Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

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Craving a smoky, spicy, creamy bite that’s just as perfect for summer grilling as it is for game-day gatherings? These Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are what you’ve been missing. Each skewer is fire-kissed, tender, and dripping with an addictively creamy chipotle sauce that balances tang, heat, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re firing up the backyard grill or sizzling indoors, this recipe makes a bold flavor statement in just minutes.

The sauce—oh, the sauce—is where the magic really happens. A twist on the classic bang bang, it blends chipotle peppers with a creamy mayo base and a hint of honey for an irresistible glaze. Add that to perfectly grilled chicken and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s fuss-free, fast, and flavor-packed.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into creating these Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, having the right tools on hand can transform your cooking experience.

Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving that charred, smoky finish that defines this dish. If you’re cooking indoors, a grill pan or cast iron skillet can deliver a similar result.

Metal or Soaked Wooden Skewers: Skewers keep the chicken pieces secure and evenly cooked. Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent burning on the grill.

Blender or Food Processor: For blending the chipotle bang bang sauce until silky smooth. This ensures the flavors are fully emulsified and well-distributed.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for marinating and another for tossing or brushing on the sauce. Opt for glass or stainless steel to prevent staining from the chipotle.

Tongs: For flipping skewers safely and efficiently without tearing the meat. Look for long-handled tongs to keep your hands away from the grill heat.

With these tools ready, you’ll not only breeze through prep but also elevate the quality of your final dish.

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Ingredients for the Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Every element in this recipe plays a role in building deep, layered flavor:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender and juicy, chicken thighs hold up well to grilling and stay flavorful. If you prefer leaner cuts, breasts work too—just avoid overcooking.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These smoky, spicy peppers are the heart of the sauce. They bring heat and depth to both the marinade and the glaze.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, mayo balances the spice of the chipotle and provides the signature bang bang texture.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to mellow out the heat and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Lime Juice: Brings brightness and acidity, which cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples round out the flavor with warm, savory undertones.

Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade, enhancing the chicken’s depth.

Olive Oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and promotes a golden crust when grilled.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): Offers freshness and color contrast to the smoky glaze.

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How To Make the Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Trim and cube your chicken into bite-sized pieces, ideally uniform for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, blend chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayo, lime juice, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Reserve a portion of this sauce for glazing.

Step 3: Marinate

Toss chicken cubes in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for max flavor absorption.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until nicely charred and cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze and Garnish

Brush the reserved sauce over the skewers during the last 2 minutes of grilling. Once off the grill, drizzle with more sauce if desired and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

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Serving and Storing Your Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These skewers shine brightest fresh off the grill. Serve them over a bed of coconut rice or alongside a crisp slaw to balance the creamy heat. Garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and lime wedges not only adds a burst of color but also elevates the smoky flavors with a zing of freshness.

If you’re planning to serve these at a party, keep them warm in a 200°F oven until ready. Just be sure to glaze them right before serving to preserve their saucy punch.

For leftovers, remove chicken from skewers and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a little extra sauce to refresh the flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these skewers?

They pack medium heat from the chipotle peppers. You can adjust the spice by using fewer peppers or adding more honey to the sauce.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and prep the sauce in advance. Grill just before serving for best texture.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely. Bake the skewers at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish under the broiler for a charred effect.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No worries! Just grill or bake the marinated chicken pieces as is. They’ll be just as tasty without the stick.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp or tofu make great alternatives. Just adjust the cook time as needed to avoid overcooking.

Is the sauce kid-friendly?

If your kids handle mild spice well, they might love it. Otherwise, reserve some plain grilled chicken and keep the sauce on the side.

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Want More Chicken Skewer Ideas?

If smoky, spicy skewers are your jam, here are a few more from the LadyPlate kitchen you might love:

Try the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites if you’re looking for bite-sized heat with a sticky-sweet finish. Or take your spice game up a notch with the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles, where bold sauce meets slurpable comfort.

For saucy oven-friendly meals, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings the heat in a whole new format. And don’t miss the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a creamy, savory dinner perfect for weeknights.

Finally, if handheld flavor is your vibe, the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub layers crunch, cream, and char all in one satisfying bite.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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When you try it, I want to know how it turned out. Did you go bold on the chipotle? Did you sneak in extra glaze? Drop a comment below and share your twist.

For even more flavor-packed ideas, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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