Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are packed with bold, vibrant flavors—tender grilled chicken pieces with a tangy, creamy sauce that has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. These skewers are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and perfect for outdoor gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner. Whether you’re making them for a barbecue or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
-
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling, if using)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
-
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
-
1 tablespoon honey
-
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
-
Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
-
Chopped green onions
-
Sesame seeds
-
Fresh cilantro
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
-
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
-
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
-
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your desired spice level. The sauce should be creamy, with a good balance of sweetness and heat.
Cook the Skewers:
-
Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be tender.
-
Coat with Sauce: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and drizzle or brush them with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
Serve:
-
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the skewers with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marination time)
-
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
-
Total Time: 30-35 minutes (including marination)
Variations
-
Add Vegetables: You can alternate pieces of chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini on the skewers for added flavor and color.
-
Shrimp Skewers: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation. Shrimp cook quickly and pair beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.
-
Grilled Chicken Wings: For a more casual presentation, use chicken wings instead of boneless breast or thigh pieces. Just increase the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
-
Spicy Version: Increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce for a spicier kick, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the grill for a few minutes to warm through. Brush with additional Bang Bang sauce if desired.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe! They’re juicy and flavorful, making them a perfect choice for skewers. You may just need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the pieces.
Can I cook the skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can cook these skewers in the oven if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The spiciness of the sauce is adjustable. The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sriracha, which provides a mild to medium heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount based on your spice preference. If you prefer less heat, start with less sriracha and add more as desired.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. You can also prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of grilling and bold, spicy flavors. The creamy, spicy sauce adds a touch of sweetness and heat to the tender chicken, making these skewers perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or a party appetizer. Serve with your favorite sides or enjoy them on their own—these skewers are sure to be a hit every time!

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken marinated in savory spices, grilled to perfection, and coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for grilling season, parties, or casual dinners, these skewers combine heat and sweetness in every bite, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
-
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling, if using)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
-
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
-
1 tablespoon honey
-
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
-
Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
-
Chopped green onions
-
Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Skewers:
-
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
-
-
Preheat the Grill:
-
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
-
-
Assemble the Skewers:
-
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
-
-
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
-
-
Cook the Skewers:
-
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks.
-
-
Coat with Sauce:
-
Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
-
-
Serve:
-
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
-
Notes
Variations: Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini between chicken pieces on the skewers for extra flavor.Seafood Option: Substitute chicken for shrimp for a delicious seafood version.Spicy Version: Increase the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick or add cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.