Bang Bang Chicken Skewers You Need to Try Tonight
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why restaurant-quality bang bang chicken skewers cost three times more than making them at home? This eye-opening price difference might surprise you, but the truth is that these Thai-inspired favorites deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite, yet most home cooks miss the simple techniques that elevate these bang bang chicken skewers from good to extraordinary.
These magnificent bang bang chicken skewers combine tender, juicy chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s utterly addictive and will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly, weekend barbecues where you want to impress your guests, or as show-stopping appetizers for your next gathering, these skewers will quickly become your new go-to recipe that everyone requests time and again.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
🍗 For the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts or thighs | 1.5 pounds | Cut into 1-inch cubes for optimal tenderness |
| Wooden or metal skewers | 8-10 | Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | For brushing skewers to prevent sticking |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Kosher salt preferred for better flavor distribution |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground for maximum aromatic quality |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Provides consistent flavor throughout the chicken |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | Smoked paprika adds extra depth and complexity |
🔸 For the Bang Bang Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ⅓ cup | Use full-fat for best creamy texture and flavor |
| Sweet chili sauce | ¼ cup | Thai-style recommended for authentic flavor |
| Sriracha sauce | 1-2 tablespoons | Adjust according to your personal heat preference |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon | Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat |
| Rice vinegar | 1 teaspoon | Adds brightness and tanginess to cut through richness |
| Lime juice | 1 teaspoon | Fresh is best for vibrant citrus notes |
🌿 Substitutions and Variations:
- Dietary Alternatives: For a lighter version of bang bang chicken skewers, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This substitution reduces fat content while maintaining creaminess and adding a pleasant tanginess to the sauce.
- Protein Options: Don’t eat chicken? The bang bang sauce pairs perfectly with firm tofu (pressed and thoroughly drained), sizable shrimp, or turkey pieces for diverse bang bang skewer options that preserve the original flavor.
- Heat Level: The beauty of homemade bang bang chicken skewers is the ability to customize to your preference. Adjust the sriracha amount based on your spice tolerance – from mild to wild, it’s entirely up to you!
- Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure your sweet chili sauce is certified gluten-free as some brands may contain hidden gluten in their ingredients.
Tools and Equipment
⚙️ Essential Items:
☑ Skewers (wooden or metal) – the backbone of any bang bang chicken skewers recipe
☑ Mixing bowls (medium and small) for preparing the seasonings and sauce
☑ Whisk for creating a smooth, well-incorporated bang bang sauce
☑ Cutting board and sharp knife for uniform chicken pieces
☑ Measuring spoons and cups for recipe accuracy
☑ Grill, grill pan, or oven with broiler function for cooking options
☑ Basting brush for applying the flavorful sauce
☑ Meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken
⏱️ Timing
◉ Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes for soaking wooden skewers if using)
◉ Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
◉ Total Time: 20 minutes (50 minutes including skewer soaking)
📌 These incredibly efficient bang bang chicken skewers cook approximately 30% faster than traditional oven-baked chicken recipes, making them the perfect solution for weeknight dinners when time is limited but you still crave something delicious and satisfying. The quick cooking time also helps retain moisture in the chicken, resulting in juicier, more flavorful bang bang chicken skewers compared to longer cooking methods.
Step-by-Step Guide
🥣 Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce:
❶ In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice until completely smooth and well combined. The sauce should have a pale orange-pink hue and a silky consistency.
❷ Set aside approximately ¼ of the bang bang sauce for serving with the finished skewers, and reserve the remainder for basting during the cooking process.
📌 Pro Tip: For truly exceptional bang bang chicken skewers, consider making the bang bang sauce a day ahead and refrigerating it overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop more complexity, resulting in an even more flavorful final product.
🔪 Preparing the Chicken:
❶ If using wooden skewers for your bang bang chicken skewers, place them in a shallow dish of water to soak for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
❷ Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring similar sizes for even cooking. Consistency is key to perfectly cooked bang bang chicken skewers.
❸ Place chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture.
📌 Pro Tip: Slightly larger chicken pieces (1-inch cubes) stay noticeably juicier when cooking bang bang chicken skewers compared to smaller cuts. The extra size provides insurance against overcooking while allowing enough surface area for flavorful caramelization.
🔥 Assembling and Cooking:
❶ Thread seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking and better heat circulation around the meat.
❷ Brush the assembled bang bang chicken skewers lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
❸ Heat grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
❹ Cook bang bang chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, until chicken begins to develop attractive char marks and is nearly cooked through.
❺ Brush generously with bang bang sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to bubble and caramelize slightly without burning.
✨ Pro Tip: Patience is crucial here – don’t apply the sauce too early in the cooking process or it may burn due to the sugar content in the sweet chili sauce and honey, resulting in bitter flavors in your bang bang chicken skewers.
❻ Use your meat thermometer to verify that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) before removing from heat. This ensures safe consumption while preventing the dreaded dry, overcooked texture.
❼ Immediately after removing from heat, brush with additional bang bang sauce while the chicken is still hot to create another layer of flavor on your bang bang chicken skewers.
Pro Cooking Tips
🌟 Expert Advice:
✅ For an extra flavor dimension in your bang bang chicken skewers, marinate the chicken in 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce for 30 minutes before skewering. This creates a flavor foundation that permeates the meat rather than staying solely on the surface.
✅ Cook bang bang chicken skewers in manageable batches rather than overcrowding your cooking surface. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than proper searing and caramelization, which significantly impacts the final flavor profile.
✅ Always let your bang bang chicken skewer rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This simple step makes the difference between good and great results, ensuring perfectly juicy bang bang chicken skewers every time.
✅ Apply sauce in strategic layers – once before cooking (if marinating), once during the cooking process, and once immediately after – for maximum flavor impact and the perfect balance of cooked and fresh sauce flavors on your bang bang chicken skewers.
Serving Suggestions
Bang bang chicken skewer showcase truly impressive versatility when it comes to serving options, making them suitable for everything from casual weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining:
☑️ Serve over a bed of fragrant steamed jasmine rice with additional bang bang sauce drizzled on top for a complete meal that balances the rich flavors of the skewers with the mild rice.
☑️ Add bang bang chicken skewers to a colorful Asian-inspired salad with crisp vegetables, mandarin orange segments, and a complementary lime vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying option.
☑️ Create an Instagram-worthy bang bang chicken skewer bowl with cucumber, avocado, mango, edamame, and pickled vegetables over rice or cauliflower rice for a trendy presentation.
☑️ Present as an impressive appetizer with the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal.
☑️ Wrap the chicken from your bang bang chicken skewers in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil) and julienned vegetables for a refreshing low-carb option perfect for summer gatherings.
☑️ Pair with cold sesame noodles and steamed broccoli for a complete, balanced meal that offers contrasting temperatures and textures alongside your bang bang chicken skewers.
Recipe Variations
🌶️ Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewer:
For heat enthusiasts, double the sriracha and add a teaspoon of chili oil to the bang bang sauce. This variation intensifies the signature heat while maintaining the creamy, sweet elements that make bang bang chicken skewers so irresistible.
🍯 Sweet Bang Bang Chicken Skewer:
Create a kid-friendly or mild-preference version by increasing honey to 2 tablespoons and reducing sriracha to just a few drops for color. These modified bang bang chicken skewers deliver the delicious flavor profile without overwhelming sensitive palates.
🥜 Peanut Bang Bang Chicken Skewer:
Add 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the sauce for a rich, nutty flavor that creates a hybrid between bang bang chicken skewers and chicken satay. The peanut butter adds remarkable depth and a subtle thickening to the sauce.
🥥 Coconut Bang Bang Chicken Skewer:
For a tropical twist, replace mayonnaise with coconut cream and add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce. This variation transforms traditional bang bang chicken skewers into a fusion dish with Thai and Indian influences.
🍅 Grilled Vegetable Bang Bang Skewer:
Elevate your presentation by alternating chicken with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion pieces for complete bang bang chicken skewers with vegetables. The vegetables caramelize beautifully and absorb the flavorful sauce while providing nutritional balance.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overcooking: Perhaps the most frequent culinary crime committed against bang bang chicken skewer is overcooking. This results in dry, tough meat that no amount of sauce can rescue. Use a reliable thermometer to check doneness at exactly 165°F (74°C).
- ❌ Uneven Cutting: Inconsistent chicken piece sizes lead to a frustrating mix of some overcooked pieces while others remain dangerously undercooked. Take the extra minute to cut uniform pieces for your bang bang chicken skewer.
- ❌ Burning the Sauce: Applying sauce too early in the cooking process is a recipe for disaster with bang bang chicken skewer. The sugars in the sauce will burn and create bitter flavors long before the chicken is properly cooked.
- ❌ Crowding the Grill: When making bang bang chicken skewers in quantity, resist the temptation to crowd your cooking surface. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than proper searing, resulting in pale, less flavorful chicken lacking the desirable caramelization.
- ❌ Using Cold Chicken: Chicken straight from the refrigerator won’t cook evenly when prepared as bang bang chicken skewer. Allow meat to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more consistent results.
- ❌ Neglecting the Sauce Ratios: The perfect bang bang sauce requires balance. Too much mayonnaise makes it overly rich, while too much sriracha can overwhelm the other flavors. Measure ingredients properly for optimal bang bang chicken skewer.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 skewers) of bang bang chicken skewer:
✔Calories: 285
✔Protein: 24g
✔Carbohydrates: 8g
✔Fat: 17g
✔Fiber: 0.5g
✔Sugar: 6g
✔Sodium: 620mg
❓ FAQ Section
◻ Can I make bang bang chicken skewer in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before cooking.
◻ How do I store leftover bang bang chicken skewer?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
◻ Can I freeze bang bang chicken skewer?
While you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. It’s best to make fresh sauce when reheating.
◻ What’s the secret to keeping bang bang chicken skewer moist?
Don’t overcook the chicken, use chicken thighs for more fat content, and apply sauce immediately after cooking.
◻ Can I cook bang bang chicken skewer in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with sauce during the last 5 minutes.
◻ Are bang bang chicken skewer spicy?
The heat level is customizable. As written, they have a medium spice level, but you can adjust the sriracha amount to taste.
◻ What can I serve with bang bang chicken skewer for a complete meal?
Rice, noodles, a simple salad, or steamed vegetables all pair beautifully with these flavorful skewers.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers You Need to Try Tonight
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs 1.5 pounds Cut into 1-inch cubes for optimal tenderness
- Wooden or metal skewers 8-10 Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning
- Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon For brushing skewers to prevent sticking
- Salt 1 teaspoon Kosher salt preferred for better flavor distribution
- Black pepper ½ teaspoon Freshly ground for maximum aromatic quality
- Garlic powder 1 teaspoon Provides consistent flavor throughout the chicken
- Paprika ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika adds extra depth and complexity
- Mayonnaise ⅓ cup Use full-fat for best creamy texture and flavor
- Sweet chili sauce ¼ cup Thai-style recommended for authentic flavor
- Sriracha sauce 1-2 tablespoons Adjust according to your personal heat preference
- Honey 1 tablespoon Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat
- Rice vinegar 1 teaspoon Adds brightness and tanginess to cut through richness
- Lime juice 1 teaspoon Fresh is best for vibrant citrus notes
Instructions
- 🥣 Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce:❶ In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice until completely smooth and well combined. The sauce should have a pale orange-pink hue and a silky consistency.❷ Set aside approximately ¼ of the bang bang sauce for serving with the finished skewers, and reserve the remainder for basting during the cooking process.✨ Pro Tip: For truly exceptional bang bang chicken skewers, consider making the bang bang sauce a day ahead and refrigerating it overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop more complexity, resulting in an even more flavorful final product.🔪 Preparing the Chicken:❶ If using wooden skewers for your bang bang chicken skewers, place them in a shallow dish of water to soak for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.❷ Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring similar sizes for even cooking. Consistency is key to perfectly cooked bang bang chicken skewers.❸ Place chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture.✨ Pro Tip: Slightly larger chicken pieces (1-inch cubes) stay noticeably juicier when cooking bang bang chicken skewers compared to smaller cuts. The extra size provides insurance against overcooking while allowing enough surface area for flavorful caramelization.🔥 Assembling and Cooking:❶ Thread seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking and better heat circulation around the meat.❷ Brush the assembled bang bang chicken skewers lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.❸ Heat grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F or 190-200°C).❹ Cook bang bang chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, until chicken begins to develop attractive char marks and is nearly cooked through.❺ Brush generously with bang bang sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to bubble and caramelize slightly without burning.✨ Pro Tip: Patience is crucial here – don't apply the sauce too early in the cooking process or it may burn due to the sugar content in the sweet chili sauce and honey, resulting in bitter flavors in your bang bang chicken skewers.❻ Use your meat thermometer to verify that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) before removing from heat. This ensures safe consumption while preventing the dreaded dry, overcooked texture.❼ Immediately after removing from heat, brush with additional bang bang sauce while the chicken is still hot to create another layer of flavor on your bang bang chicken skewers.
Notes
📊 Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 skewers) of bang bang chicken skewer:- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
🎯 Conclusion
These delicious bang bang chicken skewer deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. With the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy elements, they’re versatile enough for any occasion. Try making these bang bang chicken skewers tonight and share your results in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and flavorful recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
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