If you’re craving something that packs a punch of flavor but comes together in no time, you’re going to love this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy tang, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made these skewers at a backyard party — they disappeared faster than I could say “bang bang”! There’s something irresistibly tasty about the spicy, creamy sauce paired with juicy grilled chicken that just hits the spot every single time.
- Bold Flavor Combination: The sweet Thai chili and sriracha sauce blend creates the perfect spicy-sweet profile that keeps you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile and Customizable: Play around with the marinade or sauce heat level to suit your taste buds.
- Great for Entertaining: Skewers are perfect finger food and add fun flair to any gathering.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe starts with simple ingredients that come together to form something beyond the sum of their parts. Each component works to maximize flavor and texture without complicating things.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful with a bit of fat that keeps the meat tender on the grill.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and color, enhancing the savory taste.
- Garlic powder: Provides that warm, aromatic base without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle depth and savory notes to the mix.
- Black pepper: Gives just enough spice to balance sweetness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Honey: Brings sweet balance and helps with caramelization on the grill.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade blend.
- Mayonnaise: Bestows creaminess and mellows the heat for a rich sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh zing.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a gentle kick, forming the heart of the sauce.
- Sriracha sauce: Packs the heat with bold chili flavor.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with the heat level in this recipe — some days I go full throttle with extra sriracha, and other times I cool things down to make it kid-friendly. You can easily swap chicken thighs for breasts or even tofu if you want a vegetarian twist. It’s all about what works best for you!
- Less Hot Version: Swap half the sriracha with extra Thai chili sauce or mayo to tame the heat but keep layers of flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Try adding bell peppers and red onions on skewers for a colorful and tasty combo.
- Swap Proteins: This marinade and sauce work beautifully with shrimp or firm fish like swordfish too.
- Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt mixed into the sauce instead of all mayo — you won’t miss the creaminess!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the chicken and spice it up
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes — about 1-inch pieces work best for even cooking on the grill. Toss these with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil in a large bowl. This mix creates a flavorful base layer for your skewers, and the honey is key for that caramelized glaze later on.
Step 2: Mix and marinate with half the bang bang sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha to make your signature bang bang sauce. Pour half of this creamy, spicy mixture onto the chicken, toss to coat evenly, and save the rest for basting and dipping. I usually let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up those bold flavors — if you have more time, an hour in the fridge is even better.
Step 3: Skewer and get grilling
Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between chunks so they cook evenly. Brush the skewers lightly with some of the leftover sauce from the marinade bowl before placing them on a hot grill set to high. Keep an eye on them, flipping every few minutes and basting with extra sauce as they cook. Grill until the chicken reaches 165°F internally, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy the bang bang feast
Once cooked through with a gorgeous glaze, remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a platter. Serve immediately, alongside the reserved bang bang sauce for dipping. Trust me, dunking each skewer in that creamy, spicy sauce is the best part of the meal!
Top Tip
Making this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe as delicious as possible comes down to balancing marinade time and grill heat. I’ve learned a few tricks to nail it every time:
- Marinate Enough: Even a quick 15 minutes lets the spices and sauce penetrate the chicken — but if you can swing an hour, it’s worth the wait.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before cooking. This helps get that smoky char without drying out the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This little tool guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
- Baste Often: Brushing with sauce during grilling keeps the chicken moist and super flavorful without burning the sugars.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving. The herbs add freshness that cuts the richness perfectly. Sometimes I toss a pinch of toasted sesame seeds on top too — it’s that little extra crunch I love.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a simple cucumber salad or jasmine rice to mellow the heat. For a heartier meal, grilled corn or charred veggies complement the flavor beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a cold Asian-style slaw with a zingy vinaigrette is also a great cool contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the skewers standing upright in a wooden block or along a long platter lined with lettuce leaves. Drizzling the leftover sauce artistically adds that wow factor. You can also serve them alongside mini dipping cups filled with different textures of bang bang sauce for a fun “build your own” experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically keep leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help retain their juiciness, I pour a little reserved sauce over the top before sealing. That way, they’re ready to reheat without drying out.
Freezing
These skewers freeze surprisingly well! After grilling and cooling completely, I wrap them individually in foil then place in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 2 months. When you thaw and reheat, the flavors come right back.
Reheating
I find reheating in a moderate oven (about 350°F) for 10-15 minutes preserves moisture best. You can brush on some extra sauce just before reheating to keep things saucy and vibrant. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the chicken a bit rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While chicken thighs stay juicier and have more flavor, you can absolutely use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook as breasts dry out faster. Marinate well and monitor grill time closely for best results.
The spice level can be adjusted by how much sriracha you add. The recipe usually offers a nice medium heat that’s spicy but approachable. If you want milder skewers, reduce the sriracha or replace some with extra sweet Thai chili sauce.
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance which actually deepens the flavor. If you want, thread the chicken onto skewers ahead and keep them refrigerated, just make sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling.
Yes! You can swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce that still stays creamy and tangy. Using reduced-fat mayo is also a great option without sacrificing too much on texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen lineup because it’s reliable, delicious, and brings people together. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing at a party, it always earns compliments and second servings. I genuinely hope you give it a try and make it your own — I’d be thrilled to hear how you spice it up!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for summer grilling, these skewers are served with a creamy, tangy sauce that balances heat and sweetness for a delicious appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ pound chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- juice of half a lemon
- ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- ¼ cup sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. Mix well to coat all chicken pieces evenly with the spices and honey-oil mixture.
- Make the sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Mix thoroughly to create the bang bang sauce. Pour half of this sauce over the chicken in the bowl and toss to coat the chicken well. Reserve the remaining half of the sauce for serving.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly. Brush the chicken skewers with some of the leftover sauce from the marinade bowl to add extra flavor. Set the prepared skewers aside while you preheat the grill.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to high heat. Place the chicken skewers directly over the flame and grill for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and baste with additional sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving platter. Serve hot with the reserved bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter bang bang sauce, substitute reduced fat mayonnaise or replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent burning.
- You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the bang bang sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- The skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Leave a Reply