I still remember the first time I made these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—it was one of those moments where everything just clicked in the kitchen, and the whole house smelled amazing. I was craving something that packed a punch, easy enough for a weeknight, but also a bit special. These spicy chicken skewers, glazed with that creamy spicy dip known as Bang Bang sauce, were exactly what I needed. The blend of flavors had that perfect kick and creaminess that left my friends going back for seconds, which, let’s be honest, is the ultimate compliment.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 12 wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil you love
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (I always add a little extra for that punch)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional but magic for depth
For the Bang Bang sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (grab a regular or light version from any grocery store)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, easy to find and adds sweet heat
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (adjust to your spice love level)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave for a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar for a subtle tang
Don’t stress if you’re out of paprika—cayenne or chili powder work just fine in this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe too! And if you want a lighter take, Greek yogurt swaps in wonderfully for mayo in the sauce. Budget-wise, this dish is kind to your wallet because chicken breasts and pantry staples punch way above their weight in flavor here.
Quick tip: Chop your chicken evenly so the skewers cook uniformly. If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy cold the next day or gently reheat—they keep the creamy spicy dip magic intact.
Let’s Cook This Together
- Prep your chicken by tossing the chunks in vegetable oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This simple marinade sets the stage for flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that your taste buds will thank you for. Let it rest while you get things ready.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them snug but not too tight—this helps them cook evenly and keeps the skewers easy to handle.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear but not so hot that your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers char before cooking through.
- Carefully lay the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Your kitchen (or backyard) is going to smell amazing, that grilled chicken aroma is something else.
- While the skewers cook, whisk together the Bang Bang sauce ingredients—mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This creamy spicy dip is where the magic happens, so taste and tweak to your spice preference.
- When the chicken is fully cooked—juicy with a little char—remove from heat and brush generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Pro tip: Reserving some sauce to serve alongside lets everyone dip to their heart’s desire.
- If your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers look like they’re on the brink of overcooking, don’t stress. A quick rest out of the direct heat locks in juices and lets flavors settle.
Start to finish, this grilled chicken recipe should take about 30 minutes tops. While they’re grilling, why not pour yourself a refreshing drink and scroll through some tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ideas on Sailor Bailey’s blog for some plating inspiration?
How to Serve & Savor It
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly shine when paired with fresh, vibrant sides. I love serving them alongside crunchy cucumber salad or sticky jasmine rice to soak up all that creamy spicy dip. Asian-inspired slaws or grilled veggies make excellent companions, adding contrast to the warm, spice-kissed chicken.
This dish is perfect for a weekend backyard hangout or when you want a fuss-free Asian chicken appetizer that’s sure to please a crowd. For a little seasonal twist, try serving the skewers on leafy greens or with a drizzle of lime juice for a fresh, bright finish.
Presentation-wise, I like threading my skewers on colorful platters and sprinkling chopped scallions or cilantro over the top. Friends have told me it’s a “party on a stick” and that leftover skewers make killer wraps for next-day lunches.
If you find yourself with extras, don’t toss them! Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be chopped and tossed into rice bowls or even layered in tacos for a satisfying meal remix. For more ways to enjoy chicken with bold flavors, check out my Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos, another personal kitchen go-to.
Your Questions, Answered
- Can I prep parts of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead?
- Absolutely! You can cut and marinate the chicken a few hours or even a day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed up ahead and stored, which makes the final assembly quick and easy.
- What’s a good swap for mayo in the Bang Bang sauce?
- Greek yogurt works beautifully for a lighter, tangier alternative. It still gives you that creamy spicy dip feel without extra heaviness.
- How can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for more or fewer people?
- Simple math works here! Just scale your chicken and sauce ingredients up or down and grab more or fewer skewers accordingly. Feel free to double the sauce if you have saucy lovers in your crew.
- Can these skewers be baked or pan-fried instead of grilled?
- For sure! I’ve baked them on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Pan-frying works too—just be sure to not overcrowd the pan.
- How spicy are these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
- You control the heat! Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to your liking. I keep mine medium spice but have scaled back for kids and ramped it up for friends who crave extra zing.
- What if I don’t have skewers?
- No biggie! You can cook the chicken chunks like kebabs in a grill basket or on a sheet pan. It’s the Bang Bang sauce that steals the show anyway.
- Would this recipe work with chicken thighs?
- Definitely. Thighs bring a bit more fat and juiciness, which is awesome. Just adjust your cooking time slightly since thighs may need a couple more minutes on the grill.
For more kitchen tips and a fun twist on Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, check out this convo over at Grilled chicken bang bang with heirloom tomato sauce.
Final Foodie Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe has a cozy spot in my heart because it’s the kind of everyday awesome food that feels like a small celebration. It’s simple, vibrant, and packs flavor without demanding much time or fancy skills—a real win-win in my kitchen.
My Top Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to lock in flavor.
- Mix the creamy spicy dip sauce just before serving for freshest taste.
- Don’t rush the grilling—let those cheeky little char marks add character without overcooking.
For variations, I’ve loved: swapping in turkey for leaner bites, turning it into a Bang Bang chicken bowl with rice and avocado, or mixing the sauce with peanut butter for an indulgent twist. The classic creamy spicy dip, however, still gets the most requests from my people.
My hope? That you make this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe your own. Play with spice levels, adjust your sides, and have fun with it. For more comforting chicken goodness, check out my flavorful Turmeric Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup or this Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe that’s always a hit.
Get ready to enjoy the juicy, spicy, creamy joy of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in your own home soon. Your friends and family will thank you—and so will your taste buds!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled appetizer featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce perfect for gatherings and quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Remove skewers from the grill and brush generously with Bang Bang sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chicken before grilling, and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.