These Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Yum!
Everyone loves a good skewer, right? They’re easy to eat and perfect for parties. I can’t resist a little extra sauce for dipping – who can say no to that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is great for skewers since they’re easy to cut and cook evenly. For a twist, try using chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even shrimp or firm tofu if you’re looking for a meatless alternative!
Mayonnaise: This gives the sauce a creamy texture. Want a lighter option? Greek yogurt works well to reduce calories but still adds creaminess. You can also try vegan mayo if you’re on a plant-based diet.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for that sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix honey with a bit of vinegar and red chili flakes to mimic the taste.
Sriracha: That’s what adds the kick! If you prefer less heat, mix in ketchup for sweetness and a milder flavor. You can also use your favorite hot sauce for a twist.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish. If you’re out, lemon juice will work just fine. It might change the flavor slightly, but it’s still refreshing!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is a vital step for infusing it with flavor. Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, as you did with the Bang Bang sauce. The longer you let the chicken sit in that sauce, the more delicious it gets.
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated by tossing it in the bowl after adding it to the sauce.
- Cover and let it marinate in the fridge—30 minutes is good, but aim for 4 hours if you can for a flavor burst!
Remember to reserve half the sauce for basting and dipping after grilling. This way, you’ll get even more flavor on the finished skewers!
Delicious Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes of marinating time in the refrigerator. You’ll also need about 12 minutes for grilling. So, in total, it takes about 57 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. This will be your flavorful Bang Bang sauce!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, set aside half of your Bang Bang sauce for later use (we’ll use it for basting and dipping). Take the chicken pieces and add them to the other half of the sauce in the bowl. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinate up to 4 hours for even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with vegetable oil using a brush or paper towel to keep the chicken from sticking. While the grill heats up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those nice grill marks. In the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with the leftover Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef for this recipe. If using shrimp, just make sure you reduce the grilling time to about 5-7 minutes, as they cook faster. For tofu, consider using extra-firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture before marinating.
What if I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of equal parts honey and ketchup, or create your own by combining a tablespoon of sugar with a bit of red pepper flakes mixed into regular chili sauce. This should give you a similar sweet and spicy flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, being careful not to overcook the chicken.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
