These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a showstopper, with crispy grilled chicken pieces that soak up the perfect balance of sweet chili sauce and spicy sriracha. A squeeze of lime juice brings a refreshing zing to every bite, while the cilantro garnish adds a burst of color and flavor.
This dish is ideal for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. Whether you’re cooking on the grill or in the oven, the delicious combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy dishes with a sweet twist!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions:
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.
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Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers.
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Grill the chicken skewers for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
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While the chicken is grilling, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the grill and drizzle the sauce over the skewers.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky
When it comes to grilling season, there are few dishes that excite the taste buds like a plate of perfectly grilled chicken skewers. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers take the classic skewer recipe to the next level by introducing a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors that make every bite irresistible. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor, offering a balance of heat from sriracha, sweetness from chili sauce, and a creamy finish from the mayonnaise-based sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a casual dinner with family, or just craving a flavorful dish, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are sure to impress. In this post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about these skewers, from their key ingredients and flavor profile to why they should be your go-to dish for grilling season.
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers So Special?
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are all about the sauce. The magic really happens when the juicy chicken is grilled to perfection and then generously coated with the sweet, spicy sauce. The sauce itself is a simple combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, everything you want in a sauce that complements the smoky charred flavors from the grill.
The chicken is marinated with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring that it stays tender and juicy while cooking. Grilling it on skewers allows for even cooking and perfect caramelization, giving each piece a slightly crispy exterior and tender interior. These skewers also offer versatility, as you can tweak the sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of sriracha for more or less heat.
Perfect for Every Occasion
One of the great things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is their versatility. They’re the ideal dish for summer BBQs, family dinners, or even a simple weeknight meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a quick meal after a busy day, these skewers can be grilled on a barbecue, cooked on a stovetop grill pan, or even baked in the oven for convenience.
For gatherings, these skewers serve as a fantastic appetizer or a main course when paired with side dishes like a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing coleslaw. The sweet and spicy flavor of the chicken is so addictive that you’ll find yourself reaching for more, making them a crowd favorite at any event. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Work
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish while keeping the recipe easy to follow. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients:
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Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, chicken breast is lean, tender, and perfect for skewering. Its mild flavor allows the sauce to shine. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for a richer taste.
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Olive Oil: A great oil for grilling, olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while allowing it to crisp up nicely on the grill.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce is sweet, slightly tangy, and provides a base for the “bang” in Bang Bang Chicken. Its vibrant flavor gives the dish its signature sweetness and complexity.
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Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha adds the heat that balances out the sweetness of the chili sauce. You can control the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount used in the sauce, making this recipe customizable to your taste.
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Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These simple seasonings add depth and savory richness to the dish, complementing the chicken and enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
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Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity, which helps to cut through the richness of the mayo-based sauce and gives the entire dish a refreshing zing.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a fresh, herby finish that elevates the dish and adds a pop of color.
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Skewers: Wooden skewers (soaked in water) are used to thread the chicken, making them easier to grill. Skewering the chicken ensures even cooking and adds a fun, presentation-worthy touch to your meal.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Grilling Season
Grilling is one of the most enjoyable ways to prepare food, especially when the weather is warm. The smoky flavors that develop from cooking over an open flame add an extra layer of complexity to dishes, and Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are no exception. The grill marks, slight charring, and tender chicken pieces bring out a deliciously savory and smoky flavor.
Grilling also allows you to infuse your food with those signature flavors of summer, and this recipe is the perfect way to embrace those flavors. Whether you’re cooking over charcoal or using a gas grill, these skewers cook quickly and are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. That makes them an ideal option for busy weeknights or spontaneous cookouts with friends.
Customizing Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
While this recipe is already bursting with flavor, there’s always room to make it your own. Here are a few ideas for customization:
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Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for more variety and added nutrition. Simply cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the same skewers as the chicken.
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Different Sauces: If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the sriracha or swap it out for a milder hot sauce. For a tangier sauce, you can add a bit of rice vinegar or adjust the lime juice.
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Side Dishes: Serve these skewers with sides like a zesty quinoa salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a creamy cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Substitute Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, as seafood and tofu cook faster than chicken.
Health Benefits of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Not only are these skewers delicious, but they also offer a healthier option compared to many other grilled dishes. Chicken breast is low in fat and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a lean source of protein. The sauce is made with simple ingredients that you can feel good about, and by controlling the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce, you can adjust the level of sweetness and heat to suit your preferences.
Additionally, grilling the chicken instead of frying it helps to reduce the overall fat content of the dish. Plus, serving the skewers with fresh veggies or a side salad can increase the nutritional value of your meal by adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, combining the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and full of deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a family dinner, or just craving something flavorful, these skewers are a guaranteed hit. The best part? You can customize them to fit your taste preferences, making them as mild or spicy as you like. So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!