Save to Pinterest These tender chicken skewers deliver the perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors. After marinating in garlic and soy sauce, the chicken gets perfectly grilled until slightly charred, then coated in the signature Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The result is an irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy that works beautifully as an appetizer or main dish.
The first time I made Bang Bang chicken was during a chaotic summer barbecue when we had more guests than planned. Someone suggested a quick sauce and suddenly these skewers became the star of the show. Now I keep the sauce ingredients stocked year round.
Last summer my neighbor Sarah came over skeptical about spicy food and ended up licking the sauce off her plate. Now she texts me whenever she smells these on the grill.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Thighs stay juicier than breasts but both work perfectly here
- Vegetable oil: Helps the seasoning stick and prevents sticking to the grill
- Garlic powder: Distributes more evenly than fresh garlic for marinades
- Soy sauce: Use gluten free if needed but the regular stuff adds great depth
- Black pepper and salt: Simple seasonings that let the sauce shine
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes everything rich and coating
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness without being cloying or artificial
- Sriracha: Start with one tablespoon and taste before adding more
- Honey: Balances the heat and creates that sticky glazed finish
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the mayo richness with bright acidity
- Sesame seeds: Toast them briefly in a dry pan for extra nutty flavor
- Scallions: Green parts only unless you want extra onion punch
- Fresh cilantro: The fresh herbal finish that wakes up the whole plate
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Toss the cubed chicken with oil, garlic powder, soy sauce, pepper and salt until evenly coated. Let it sit while you prep the sauce and soak those wooden skewers.
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- Mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey and rice vinegar until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level now before it touches the chicken.
- Thread and prep:
- Slide the chicken pieces onto skewers leaving a tiny bit of space between each piece for even cooking. Make sure your grill is heating up to medium high.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook the skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You want those nice charred edges and cooked through meat.
- Sauce and serve:
- Brush that Bang Bang sauce generously over the hot skewers while they are still sizzling. Top with sesame seeds, scallions and cilantro before they disappear.
Save to Pinterest These skewers have saved me on countless busy weeknights when takeout felt like the only option.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is once you have the sauce down. Shrimp cook faster and get those gorgeous grill marks quickly. Tofu needs a bit more time but soaks up flavors beautifully.
Serving Ideas
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar cuts through the richness perfectly. Jasmine rice soaks up any extra sauce like a dream. For something lighter, lettuce wraps turn this into a fun interactive meal.
Make Ahead Tips
The sauce keeps in the fridge for a solid week and actually tastes better after the flavors meld. Chicken can marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Double the sauce recipe and use the extra for dipping
- Pre cut your chicken and freeze it in marinade bags
- Keep toasted sesame seeds in a jar for quick garnishing
Save to Pinterest These skewers have become my go to for whenever I need food that brings people together. Happy grilling.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How spicy are Bang Bang chicken skewers?
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The heat level is medium and easily adjustable. The base sauce combines sriracha with sweet chili sauce and honey, creating a balanced spicy-sweet flavor. Add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version that still delivers plenty of flavor.
- → Can I bake these instead of grilling?
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Absolutely. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for best results.
- → What can I substitute for sriracha?
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Sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, or even hot sauce work well as alternatives. Each brings slightly different heat and flavor profiles, so start with less and adjust to taste. Sweet chili sauce alone can also work if you prefer less heat.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
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Minimum 10 minutes for the flavors to penetrate, but up to 2 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor. Don't marinate longer than 2 hours as the soy sauce can start to break down the chicken texture, making it mushy when grilled.
- → Can I make Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
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Yes, the sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld together better after sitting for a day. Bring to room temperature and give it a good whisk before serving.
