Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe to Try Now
If you’re craving something juicy, spicy, and downright delicious, then these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need to try next. This quick and flavorful recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a lively bang bang sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, these skewers bring together the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, making them ideal for any meal occasion from casual dinners to weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this a fuss-free dish perfect for weeknights.
- Burst of Flavor: The signature bang bang sauce brings a delightful spicy creaminess that elevates every bite.
- Versatile Meal Option: Great as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, adapting easily to different occasions.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: Made with lean chicken breast, it’s a nutritious option filled with lean protein.
- Perfect For All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the magic of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Each plays a crucial part—bringing the perfect texture, bold flavor, and vibrant color that makes this dish stand out.
- Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for tenderness and easy grilling.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are needed to thread the chicken for easy flipping and serving.
- Bread crumbs or panko: Adds a crispy coating to contrast the tender chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the classic bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick to the sauce, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Honey or sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lime juice: Brings a fresh tang that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps with cooking.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Feel free to mix things up with these easy variations, making the recipe your own based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers lies in how adaptable it can be!
- Use shrimp or tofu: Swap chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Make it milder: Replace sriracha with sweet chili sauce or reduce the quantity for a gentler heat.
- Extra crunch: Coat the chicken in crushed nuts like cashews or almonds instead of breadcrumbs for texture and flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to cater to gluten sensitivities.
- Herbal twist: Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil in the sauce to enhance freshness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized 1–1.5 inch chunks. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Brush or toss the chicken pieces in olive oil, then dip into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides. This will create a crispy, golden exterior once cooked, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.
Step 3: Thread onto Skewers
Carefully arrange the breaded chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to allow even heat circulation during cooking.
Step 4: Grill or Pan-Sear
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to retain crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder. Adjust the spiciness and sweetness to taste. This sauce is the heart and soul of your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Step 6: Serve with Sauce
Drizzle the vibrant bang bang sauce generously over the warm chicken skewers or use it as a dipping sauce on the side for an irresistible finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken soak in a simple marinade of lime juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes before breading.
- Soak wooden skewers: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill: Give the chicken room to cook evenly and develop a crisp crust.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F for juiciness and food safety.
- Make extra sauce: Bang bang sauce keeps well refrigerated and is great as a dip for veggies or other grilled meats.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Fresh chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add brightness and make the dish visually appealing, while enhancing flavor with their aromatic notes.
Side Dishes
Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, a crunchy Asian slaw, or grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to complement the spicy creaminess of the skewers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers over a bed of greens drizzled with extra sauce or arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces and colorful sides for a stunning family-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days without losing much flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken skewers in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag; they can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness, or use a toaster oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking, so they work great for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers and give a richer flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets and follow the same coating and cooking method to enjoy a vegetarian-friendly twist.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce is pleasantly spicy but not overpowering, as the mayonnaise cools things down. You can adjust the sriracha quantity to suit your heat tolerance.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill or stovetop.
Can Bang Bang Chicken Skewers be grilled outdoors?
Definitely! Grilling outdoors adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a wonderful, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a fantastic combination of spice, creaminess, and crispiness that feels both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Related Posts
- 5 Irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipes
- How to Make Cajun Crawfish Bread at Home
- How to Make the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Juicy, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken breast coated in crispy panko and grilled to perfection. Paired with a vibrant, tangy bang bang sauce, this quick and easy recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors, perfect for appetizers, main courses, or party snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling / Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free panko or substitutes)
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–1.5 inch chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized 1–1.5 inch chunks to ensure even cooking and juiciness. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush or toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, then dip into panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides, creating a crispy golden exterior when cooked.
- Thread onto Skewers: Carefully arrange the breaded chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving space between pieces for even heat circulation.
- Grill or Pan-Sear: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked with a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder. Adjust the sauce’s spiciness and sweetness to your preference.
- Serve with Sauce: Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the warm chicken skewers or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in lime juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes before breading for extra flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the grill or pan to ensure even cooking and to retain crispness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Make extra bang bang sauce – it stores well refrigerated and is great as a dip for other dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 skewers)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, spicy chicken skewers, creamy spicy chicken, grilled chicken, easy appetizer, gluten-free chicken recipe