Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?

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.

How spicy is this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?

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.

Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?

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.

Is there a healthier version of the bang bang sauce?

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.

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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