My first encounter with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers was at a bustling food festival, and I remember being instantly captivated by the aroma – that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and a subtle kick. Since then, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I want something exciting but don’t have hours to spend. This recipe takes that festival favorite and gives it an easy weeknight spin, offering not just one but six incredible marinade ideas to keep things fresh and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What’s not to love about succulent chicken, perfectly charred, and bursting with flavor? These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and surprisingly quick to prepare. They transform a simple chicken breast into a culinary adventure, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something special. Plus, they’re fantastic for feeding a crowd at a summer BBQ or a casual get-together – a real crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is actually a breeze to make.
> “I made these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for a family dinner, and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved having different marinade options – it felt like a gourmet meal without all the fuss. The chicken was so tender, and the flavors were out of this world!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers starts with breaking down your chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for skewering. The real magic, though, happens in the marinade – and with six exciting options, you get to choose your adventure! After a good soak to infuse all those wonderful flavors, the chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers. Then, it’s off to the grill, broiler, or even a hot pan to cook until beautifully golden and juicy. The whole process is straightforward, ensuring fantastic results even if you’re a beginner cook.
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (thighs tend to stay juicier)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Bang Bang Sauce (Classic):
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Marinade Ideas (Choose one or mix and match!):
- Classic Spicy Peanut: ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated ginger, ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic: ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Zesty Lemon Herb: ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder.
- Smoky BBQ Chipotle: ¼ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo, ½ tsp smoked paprika.
- Teriyaki Glaze: ¼ cup teriyaki sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tsp grated ginger.
- Thai Basil Coconut: ¼ cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp minced garlic, ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves (roughly chopped).
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro or scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Directions to Follow
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken into even 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly and fit well on the skewers.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine your chosen marinade ingredients. Add the cubed chicken, tossing to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, immerse them in water while the chicken marinates to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Thread Skewers: Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd them.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Broil: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 6-8 inches from the heat for 4-6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Stovetop: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add skewers in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce (Optional but recommended!): While the chicken cooks, whisk together all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Remove chicken from heat. Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, if using, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with cilantro, scallions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
How to Serve It
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile! For a simple meal, serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or a quick quinoa salad. They also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, perhaps with a ginger-sesame dressing, or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange them on a large platter with colorful garnishes like chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges for a visually appealing spread. For an extra kick, ensure there’s plenty of extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Cooked Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave, although they tend to be best when reheated in a pan over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until just warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. For freezing, once cooked and cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always ensure chicken is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tricks for Success
- Even Cubes: Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether on skewers or in the pan, give your chicken pieces space. Overcrowding drops the temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it, leading to less flavorful results.
- Marinate Smart: While 30 minutes is good, marinating for 2-4 hours, especially with a more acidic marinade like lemon herb, can really boost the flavor and tenderize the chicken. Don’t marinate for too long (overnight) if your marinade has a lot of acid, as it can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
- The Right Heat: Get your grill, broiler, or pan nice and hot before adding the skewers. This helps create that delicious caramelized crust and keeps the chicken juicy inside.
Creative Twists
- Veggie Skewers: Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers alongside the chicken (or on separate skewers) for added nutrition and visual appeal.
- Pineapple Power: For a touch of sweetness and acidity, add pineapple chunks to your skewers. They caramelize beautifully and complement most of the marinades.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, don’t shy away from adding extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to any of the marinades or the Bang Bang sauce.
- Different Proteins: This recipe isn’t just for chicken! Try it with shrimp, firm tofu, or even pork tenderloin cubes for delicious variations. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Your Questions Answered
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare the chicken and skewers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance (up to 4 hours for acidic marinades, up to 24 hours for others). You can also thread the chicken onto skewers several hours before cooking and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: No problem! These skewers cook beautifully in a hot skillet on the stovetop or under the broiler in your oven. Follow the instructions in the “Directions” section for stovetop or broiler cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great substitute) and check all your sauces and marinades (like sweet chili sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki) for hidden gluten. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Classic Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- medium bowl
- wooden or metal skewers
- small bowl
- grill
- large skillet
- foil-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise Duke’s or Kewpie for best results
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare Chicken and Marinade
- Pat the chicken dry, then combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
- Add chicken to the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Soak Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes while the chicken marinates.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey/maple syrup, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed, then set the sauce aside.
Skewer the Chicken
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Skewers
- Grill skewers on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Alternatively, pan-fry skewers in an oiled skillet for 8-10 minutes, or broil in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce it Up
- Option 1: Toss cooked chicken (on or off skewers) with half to two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce, serving remaining sauce on the side.
- Option 2: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the cooked skewers before serving.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.