part of a main meal alongside rice or vegetables.

As an added bonus, skewered food is inherently fun to eat, allowing for an interactive dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation. Whether cooked on a grill at a summer barbecue or indoors on a stovetop grill pan, the smell of marinated chicken sizzling away will have everyone eagerly awaiting their turn to indulge in these mouthwatering bites.

How to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To create Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, begin with the freshest chicken breast you can find, ensuring that it is free of any excess fat. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to cook evenly and allowing the flavors of the marinade to penetrate each piece thoroughly. Coat the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that necessary kick. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15-30 minutes for optimal flavor, but if time is scarce, even a light seasoning will still yield delicious results.

While the chicken marinates, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is the perfect concoction of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha that adds a delightful pop to the skewers. As you whisk the ingredients together, taste and adjust the ingredients as needed to achieve your desired level of spice. Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded to allow for even cooking on the grill.

Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring they cook through evenly. Aim for a cooking time of about 5-7 minutes per side, which will yield juicy, tender chicken. Finally, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping, allowing each person to add as much or as little as they desire.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
Skewers

Directions

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Thread the chicken onto skewers.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
Serve the skewers drizzled with the sauce or use it for dipping. Enjoy with rice, veggies, or on their own.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: N/A
• Chilling Time: 0 minutes
• Rising Time: N/A
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

How to serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be enjoyed in various ways, appealing to different palates and dining settings. For a casual and vibrant presentation, serve the skewers on a large platter adorned with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Place small bowls of the Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience. These skewers pair beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad, adding freshness and balance to the meal.

For a unique twist, you can plate the skewers in taco-style by placing them in soft, warm tortillas with a sprinkle of crunchy cabbage and drizzles of extra sauce. This unexpected twist not only enhances the eating experience but also turns the skewers into a delightful hand-held meal that’s great for gatherings or outdoor events. Regardless of the serving style, one thing is for sure: these skewers will be the star of the meal.

How to store Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

To store any leftovers, allow the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. These skewers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can place them on a grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave them, although this may slightly affect their texture.

If you have prepped the chicken and skewered them but have not grilled them yet, store the assembled skewers in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to cook, they can go straight to the grill without needing to come to room temperature first.

Tips to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

For the ideal Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, selecting the right chicken is crucial. Opt for fresh, free-range chicken breast, which will yield a more flavorful and juicy outcome compared to frozen or lower-quality poultry. Additionally, don’t shy away from tweaking the marinade; if you like a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic powder, or if more heat is desired, add extra cayenne pepper or even red pepper flakes to the chicken.

An efficient way to keep the chicken from sticking to the grill is to oil the grill grates before heating. You can use a paper towel lightly dipped in oil to wipe down the grates just before placing the skewers on them. This not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve those coveted grill marks. As for the sauce, it can easily be customized based on your preferences. You can play with the ratio of mayo to sweet chili sauce for a creamier or spicier sauce based on your taste buds.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy when grilled.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, which will lower the fat content while still providing creaminess.

Q: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate and assemble the skewers a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.