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Nothing beats the punchy flavor and zesty aroma of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a Kick on a hot grill. These always save me time and still manage to wow my friends every time. The creamy bang bang drizzle plus chicken that’s smoky and juicy is just what you need for an easy crowd-pleaser. They’ve totally rewired the way I do weeknight meals and backyard hangs.
This became my go-to for spontaneous gatherings. Even years later, my cousins still talk about how fast these vanished at those summer BBQs.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Lime wedges: Cut up some juicy limes to brighten everything up before eating
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base you need—full fat gives the best texture
- Soy sauce: Get a richer taste using low-sodium, decent quality soy sauce
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are juiciest, but breasts are fine if you want less fat
- Garlic powder: Adds that cozy aroma; fresh is best if you can get it
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for topping: Grab leafy, bright herbs—makes it look and taste fresher
- Rice vinegar: Sharpens up the marinade—stick with plain, not seasoned
- Honey: Just the right sweet burn—use real honey for an extra pop
- Sriracha: Brings the spice and tang; pick a brand you love
- Olive oil: Keeps chicken moist and marinade smooth; go for extra virgin for better flavor
- Sweet chili sauce: A mild, sweet kick with Southeast Asian flair—Thai brands are my favorite
- Smoked paprika: Makes everything taste smoky and rich—Spanish kinds are especially awesome
- Lime juice: Gives the sauce some zing—fresh squeezed is best
- Ground black pepper: Rounds out the flavor—grind it fresh for a little kick
Step-by-Step How-To
- Finish It Off:
- Drizzle on extra bang bang sauce, sprinkle with herbs, and toss lime wedges all around. Let everyone add their own final squeeze for max flavor.
- Get Grilling:
- Once the grill or your grill pan is good and hot (medium-high), oil up the grates if you want those sear marks. Lay down your skewers, cook them about 10-12 minutes total, and flip every few minutes. With 2-3 minutes left, brush on some more bang bang sauce so it caramelizes and gets sticky.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Fire up your grill to medium-high. Brush the grates with a little oil so the chicken won’t stick.
- Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Stir together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey (only if you want), and lime juice until creamy. Give it a taste and tweak the heat or sweetness to fit your mood.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- If you’re using wood sticks, let them soak in water for half an hour, so they won’t char. Stick on the chicken, leaving little gaps so it all grills evenly.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix the chicken up with soy sauce, oil, sriracha, garlic powder, honey, rice vinegar, smoked paprika, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure each bit is coated. Cover and let it chill—at least 30 minutes, four hours tops, to let all those flavors melt in.
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Must-Know Facts
- Packed with filling protein and keeps you full for a while
- Perfect for prepping ahead—leftovers warm up juicy, not dry
- Pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or something crisp and fresh like greens
My absolute favorite bite is always the one with the smoky paprika hit—it turns regular chicken into something totally next-level. My folks always squabble over who gets the last drizzle of that creamy sauce. Once you try it, you’ll get why it’s so addictive.
Storage Wisdom
Wrap cooled skewers tight in foil or keep them in a container with a lid. They’ll last three days in the fridge. Just warm them up gently in a microwave or oven, and swipe on some more sauce to liven them up.
Swap Ideas
If you run out of honey, maple syrup or even agave will do. Greek yogurt makes for a tangier, lighter sauce instead of mayo. Want more heat? Replace sriracha with chili garlic paste. Thighs are juicier, but even breasts work fine here.
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Serving Inspiration
Serve these over coconut rice with a batch of cucumber salad for an easy dinner. Pile them up with grilled shrimp or veggies for a party tray. Leftovers work great chopped onto a salad with more bang bang drizzle as your dressing, too.
Culture & Background
Bang bang chicken is rooted in Chinese and Southeast Asian street eats, where spicy and creamy toppings go hand in hand with grilled meats. I mash up these flavors with a chill, backyard BBQ spin—just right for sharing at family nights and get-togethers.
Common Questions
- → Can I swap chicken thighs for breast meat?
Sure thing! Chicken breast is leaner and cooks quickly. Just keep an eye out so it doesn’t dry out.
- → Why does bang bang sauce have a spicy kick?
It’s all about sriracha and sweet chili sauce, which bring both some heat and a hint of sweet.
- → What can I do to keep my chicken skewers moist?
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for 30 minutes or longer and don’t grill too long to keep things juicy.
- → What should I serve alongside these skewers?
Serve them with crisp salad, grilled veggies, or rice. Lime wedges and fresh herbs make everything pop.
- → Could I get these skewers ready ahead of time?
Yep! Marinate and stick the chicken on skewers first. Just grill them right before you want to eat for top results.