These Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! They’re marinated in a spicy and creamy sauce, then grilled to perfection, making them juicy and flavorful.
I love serving these skewers at parties because they are super easy to make. Plus, who doesn’t love finger food? Just grab a skewer, take a bite, and enjoy the flavor explosion!🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts are ideal here because they grill well and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using chicken thighs for more flavor or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: It’s the base of the sauce, adding creaminess. If you’re avoiding eggs, opt for vegan mayonnaise. Greek yogurt can also work if you prefer a lighter option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a lovely sweet flavor. If it’s unavailable, you can make a quick substitute using equal parts honey and chili flakes, or even a mix of ketchup and sugar with a touch of hot sauce for kick.
Sriracha: This spice level can be adjusted! If you prefer milder flavors, substitute it with a little ketchup or a mild hot sauce. For more heat, increase the amount or use chili paste.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky taste. You can swap it for regular paprika or even cumin if you’re out of smoked options, though the flavor will differ a bit.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers sounds easy, but getting them just right takes some attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grill like a pro:
- Ensure your grill is well-heated before adding the skewers. Medium-high heat helps develop those beautiful grill marks.
- Leave a little space between the chicken pieces on the skewers. This allows them to cook evenly and get that nice char.
- Turn the skewers regularly, about every 3-4 minutes, to avoid burning and ensure all sides are cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Following these tips will give you tasty, juicy skewers every time!
How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Other Supplies:
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water before using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate, plus 10-12 minutes to grill. Overall, plan for about 1 hour including marination time before enjoying these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and creamy. Remember to set aside half of this tasty sauce for later when you serve the skewers!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you want more flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them! The chicken is ready when it has beautiful grill marks, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, serve your grilled Bang Bang chicken skewers with the reserved dipping sauce and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the marinating and grilling times accordingly; shrimp cooks much faster, typically needing only 5-7 minutes on the grill.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as some ingredients may separate over time.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven or microwave to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out.
Can I Make These Skewers Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, feel free to add more sriracha or incorporate some chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes into the marinade for an extra kick. Always taste as you go!
