Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The first time I made these skewers was during a backyard barbecue when I completely forgot to buy barbecue sauce. I threw together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a panic, and my guests kept asking where I bought the sauce.

My sister came over last month and watched me grill these, skeptical about the simple sauce. She took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, then texted me three days later saying she made them twice already.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill but breasts work perfectly too. Cutting them into uniform cubes ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Vegetable oil: Helps the seasonings cling and prevents sticking. Olive oil works but has a lower smoke point.
• Garlic powder: Distributes better than fresh garlic in marinades and wont burn on the grill.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
• Mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the sauce creamy. Greek yogurt thins it out too much.
• Sweet chili sauce: The bottle with the chilies visible inside is usually the best one.
• Sriracha: Start with one tablespoon and taste before adding more. The heat builds.
• Honey: Balances the spice and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
• Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness so the sauce is not too heavy.
• Sesame seeds: Toast them in a dry pan for 30 seconds before sprinkling for extra nutty flavor.
• Scallions: Both white and green parts add different layers of mild onion flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness but is completely optional if you are one of those people.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:

Toss the cubes with oil, garlic powder, soy sauce, pepper, and salt until well coated. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the sauce and skewers.

Thread the skewers:

Slide the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes first so they do not turn into charcoal on the grill.

Fire up the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear but not burn the chicken before the inside cooks through.

Grill to perfection:

Cook the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes. Look for nice charred edges and opaque meat all the way through.

Whisk the magic sauce:

While the chicken grills, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level now.

Sauce and serve:

Brush the cooked skewers generously with the sauce or drizzle it over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro while the chicken is still hot.

Save

These skewers have become my go-to for summer parties. Last weekend my neighbor across the street smelled the grilling and wandered over with a plate, asking what was creating that incredible aroma.

Making Ahead

The sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually gets better as the flavors meld together. Just whisk it again before using.

Grill Alternatives

Broil the skewers on a baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes per side if you do not have a grill. The sauce still gives them that restaurant-style finish.

Serving Ideas

Jasmine rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully. A crisp cucumber salad cools down the heat between bites. Lettuce wraps make it feel lighter if you want something fresh.

• Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping
• Lime wedges brighten everything up
• Cold beer or iced tea balances the spice

Save

These skewers have that restaurant quality that makes people think you ordered takeout. Enjoy the compliments.

Common Questions

→ What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?

Bang Bang sauce delivers a rich, creamy texture with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The mayonnaise provides a smooth base, while sweet chili sauce and honey add sweetness, and sriracha brings the heat. A touch of rice vinegar adds brightness that cuts through the richness.

→ Can I make Bang Bang chicken skewers in the oven?

Yes, bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a slight char similar to grilling. Brush with sauce immediately after removing from the oven while still hot.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse the chicken with garlic and soy flavors. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours as the acid in soy sauce can affect the meat texture.

→ Can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?

Absolutely. Start with ½ tablespoon of sriracha instead of the full amount, then taste and add more gradually. The sweet chili sauce provides mild sweetness without significant heat, making it easy to customize the spice level to your preference.

→ What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

Shrimp works beautifully and cooks faster, requiring only 3-4 minutes per side. Firm tofu cubes can be used for a vegetarian option, though they may need longer grilling to achieve good char. Cauliflower florets make another excellent plant-based alternative.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents them from charring on the grill. Alternatively, use metal skewers which won't burn and conduct heat for more even cooking.