If you're looking for a show-stopping dinner that impresses both family and friends, bang bang chicken skewers are your answer. These juicy, flavorful skewers come coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Bang bang chicken skewers are ridiculously easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, bang bang chicken skewers deliver restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag.
The beauty of bang bang chicken skewers lies in their simplicity and versatility. You can throw them on the grill, pop them in the oven, or use your air fryer; the result is always tender, succulent chicken with that irresistible bang bang sauce coating. This crowd-pleasing dish has become a go-to for busy families and entertaining enthusiasts alike, and once you try it, you'll understand why bang bang chicken skewers have taken over dinner tables everywhere.
- Why These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Stand Out
Bang bang chicken skewers represent the perfect fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and backyard barbecue tradition. The secret to their popularity is the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce; a delicious combination of sriracha, mayo, and a touch of sweetness that coats each piece of chicken perfectly. Unlike ordinary grilled chicken recipes, bang bang chicken skewers offer layers of flavor that keep your taste buds excited with every bite.
What really sets bang bang chicken skewers apart is their incredible adaptability. Whether you prefer your chicken grilled with charred edges, baked until tender, or cooked in an air fryer for ultimate convenience, these skewers deliver consistent results every time. The combination of marinated chicken breast and that signature bang bang sauce creates a memorable meal that works for casual family dinners, summer parties, or even elegant entertaining. Best of all, bang bang chicken skewers are naturally high in protein and can fit into various diet plans, making them a smart choice for health-conscious cooks.
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Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Ppaprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise ;
- Sriracha sauce ;
- Honey ;
- Rice vinegar ;
- Garlic, minced ;
- Lime juice ;
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Fresh Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1; Prepare and Marinate Your Chicken
1. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1.5-inch cubes, ensuring they'll cook evenly. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create your seasoning blend. Toss the chicken cubes thoroughly in this mixture, coating each piece generously. Place the seasoned chicken in a container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes; this allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes the final dish taste exceptional.
Step 2; Create Your Bang Bang Sauce
2. While the chicken marinates, whisk together your sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Stir until smooth and creamy, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This sauce is what gives these skewers their signature taste; don't rush this step.
Step 3; Assemble Your Skewers
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, spacing them evenly for consistent cooking. Arrange your skewers on a prepared baking sheet; they're now ready for your chosen cooking method.
Step 4; Cook and Coat with Sauce
4. For grilling; heat your grill to medium-high and cook 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For baking; place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. For air fryer; cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once cooked through, brush or dip your skewers generously in the sauce, reserving some for serving alongside.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Don't Skip the Marinade ; Even 15 minutes of marinating makes a huge difference in how juicy your chicken stays. The oil and spices work together to keep the meat moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
- Thread Carefully ; Leave small gaps between chicken pieces on your skewers. This allows heat to circulate properly and ensures even cooking from all sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer ; Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety. This prevents overcooking and keeps your bang bang chicken skewers tender and succulent.
- Make Extra Sauce ; The sauce is so good, you'll want more than you think. Double the recipe to use for dipping and drizzling.
- Let It Rest ; After cooking, let your skewers rest for five minutes before serving. This keeps all the delicious juices locked inside the chicken.
- Temperature Control Matters ; Whether grilling or baking, consistent heat prevents dry chicken. Avoid high temperatures that might burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Different Protein Options
If you don't have chicken breasts on hand, you can use chicken thighs, which stay even more juicy and flavorful. Thighs require an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time but deliver incredibly tender results. You can also create shrimp versions using medium-sized shrimp; reduce cooking time to just 3-4 minutes per side.
Sauce Adaptations
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping creaminess. Try a spicy variation by adding more sriracha and hot sauce if you enjoy serious heat. You can make a sweeter sauce by increasing honey and adding a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce. For those avoiding dairy, coconut cream makes an excellent mayo alternative that still creates that creamy, dreamy coating.
Cooking Method Options
Beyond traditional grilling and baking, these skewers work beautifully on a Blackstone griddle for restaurant-style results. Stovetop cooking in a cast-iron skillet gives you maximum control and gorgeous caramelized edges. Oven broiling creates intense heat that cooks quickly and adds a nice char.
Dietary Modifications
Create gluten-free versions by ensuring your sriracha and all sauces contain no hidden gluten. For keto enthusiasts, swap honey for monk fruit or erythritol sweetener and use full-fat mayo. Paleo versions work perfectly as written; just verify your ingredients are clean and whole.
Equipment Recommendations
- Metal Skewers ; Reusable stainless steel skewers are better than wooden ones; they heat up and cook the chicken more evenly while eliminating the soaking step
- Meat Thermometer ; An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness and ensures perfectly cooked results every time
- Grill Brush ; Keep your grill grates clean for better heat distribution and fewer flare-ups when cooking
- Cast-Iron Skillet ; For stovetop cooking, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet provides superior heat retention and creates beautiful caramelization
- Silicone Brush ; Use this for applying your sauce without losing any precious coating
- Baking Sheet ; A quality rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup quick and easy after cooking
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container on the middle shelf of your refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken stays moist and the sauce flavors actually intensify overnight. When you're ready to eat, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes to restore tenderness.
Freezing for Later
You can prepare these skewers ahead of time by threading and freezing them on a baking sheet before cooking. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags for up to two months. Cook from frozen, adding just 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time. The bang bang sauce freezes beautifully in ice cube trays; pop out frozen cubes and store in freezer bags for instant sauce whenever you need it.
Make-Ahead Strategy
Prepare your marinade and sauce the night before to save time on cooking day. Thread your skewers up to 8 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For maximum convenience, marinate the chicken overnight; it'll develop even deeper flavor and make meal prep effortless.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The real magic in bang bang chicken skewers comes from one unexpected ingredient; a tiny pinch of garlic powder mixed directly into the marinade itself. Most recipes skip this step, but it transforms ordinary bang bang chicken skewers into something truly spectacular. Combined with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, this technique creates a depth of flavor that keeps people asking for your recipe.
The second secret involves patience and timing. Don't rush your marinating stage; those extra 15 minutes allow the garlic powder, paprika, and oil to work their magic on the chicken. Your bang bang chicken skewers will taste noticeably more tender and flavorful, and everyone will think you spent hours preparing them when you really just gave the chicken time to absorb those beautiful seasonings.
FAQ
How long do these skewers need to cook?
Cooking time depends on your method. For grilling, bang bang chicken skewers typically need 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat. In the oven at 400°F, expect 20-25 minutes for fully cooked bang bang chicken skewers. Air fryer versions cook fastest at just 12-15 minutes total at 380°F. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F.
Can you eat these skewers cold?
Yes, they're delicious served cold or at room temperature. They make excellent next-day lunch additions or party appetizers. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Simply store them in an airtight container and enjoy straight from the fridge without reheating.
What should you serve with these skewers?
Pair them with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Fresh spring rolls, cucumber salad, or Asian slaw complement the spicy, creamy sauce perfectly. Serve with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for authentic presentation.
What's the secret to juicy bang bang chicken skewers?
The secret lies in three things; proper marinating time, consistent heat during cooking, and using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Don't skip the initial oil-based marinade, as this keeps moisture locked inside. Cook at moderate temperatures rather than high heat, and always let them rest for five minutes after cooking before serving
Your Next Delicious Dinner Awaits
These skewers represent everything we love about easy, impressive cooking; they're simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. With five different cooking methods to choose from, you can prepare them exactly how you like them, whether you prefer the smoky char of grilling or the convenience of your air fryer. The versatile sauce takes about five minutes to whip together and absolutely transforms plain chicken into restaurant-quality flavor.
Don't limit yourself to just one version; try the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe for a complete meal in one dish, combining your favorite vegetables with that irresistible sauce. For a quicker option, check out the Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe that simplifies the process even further while delivering all the incredible flavor. Once you master these skewers, you'll find yourself making them weekly. Share your creations, tag us online, and tell us your favorite way to prepare this crowd-pleasing favorite.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Air Fryer For cooking the skewers
- 1 Baking sheet For oven method
- 1 Meat thermometer To ensure chicken reaches 165°F
- 1 Mixing bowl For marinades and sauces
- 1 Silicone brush To coat skewers with sauce
- 8 Wooden or Metal Skewers Soak wooden skewers before use
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For marinating
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon Paprika For color and smoky taste
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional for heat
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise Use full-fat for creaminess
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce Adjust to heat preference
- 2 tablespoons Honey Balances the spice
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar Adds tanginess
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Lime juice Freshly squeezed
- ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional, for extra heat
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds For topping
- 2 Green onions Thinly sliced
- 1 Lime wedges For serving
Instructions
- Cut chicken into cubes and marinate with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, lime juice, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
- Cook using your preferred method: grill 6–8 min per side, bake 20–25 min at 400°F, or air fry 12–15 min at 380°F.
- Brush or dip cooked skewers in bang bang sauce and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
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