Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Introduction

Steam-warmed sweetness from the sticky chili glaze, the bright pop of lime cutting through rich mayo, and the first satisfying bite of tender, charred chicken threaded on a skewer — Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a small, thrilling package of textures and flavors. The exterior is caramelized and slightly crisp from the grill; the interior stays juicy and springy. The sauce is creamy, sweet, tangy and—if you like a kick—comfortably spicy. It’s the kind of dish that makes people smile, reach for another skewer, and ask for the recipe.

This recipe is perfect for backyard gatherings, game-day nibbling, weeknight dinners when you want something easy but impressive, and festive summer cookouts. It’s quick enough to throw together after work, yet flavorful enough to bring to potlucks. Because the skewers are both portable and shareable, they shine at casual celebrations—and they’re a great way to turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable bite.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Servings: 4 (about 2 skewers per person, depending on skewer size)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner grillers

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe yields ~4 servings). These are estimates compiled using USDA FoodData Central values for boneless, skinless chicken breast, commercial mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha, and should be taken as approximations. For personalized dietary advice, consult a qualified professional or trusted sources like the USDA FoodData Central and Mayo Clinic.

• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
• Protein: ~35 g
• Total Fat: ~24 g
• Carbohydrates: ~6 g
• Saturated Fat: ~3–4 g
• Sodium: ~370 mg

Notes: Protein is driven by the chicken breast; calories and fat primarily come from the mayonnaise used in the sauce. Carbohydrates are mostly from the sweet chili sauce. Values will vary with brands (light mayo or low-sugar chili sauce reduce calories/carbs). (Source reference: USDA FoodData Central; for general dietary guidance see Mayo Clinic.)

Why You’ll Love It

• Big flavor in small packages: The creamy-sweet-spicy sauce makes every skewer feel indulgent without complicated steps.
• Crowd-pleasing and social: Skewers are inherently shareable—ideal for parties, picnics or family dinners.
• Speed and simplicity: With just a few pantry ingredients and one pound of chicken, these skewers come together fast.
• Customizable: Tweak the heat, use lighter mayo, or swap proteins to suit dietary needs and preferences.
• Comfort meets summer: They’re at home next to cold salads at a summer barbecue or as a quick, satisfying dinner when you want something warm and flavorful.

Preparation Guide

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal) — if using wooden skewers, soak them in water 20–30 minutes beforehand
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions or cilantro

Optional ingredients & substitutions

• Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a tangier, lower-fat option)
• Swap sweet chili sauce for honey + sriracha for a different sweetness profile
• Use coconut aminos + maple syrup for a gluten-free alternative to some chili sauces (check labels)
• Substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version (press tofu first)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust heat or acidity as desired.
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–450°F / 190–230°C). Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10–12 minutes total, turning occasionally so all sides char slightly and cook evenly. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the cooked chicken generously with the bang bang sauce so it caramelizes slightly. Flip and repeat briefly—don’t leave them too long after saucing or the sugar in the sauce may burn.
6. Serve skewers warm, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro, and pass the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Practical tips

• Don’t overcrowd skewers—small gaps allow heat to circulate and reduce cooking time.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should read 165°F (74°C).
• If using wooden skewers, soak them first to avoid burning.
• For a smaller mayo footprint, brush lightly with sauce rather than marinating; the flavor remains strong.

Best Pairings

• Side salads: crunchy cabbage slaw or a cucumber-lime salad for brightness.
• Starches: coconut rice, jasmine rice, or warm naan for scooping.
• Dips & sauces: extra bang bang sauce, peanut sauce, or a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip.
• Drinks: crisp lager or a citrusy iced tea; for non-alcoholic pairings, lime soda or ginger beer works beautifully.
• Presentation tips: serve skewers on a long platter with lime wedges and a scattering of chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for visual contrast.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).
• Refrigeration: Store cooled skewers or leftover sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to avoid drying out.
• Freezer: Cooked chicken skewers may be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Wrap individually or place in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chef’s Advice

• Cut uniform pieces: Evenly sized chicken cubes ensure consistent cooking. Aim for ~1-inch cubes.
• Balance your sauce: If the sauce tastes too rich, add a touch more lime juice; if too bright, a teaspoon of sugar or honey will round it out.
• Use heat smartly: Add Sriracha gradually—it’s easier to add more heat than to take it away.
• Finish with texture: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts adds crunch and visual interest.
• Grill vs. oven: If you don’t have a grill, broil skewers 4–6 inches from the heat for 6–8 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning.

Fun Flavor Ideas

1. Thai-Inspired Peanut Bang Bang

• Stir 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter into the sauce and thin with a little water or coconut milk. Add chopped cilantro and squeeze extra lime for a satay-like twist.

2. Smoky Gochujang Version

• Replace some Sriracha with 1–2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) and reduce sweet chili sauce slightly for a deep, smoky, spicy flavor.

3. Vegetarian Tofu Skewers (Gluten-Free Option)

• Press and cube extra-firm tofu, marinate briefly in a light soy/coconut aminos and lime mixture, then grill and finish with bang bang sauce. Use gluten-free chili sauce to keep it GF.

4. Lighter Yogurt-Based Sauce

• Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt (use a little extra sweet chili sauce) to lower calories while keeping creaminess.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes — the sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Give it a stir before using.

Q: How do I prevent dry chicken?
A: Use a thermometer for accuracy and remove chicken once it hits 165°F (74°C). Rest briefly before serving to redistribute juices.

Q: Are there gluten-free options?
A: Yes — use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and check Sriracha for wheat ingredients; many brands are gluten-free.

Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, then brush with sauce and broil for 1 minute to glaze.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or briefly on a medium grill, to keep the chicken moist.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to prep, bold in flavor, and endlessly adaptable, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deliver. Try them for your next gathering, weeknight dinner, or party appetizer—and don’t forget to experiment with the creative variations above. For more inspiration and different takes on bang bang-style chicken, check these resources: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – I Am Homesteader and Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Sailor Bailey.

If you make them, share a photo and tell me which variation you tried—I’d love to hear how they turned out!

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

---

• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grilled chicken skewers coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, perfect for gatherings and quick dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal) – if using wooden skewers, soak them in water 20–30 minutes beforehand
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions or cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust heat or acidity as desired.
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–450°F / 190–230°C). Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10–12 minutes total, turning occasionally so all sides char slightly and cook evenly. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the cooked chicken generously with the bang bang sauce so it caramelizes slightly. Flip and repeat briefly—don’t leave them too long after saucing or the sugar in the sauce may burn.
6. Serve skewers warm, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro, and pass the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Chicken skewers are best served warm. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg