This recipe is a quick grilled chicken skewer with a creamy, spicy sauce. It is straightforward and suited to cooks who want a fast, shareable main. Use it for weeknight dinners, backyard grills, or casual gatherings. The prep is short and most steps are simple. You can scale the pieces up or down easily. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers work well when you need a bright, slightly spicy protein that pairs with rice or a simple salad. Expect a mix of savory and sweet heat, short cooking time, and an easy sauce that comes together in one bowl.
This recipe shows how to prepare skewered chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. The sauce blends mayonnaise, sweet chili, and Sriracha for heat and balance. The dish is not fussy and does not require advanced techniques. It fits as a main course for lunch or dinner and can be served at small gatherings. If you prefer a pan method or darker meat, see the skillet version with thighs for a comparable flavor done on the stove.
When this recipe works well
Choose this preparation when you need a fast protein that holds up on skewers. It is good for midweek meals, small outdoor parties, and simple meal prep. The skill level required is low to moderate: basic knife work and comfort with a grill or broiler. Timing is forgiving—chicken cooks quickly and the sauce is made in minutes. The recipe is flexible for portioning: one pound serves two to three people as a main with sides, or more as part of a spread.
Cooking overview
Start by cutting the chicken to uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Bring the grill or broiler to medium-high heat before you begin threading. Toss the chicken with oil and seasoning, then skewer and grill about ten minutes, turning for even color. While the chicken cooks, whisk the sauce ingredients together in one bowl. The final step is to drizzle or brush the sauce on the hot skewers and finish with green onions. For an alternate sauce idea, you can consult the three-ingredient orange chicken sauce method for simpler sweet-heat notes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon lime juice, Chopped green onions for garnish
The chicken provides lean protein and grills quickly. Olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds browning. Mayonnaise forms a creamy base for the sauce; sweet chili adds sweetness and mild heat. Sriracha controls the spiciness; reduce it if you prefer milder heat. Lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness. Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning. You can swap chicken thighs for more fat or use Greek yogurt to thin the sauce and lower calories for an alternative texture. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers work with small ingredient swaps without changing technique.
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. The surface should be hot but not smoking.
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly so each piece browns.
- Thread chicken onto skewers. Leave small gaps so heat circulates and pieces cook through.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust heat.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches 165°F (no pink inside) and has light char. Look for opaque meat and clear juices.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers before serving and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the sauce lightly or offer extra on the side.
How to serve this recipe
Serve skewers as a main with rice, a grain bowl, or a green salad. For portions, plan roughly 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person depending on sides. Place two to three skewers per plate for a standard serving. Offer lime wedges and extra sauce on the side for guests who want more heat. For a composed plate, add steamed vegetables or a crisp slaw. If you want a richer accompaniment, consider pairing with a complementary baked main like a stuffed chicken option, such as the stuffed chicken pairing.
How to store this recipe
Cool leftover skewers to room temperature for no more than two hours, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Place sauce in a separate sealed container to preserve texture; it will thicken in the fridge and may need a quick stir before use. For longer storage, remove chicken from skewers and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in a low oven or on a medium skillet to avoid drying the meat.
Tips for better results
Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. Do not overcrowd the skewers; leave space for heat to circulate. If using a charcoal grill, aim for medium-high with an even surface heat. Watch the sauce: mayonnaise can separate if exposed to very high direct heat, so apply near the end. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and avoid overcooking. If the skewers brown too quickly, move them to indirect heat to finish. Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes to retain juices.
Variations and adjustments
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for more richness, or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option with a longer marinating time. Swap sweet chili sauce for a mild chili paste plus honey for a similar sweet-heat profile. Reduce Sriracha or omit it to lower the spice level; add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different aroma. For a lighter sauce, mix half mayonnaise and half plain yogurt. If you need gluten-free ingredients, check that the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are labeled gluten-free. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers adapt well to these adjustments.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
A: Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
Q: How spicy is the sauce?
A: Heat depends on Sriracha amount. Use 1 teaspoon for mild, 1 tablespoon for medium heat.
Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken?
A: No. A quick toss with oil and seasonings is enough because pieces are small and cook quickly.
Conclusion
This preparation is a practical, quick-grilled chicken dish with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. It suits cooks who want a fast main for weeknights, casual gatherings, or simple meal prep. The method is clear: cut, skewer, grill, and sauce. For more ideas on similar flavors and techniques, see a related bang bang skewer recipe and try the alternate recipe version with serving suggestions for starch and side pairings. These links offer extra context while keeping the basic steps consistent.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Quick grilled chicken skewers with a creamy, spicy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. The surface should be hot but not smoking.
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly so each piece browns.
- Thread chicken onto skewers. Leave small gaps so heat circulates and pieces cook through.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust heat.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches 165°F (no pink inside) and has light char.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers before serving and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Serve with rice or a salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg