Julia Koch
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring together the best of both worlds: a smoky grilled bite with a creamy, spicy sauce that sticks. These juicy, marinated chicken chunks are threaded onto skewers and kissed by flames or your oven’s heat, then finished with a zippy drizzle of bang bang sauce that’s equal parts tangy, creamy, and just spicy enough to make your tastebuds stand up.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or using a stovetop grill pan, these skewers come together quickly and make a lively main course or standout party appetizer. The real hero here is the bang bang sauce—a blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey. It clings to the golden edges of the chicken and creates a flavor punch in every bite.
What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Bang Bang Skewers?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option for uniform, juicy cubes that hold up well on skewers. However, if you’re after a bit more richness, boneless chicken thighs offer deep flavor and tenderness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy heat of bang bang sauce.
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The core of your skewers. Cube them evenly for even cooking and juiciness.
Olive Oil: Used in the marinade to help tenderize the chicken and carry flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These bring aromatic backbone to the marinade, infusing the meat with savory notes.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that complements grilling and balances the creamy sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken inside and out.
Bang Bang Sauce (Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey): This is where the magic happens. The sauce delivers heat, creaminess, sweetness, and tang—all in one glossy drizzle.
Chopped Scallions or Chives (optional): For garnish and a touch of freshness.
How To Make the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside in the fridge so the flavors can meld.
Step 3: Thread and Grill
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them slightly to ensure even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
How to Serve and Store Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
These skewers are best served hot off the grill, with sauce either drizzled over or on the side for dipping. Pair them with jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a light and satisfying meal. They also make excellent appetizers at parties—just use shorter skewers for easy handling.
To store leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. The bang bang sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and stay very moist during grilling, making them a delicious alternative.
Can these be cooked in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake them at 425°F for 18–20 minutes or until fully cooked, then broil for a minute or two to add a bit of char.
What can I use instead of skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, simply grill or bake the marinated chicken pieces directly and serve with sauce.
Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the sauce up to a day ahead. Grill when ready to serve for best texture.
Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?
You might also like the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites for another spicy-sweet option that cooks quickly. Or try Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub if you’re into bold, creamy flavors on a bun.
For skillet-style dinners, I recommend the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta—it’s hearty and saucy with a kick. Or for a flavorful twist, the Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs are a juicy oven-baked favorite.
Lastly, don’t miss the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles, which combines heat, sweetness, and noodles in a crave-worthy combo.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you swap in chicken thighs? Go bold with the sauce? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others flavor theirs.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious grilled or baked appetizer, featuring juicy marinated chicken cubes topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. They’re quick to cook, big on flavor, and perfect for parties or quick meals.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
Chopped scallions or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add cubed chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Refrigerate sauce.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish with scallions or chives. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (includes marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
