These juicy, tender Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature succulent chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, then grilled to perfection and drizzled with a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
There’s something irresistible about the combination of juicy grilled chicken and that signature creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that makes these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers an absolute crowd-pleaser. This recipe transforms the popular restaurant appetizer into a delicious, easy-to-make meal you can enjoy right in your backyard. The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity – tender chunks of chicken thigh meat soaking up a flavorful marinade, grilled until perfectly charred, then generously coated in that addictive sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in every bite.
Perfect for summer cookouts, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring a festive flair to any gathering. The dish traces its roots to Sichuan cuisine but has been reimagined with a creamy twist that’s become wildly popular in Western restaurants. My version stays true to those beloved flavors while making it accessible for home cooks.
THIS RECIPE:
- Requires just 10 minutes of prep time
- Features a sweet-spicy homemade bang bang sauce
- Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs for maximum tenderness
- Can be prepped ahead for easy entertaining
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 15 minutes (minimum) |
| Cook Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 (2 skewers each) |
| Yield | 8 skewers |
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the definition of versatile – dress them up for a dinner party or keep them casual for a weeknight meal. The marinade works quickly, meaning you don’t need to plan hours ahead, and the actual cooking takes just minutes on a hot grill. Even better, the infamous bang bang sauce comes together in seconds, making this recipe a perfect option when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
The secret to truly exceptional Bang Bang Chicken Skewers starts with selecting quality ingredients. While this recipe is forgiving, using fresh chicken and the right balance of ingredients for the sauce will elevate your results from good to restaurant-quality. Opt for chicken thighs rather than breast meat for juicier, more flavorful skewers that won’t dry out on the grill.
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white, black, or mixed)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | 1½ pounds | Choose thighs over breast meat for juicier results; organic or free-range offers better flavor |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Full-fat Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise provides the richest flavor, though any good quality mayo works |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | 3 tablespoons | Thai brands like Mae Ploy offer authentic flavor with the right balance of sweetness and mild heat |
| Sriracha | 1-2 tablespoons | Huy Fong (rooster brand) provides consistent heat and flavor; adjust amount based on preference |
| Aromatics (garlic/ginger) | As listed | Fresh is significantly better than pre-minced or powdered versions for the marinade |
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Creating these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. The key steps include properly marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, achieving the right grill temperature for perfect charring without drying the meat, and preparing that signature bang bang sauce to drizzle over your finished skewers. The actual cooking time is brief, making this an ideal recipe even on busy weeknights.
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the bang bang sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat your grill: Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F). Alternatively, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking. Each skewer should hold 5-6 pieces depending on size.
Grill the skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and nicely charred on the edges.
Apply the sauce: Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, reserving some for serving on the side.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side.
Pro tip: Don’t flip the skewers too early or too often. Let them develop a good char on each side before turning to achieve those beautiful grill marks and maximum flavor.
Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
The difference between good and great Bang Bang Chicken Skewers often comes down to technique and attention to detail. These expert tips will help ensure your skewers turn out perfect every time you make them.
- Use chicken thighs, not breast meat. Thigh meat stays juicy and tender on the grill, while breast meat can easily become dry and tough.
- Don’t skip the soaking step for wooden skewers. Soaking prevents burning and splintering during grilling.
- Allow some space between chicken pieces when threading onto skewers to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Make extra bang bang sauce – it’s delicious as a dipping sauce for vegetables or drizzled over rice.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Chicken | Cut pieces into consistent 1½-inch chunks | Ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from drying out |
| Marinating | Minimum 15 minutes, up to 4 hours | Longer isn’t always better; the acid in the marinade can make meat mushy if left too long |
| Grilling Temperature | Medium-high heat (400°F) | Too high will burn the outside before the inside cooks; too low won’t develop good char |
| Sauce Application | Apply after cooking, not before | Applying beforehand would cause the sauce to burn on the grill due to its high sugar content |
When grilling the chicken skewers, resist the urge to constantly move them around. Let them develop a good sear on one side before flipping, which will help create those beautiful caramelized edges that add so much flavor. For indoor cooking, a cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully to achieve similar results to outdoor grilling.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are perfect for entertaining because so many components can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen when it’s time to eat.
You can prepare both the marinade and the bang bang sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce actually benefits from being made ahead, as the flavors have time to meld and develop.
The chicken can be cut into chunks and marinated up to 4 hours before cooking. I don’t recommend marinating longer than this, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the protein and make the texture mushy.
For the ultimate convenience, you can even thread the chicken onto skewers a few hours before cooking. Place the prepared skewers on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill.
If you’re hosting a large gathering, you can fully cook the skewers up to 2 hours before serving. Keep them loosely covered with foil at room temperature, then briefly reheat on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side just before serving. Apply the bang bang sauce only after reheating.
Storing Leftovers
Properly storing leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ensures they remain safe to eat and maintain their delicious flavor and texture for subsequent meals.
To store leftover skewers, first allow them to cool completely to room temperature, but don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons. For easiest storage and reheating, I recommend removing the meat from the skewers and storing it in an airtight container. This prevents the wooden skewers from absorbing moisture in the refrigerator.
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any extra bang bang sauce separately in its own airtight container, where it will remain good for up to 1 week.
When reheating, the microwave works well for quick meals – heat the chicken for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of water to prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.
Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
While these skewers are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the components for future easy meals when you’re short on time.
For best results, freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade), pat dry with paper towels, and arrange the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Label with the date and use within 3 months.
The bang bang sauce can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Pour the sauce into an ice cube tray to freeze in portions, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month.
To use frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before threading onto skewers and grilling. For the sauce, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and whisk vigorously before using to restore its creamy consistency. If the sauce separates after thawing, add a teaspoon of warm water and whisk until smooth again.
Already cooked Bang Bang Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture won’t be quite as juicy when reheated. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15 minutes).
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main dish, or party food. How you present and pair them can transform the dining experience.
For a complete meal, serve these flavorful skewers over steamed jasmine or coconut rice, which perfectly absorbs the extra bang bang sauce. Add a side of simple stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to round out the meal with color and nutrition.
When serving as an appetizer, arrange the skewers on a platter with a small bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Garnish with plenty of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal. Consider adding lime wedges on the side for guests who enjoy a citrus punch.
For a fun DIY party setup, serve the plain grilled skewers alongside bowls of bang bang sauce and various toppings like crushed peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges, and thinly sliced chilies. This allows guests to customize their skewers to their taste preferences.
Beverage pairings that complement these skewers include:
- Cold lager or wheat beer
- Off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer
- Sparkling water with lime
- Thai iced tea for a sweet counterpoint to the spice
Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot or at room temperature – they’re delicious either way, making them perfect for buffet-style serving at gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, though the result may not be quite as juicy. If using breast meat, be careful not to overcook as it dries out more quickly than thighs. Cut the breast meat into slightly larger chunks (about 1¾-inch pieces) and reduce the grilling time by 1-2 minutes per side. Consider adding an extra tablespoon of oil to the marinade to help maintain moisture.
What are good substitutes for sriracha in the bang bang sauce?
If you don’t have sriracha or prefer a different flavor profile, try:
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a deeper, more complex heat
- Sambal oelek for bright, fresh chili flavor
- Hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot for a vinegary kick
- Chili garlic sauce for added garlic notes
Adjust quantities based on your heat preference, as these alternatives vary in spiciness. For a completely non-spicy option, omit the hot component and add an extra tablespoon of sweet chili sauce.
How can I make these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! These skewers can be cooked using several alternative methods:
- Broiler: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 4-5 inches from the heat source for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Grill pan: Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat and cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Baking: Arrange skewers on a rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Air fryer: Cook in a single layer at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead for a party?
Absolutely! For best results when entertaining:
- Prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Cut and marinate chicken up to 4 hours before cooking.
- Thread onto skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Grill the skewers up to 2 hours before serving and keep at room temperature, loosely covered.
- Just before serving, quickly reheat on the grill for 1 minute per side and then add sauce and garnishes.
This approach ensures the chicken stays juicy while minimizing last-minute preparation.