There’s something wildly addictive about skewers sizzling over a hot grill, each cube of chicken soaking up that sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce until it’s drenched in creamy, tangy goodness. These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers have earned their place as a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re firing up the barbecue on a warm summer evening or simply looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner. From the very first bite, you’ll get that juicy, charred chicken delivering a smoky backdrop to a luscious chili mayo that’s kissed with garlic, ginger, and a hint of honey. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that balance of richness and heat, you’ll be dreaming of ways to sneak them into every party platter you host.
I still remember the first time I served these at a backyard gathering—my friends hovered around the grill, drawn in by the sweet steam rising from the skewers, eager for that first dunk into the creamy sauce. The combination of tender chicken, the slight crunch of toasted sesame seeds, and the pop of fresh green onions was instant magic. As someone who loves to chat about flavors and share cooking tales, I’ve tweaked this recipe more times than I can count, always adjusting the sriracha to dial up (or down) the kick. Whether you’re an appetizer aficionado, a midweek meal master, or planning a picnic spread, these skewers will deliver every time, turning simple ingredients into something spectacular and utterly unforgettable.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BANG BANG CHICKEN SKEWERS
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s talk about the real MVPs—the fresh, flavorful ingredients that make these skewers shine. Each component plays its part in creating that creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang experience.
- Chicken breast
Lean and tender, chicken breast cubes soak up marinades beautifully, giving you juicy bites with a light texture that lets the sauce really take center stage.
- Wooden skewers
Soaked in water for at least 30 minutes, these prevent flare-ups on the grill and make it easy to flip and serve individual portions without sticking.
- Olive oil
A light coating ensures the chicken doesn’t stick to the grill and helps seasonings adhere, while adding a hint of fruity richness.
- Mayonnaise
The creamy backbone of the bang bang sauce, providing a velvety texture that carries all the bold flavors of chili, garlic, and ginger.
- Sweet chili sauce
Balances the heat with a syrupy sweetness and slight tang, giving the sauce its signature flavor profile.
- Sriracha sauce
Adjustable spice that lets you tailor the heat level—add more for a serious kick or dial back for a gentle warmth.
- Rice vinegar
Brings a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of mayo and ties all the flavors together.
- Honey
A natural sweetener that smooths out the spice, creating a harmonious balance of heat and sweetness.
- Garlic
Minced fresh for that punchy, fragrant aroma and depth of flavor in every bite.
- Ginger
Grated to lend a subtle warmth and zesty lift that complements the garlic and chili components.
- Sesame oil
Adds a rich, nutty finish to the sauce, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that bring out the natural juiciness of the chicken and heighten the overall taste.
- Green onions
Freshly chopped for garnish, adding a crisp, oniony bite and a pop of bright green color.
- Sesame seeds
Optional but highly recommended for a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG CHICKEN SKEWERS
Let’s get those skewers sizzling! This recipe walks you through everything from prepping the grill to whipping up a show-stopping sauce. By layering simple techniques—marinating, grilling, and skilfully whisking your bang bang sauce—you’ll have irresistible skewers in no time.
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before placing the skewers so you get those beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred edge.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This spacing guarantees even cooking and helps the heat circulate around each cube.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for 4–5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re juicy and safe to eat.
5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat.
6. Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, carefully remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices.
7. Drizzle the bang bang sauce all over the grilled chicken skewers, making sure they’re generously coated. If you prefer, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
8. Garnish the skewers with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. These finishing touches add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy in every bite!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BANG BANG CHICKEN SKEWERS
When it’s time to plate these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, presentation and pairings can elevate them from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy meal for two, consider these ideas to complement the skewers and turn your dish into a full-on feast.
- Serve alongside a crispy cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and fresh dill. The cool crunch offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy skewers.
- Arrange the skewers on a festive platter with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce and garnishes like lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, and sliced red chili for guests to customize their bites.
- Offer steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice in individual bowls. The grains soak up the leftover sauce beautifully, making every spoonful a delightful mix of flavors.
- For a fun twist, tuck the skewers into lettuce cups with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, creating handheld bites that are perfect for parties.
HOW TO STORE BANG BANG CHICKEN SKEWERS
Whether you’ve got leftovers or want to prep ahead for your next gathering, proper storage is key to maintaining that fresh, vibrant flavor. With a few simple steps, you can keep both the chicken and the sauce tasting incredible for days (or even weeks) to come.
- Refrigerate cooked skewers
Place cooled skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Stored this way, they’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3–4 days.
- Store sauce separately
Transfer any leftover bang bang sauce into a glass jar with a tight lid. Keep it in the fridge for up to one week, giving the flavors even more time to meld.
- Freeze for longer storage
If you want to save skewers for later, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat properly
Warm refrigerated or thawed skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also give them a quick turn on a hot grill pan to revive those grill marks.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together tender, juicy chicken cubes with a luxuriously creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are nothing short of a flavor sensation. From the moment you preheat the grill to that final sprinkle of sesame seeds, every step is designed to build layers of taste and texture—smoky char, velvety mayo, zesty ginger, and a hint of honey sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue, looking for a fun appetizer for game day, or spicing up a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of ease and flair. The ingredients list is straightforward, and the preparation steps are user-friendly, making it an enjoyable cooking adventure even if you consider yourself an “intermediate” griller.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder, or save it for later so you’ll always have your next crowd-pleaser at the ready. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section waiting to answer common questions about substitutions, spice adjustments, and more kitchen tips. If you give these skewers a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you nailed the perfect char or tweaked the sauce just the way you like it, your cooking stories and tips help our cooking community grow. Happy grilling, and here’s to many more flavorful moments around the table!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Description
A flavor-packed combo of juicy, charred chicken cubes coated in a luscious, zesty chili mayo sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
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Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
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Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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While the chicken cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Adjust the sriracha for more heat if desired.
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Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
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Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the grilled chicken skewers, making sure they’re well coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
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Garnish the skewers with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can use grilled chicken breast without the skewers for a quicker version.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your taste.
- This dish is great for BBQs, parties, or as a simple weeknight dinner.
- For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lime over the finished skewers.
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
