This might be the richest, most satisfying way to enjoy chicken on a stick — the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy that just keeps you reaching for more. I’m talking about my favorite Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, which I love for quick dinners and casual gatherings alike.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is truly a winner in my kitchen—whether it’s for a busy weeknight or an impromptu barbecue. The perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and that luscious creamy sauce makes it unforgettable.
- Effortless Flavor Boost: Tossing the chicken in the bang bang sauce before and during grilling infuses it with bold, layered flavors you can’t resist.
- Quick and Simple: You can have these skewers grilled and ready in under 30 minutes, which means dinner’s on the table when you need it most.
- Customizable Heat Level: Love spice? Add more sriracha. Want it milder? Dial it back or swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Using chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy, preventing dryness even on the grill.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a special role in crafting that perfect bite. From the paprika's smokiness to the sweet chili sauce’s subtle fruity heat, these flavors come together effortlessly.
- Chicken Thighs: They’re juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling because they don’t dry out like breast meat does.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a gorgeous color that makes the skewers look irresistible.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These boost the savory background notes without overpowering.
- Black Pepper & Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning, they unlock the flavors of the marinade and chicken.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the heat and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and aids in browning beautifully on the grill.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the bang bang sauce with a smooth texture.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayo and sweetness of the chili sauce.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: This is the heart of the bang bang flavor—sweet, spicy, and perfectly sticky.
- Sriracha Sauce: Brings the heat and a little garlicky kick; adjust to your desired spice level.
Make It Your Way
I love sharing variations because it’s fun to tailor this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe to your own taste buds or dietary needs. You can really play around with the sauce intensity or even swap chicken thighs for a leaner cut if you prefer.
- Variation: Once, I swapped half the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up—deliciously tangy with fewer calories but just as creamy.
- Dietary adaptation: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan mayo or skip some of the sauce for dipping.
- Seasonal twist: Add fresh chopped cilantro or basil on top for an herbal pop when you’re grilling in summer.
- Heat adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less sriracha and add more after tasting—it's easier that way!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep your chicken and spices
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes — not too small so they don’t dry out on the grill. Toss them in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, honey, and olive oil. This combo grabs your attention with smoky, sweet, and savory notes. Let it sit while you mix up the sauce; the longer it marinates, the better the flavor.
Step 2: Whip up the bang bang sauce
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Half of this sauce goes right into your chicken marinade. This step ensures each bite is tender and packed with the perfect balance of creamy heat. Save the other half to brush on the skewers during grilling and serve for dipping—it’s finger-licking good.
Step 3: Assemble and grill
Thread your marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, then brush them with some of the leftover sauce. Preheat your grill to a high flame, then place the skewers directly over it. Grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping every few minutes. Don’t be shy about basting with that sauce—this is what keeps the chicken juicy and caramelized with a spicy glaze. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F to be safe and juicy!
Step 4: Serve with the signature bang bang sauce
Once grilled golden and irresistible, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Pour that reserved sauce into a cute little bowl or drizzle over the top for an extra kick. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Top Tip
After making this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe dozens of times, a few tricks really made all the difference. These tips have saved me from common slip-ups, and I’m excited to share them so you get perfect skewers every time.
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to deepen the flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a little space between pieces so heat circulates evenly and the chicken grills nicely without steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid dry chicken by checking for 165°F internal temperature – it’s the sweet spot for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Brush Often: Keep basting with the sauce to build that irresistible sticky glaze and enhance flavor as it cooks.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped scallions and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves over the skewers once they’re off the grill. The fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely color contrast against the rich sauce. Sometimes a squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds that extra zing that wakes everything up.
Side Dishes
These skewers go so well with jasmine rice or coconut rice to balance the spice. A simple cucumber salad with a touch of vinegar and sugar cools the palate and adds crunch. If you’re feeling casual, some grilled corn on the cob or roasted veggies create a full meal everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve the skewers standing upright in a tall glass or mason jar lined with parchment – it makes grabbing them easy and looks so inviting. You can also serve the chicken pieces off the skewers over a bed of greens drizzled with extra bang bang sauce as a flavorful salad option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the sauce separate to brush or dip again when reheating, which keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags — they thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat well on a grill pan or oven for a speedy meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or so, occasionally basting with leftover sauce. This helps keep them moist and revives that bang bang creaminess everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful that breasts dry out faster on the grill. To keep them juicy, marinate longer and watch the cooking time closely, removing skewers as soon as they hit 165°F internal temperature.
The heat level is moderate and easy to adjust depending on how much sriracha you add. If you want less spice, reduce the sriracha or choose a milder chili sauce. Don’t cut out the sauce entirely though—it’s the sauce that makes this recipe truly sing.
Absolutely! You can cook the skewers under the broiler or on an indoor grill pan. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning and baste regularly with the bang bang sauce for that signature sticky glaze.
Leftovers are perfect cold in wraps, salads, or even as a quick snack with extra dipping sauce. Reheating gently in the oven or on the stovetop will bring the flavors back to life without drying the chicken out.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe has been a wild success every time I’ve made it. The ease of prep, quick grill time, and incredible flavor combo make it a staple for any season. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for this bold, saucy grilled chicken again and again!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful grilled dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, tangy, and creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfect for a quick and delicious main course, these skewers are easy to prepare and packed with exciting flavors that pair well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ pound chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- juice of half a lemon
- ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- ¼ cup sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Mix well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Stir until fully blended. Pour half of this sauce into the bowl with the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving and basting.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly. Brush the skewers with some of the reserved sauce from the marinade bowl to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high heat, preparing it for direct grilling over the flames.
- Grill the chicken skewers: Place the chicken skewers directly over the grill flame. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning often to ensure even cooking. While grilling, baste the skewers occasionally with extra sauce reserved from the marinade for added flavor and juiciness. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165° F for safe consumption.
- Serve: Once cooked through and slightly charred, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Serve with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter bang bang sauce, use reduced fat mayonnaise or replace half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may cook faster and be slightly drier.
- Adjust sriracha amount to your preferred spice level for the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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