These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken bites are grilled perfectly and tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that adds a kick. Perfect for parties!
Honestly, watching them disappear at gatherings is the best part. I like to serve them with some crunchy veggies for a refreshing touch! They’re so good, you’ll never want to stop snacking! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs give juiciness, but breasts are a leaner option. If you’re looking for alternatives, tofu or tempeh can work well for a plant-based twist.
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, regular mayo is great, but you can try Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier swap. This adds protein, too!
Sweet Chili Sauce: Essential for that sweet flavor. If you don’t have it, mix honey with a bit of hot sauce to mimic the taste.
Sriracha: This brings the heat! Adjust based on your spice preference. If you need a milder alternative, try adding a bit of cayenne or omit it completely.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly?
Getting that perfectly cooked chicken on skewers can be tricky. Here are some tips to help!
- **Marinate Well:** Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. Longer means more flavor, so don’t rush this step!
- **Prepare Skewers Properly:** Soak wooden skewers before use. This prevents burning on the grill.
- **Leave Space Between Pieces:** When threading the chicken, leave a little gap between each piece. This helps cook them evenly and ensures they get nice grill marks.
- **Check the Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked!
- **Monitor Cooking Time:** Grill on medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. This ensures a nice char without drying out the chicken.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Marinade and Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 10-12 minutes for grilling. Plus, allow at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken, though 2 hours will make it even tastier. So overall, you can whip this up in about an hour if you include marinating time, but the grilling is quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. This will be both your marinade for the chicken and a dipping sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Set aside about 1/4 cup of the sauce for serving later. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the remaining marinade and mix everything until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. To prevent your chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates. This makes cooking easier and helps get that lovely char on your chicken!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so that they cook evenly and get that delicious char. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Final Touches:
Once the skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill. Drizzle or brush some of the reserved sauce over the warm chicken for added flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve the skewers alongside the remaining dipping sauce. Dig in and enjoy your delightful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great if you prefer them over thighs. Just keep in mind that they can dry out a bit more easily, so it’s key to ensure they’re cooked just until they reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey or brown sugar with a splash of hot sauce for heat. This will give you that sweet and spicy flavor profile you’re after!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them on a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time! You can also thread the chicken onto skewers, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
