Introduction
Bang bang chicken skewers bring a punch of bold, creamy heat to your BBQ game. Inspired by the crave-worthy flavors of bang bang sauce—creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy—these grilled chicken skewers are juicy, glossy, and packed with mouthwatering flavor.
This recipe is ideal for those warm-weather grill nights when you want something fun, spicy, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. The chicken is marinated for flavor and tenderness, grilled to perfection, and then slathered in a creamy chili-garlic bang bang sauce that turns every bite into a flavor bomb.
Whether you’re looking for chicken-on-BBQ recipes, spicy skewers for a summer party, or just an exciting new way to grill chicken, these saucy skewers are sure to become a backyard favorite.
Ingredients Overview
These bang bang chicken skewers use simple ingredients that balance heat, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness:
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Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs are preferred for juiciness and tenderness, especially over high heat. Breasts also work well if marinated properly.
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Bang Bang Sauce: The iconic sauce is made with:
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Mayonnaise: Creamy base for richness.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat.
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Sriracha: Brings the spicy kick.
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Lime Juice or Rice Vinegar: Balances the richness with acidity.
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Soy Sauce: Used in the marinade to boost umami.
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Garlic & Ginger: Grated fresh for flavor depth and warmth.
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Brown Sugar or Honey: A touch of sweetness helps the chicken caramelize and balance the spice.
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Skewers: Bamboo or metal skewers—soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using over flame.
Optional Garnishes
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Chopped scallions
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Sesame seeds
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Cilantro or parsley
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Extra sauce for dipping
Ingredient Swaps
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Dairy-Free: Use egg-free or vegan mayo for the sauce.
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Low-Sugar: Choose a no-sugar-added chili sauce or skip the sweetener in the marinade.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Make your own bang bang sauce with unsweetened mayo and hot sauce to reduce carbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of lime juice. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha. Set aside half for serving and save the rest for brushing on the skewers. -
Thread the Skewers:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers. Leave a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. -
Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. -
Brush with Sauce:
In the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush skewers generously with the bang bang sauce. Let the sauce sizzle and caramelize slightly. -
Serve Hot:
Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds or scallions, and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Pro Grilling Tips
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Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave room between skewers to promote even heat and avoid steaming.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Double Skewers: Use two skewers per kebab to keep pieces from spinning when flipped.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
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Oven or Air Fryer Method: If you can’t grill, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, or air-fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Version: Swap chicken for large shrimp—grill or fry until pink and toss in sauce.
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Vegetarian Option: Use tofu cubes or cauliflower florets. Roast or grill and coat in the same bang bang sauce.
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Extra Crispy Option: Lightly dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch before grilling or air frying for a slightly crisp exterior.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Bang bang chicken skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or party platters. Here are some pairing and serving ideas:
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Serve With:
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Coconut rice or jasmine rice
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Simple cucumber salad or slaw
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Warm naan or flatbread
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Pickled vegetables for crunch
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Occasions:
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Weekend grilling
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Game-day snacks
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Backyard parties
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Potluck dishes
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Meal prep (skewers reheat well!)
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They’re easy to plate as finger food or as part of a larger meal.
Nutritional & Health Notes
These skewers are protein-rich, satisfying, and customizable for different diets:
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Lean Protein: Chicken thighs or breasts offer great protein content. Trim excess fat for a leaner bite.
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Control the Heat: Adjust the sriracha and chili sauce levels to fit your spice preference.
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Balance Tip: Pair with light, fresh sides like slaw or greens to balance the creamy sauce.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in the marinade.
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Portion-Friendly: Two skewers per serving are filling and easy to track for portion control.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
A1: You can, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Homemade allows you to tweak sweetness and spice.
Q2: What kind of chicken works best?
A2: Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving on the grill. Breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked—use a thermometer for best results.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes. Marinate the chicken and prep the skewers a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge and grill when ready. The sauce also keeps well for 4–5 days.
Q4: What’s a good side for bang bang skewers?
A4: Great sides include rice, noodle salads, grilled veggies, or a tangy cabbage slaw. The creamy sauce pairs well with fresh and crunchy textures.
Q5: Are bang bang chicken skewers spicy?
A5: They have a gentle heat from sriracha, but the mayo and sweet chili sauce mellow it out. You can increase or reduce the spice based on preference.
Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Just use a dairy-free or egg-free mayo alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat skewers in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts. Brush with fresh sauce before serving if desired.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Juicy, Spicy Chicken on the BBQ
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers slathered in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce—perfect for BBQ nights, party platters, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
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1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
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2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tbsp lime juice
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2 cloves garlic, grated
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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Skewers (metal or soaked bamboo)
Bang Bang Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sweet chili sauce
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1–2 tbsp sriracha (to taste)
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1 tbsp lime juice
Optional Garnishes:
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped scallions
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Fresh cilantro
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Toss with chicken and marinate 30–60 minutes.
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Whisk bang bang sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside half for serving.
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Thread chicken onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates.
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Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
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In the final minutes, brush skewers with bang bang sauce. Let glaze caramelize slightly.
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Serve hot with garnishes and extra sauce on the side.
Notes
For oven baking, cook at 425°F for 20–25 minutes. Use shrimp or tofu for variations. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: BBQ, Dinner, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Grill
Nutrition
- Calories: ~430 per serving