Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the answer to your next grilling adventure. Marinated in a creamy, tangy, and fiery sauce, these juicy skewers are finished on the grill to lock in that irresistible char and flavor. Serve them as a main dish, party appetizer, or even over a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal.

What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity and the punch of bold flavor. No need to fuss with a long ingredient list — the bang bang sauce does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or just want something new for dinner, these chicken skewers bring restaurant-quality taste right to your backyard or kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Wooden or metal skewers

• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

Directions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside 1/3 cup of the sauce for brushing and serving.

3. Place chicken cubes in a large bowl. Add the remaining sauce to the chicken and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

5. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

6. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

7. In the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush skewers with the reserved sauce.

8. Remove from grill and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating) | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 57 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Flavor Explosion Worth Grilling: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are one of those dishes that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Inspired by Asian fusion flavors and adapted for everyday cooking, this recipe offers juicy grilled chicken drenched in a bold, creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these skewers never disappoint. They are also extremely versatile — a trait that has made them increasingly popular among food lovers who crave both flavor and convenience.

The name “Bang Bang” itself evokes excitement, and that’s exactly what you get when you bite into one of these skewers. The sauce is the star of the show: a unique blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet — the kind of sauce you want to drizzle on everything. When paired with tender chicken, grilled to perfection with a slightly charred edge, the flavors come alive in an unforgettable way.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Have Become So Popular

The growing popularity of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers can be credited to several factors: flavor, convenience, visual appeal, and social media trends. Recipes that pack a bold punch tend to do well in the digital space, especially when they’re also photogenic. These skewers check every box — vibrant colors, a satisfying grilled texture, and that glossy, irresistible sauce.

Another reason for their rise in popularity is their adaptability. People love recipes that offer flexibility without compromising on taste. This dish can be served as an appetizer, part of a buffet spread, or the centerpiece of a full meal. It pairs effortlessly with rice, noodles, salads, or grilled vegetables. Whether served on a stick or removed and tossed into a rice bowl, it maintains its delicious personality.

In the era of fast meals and busy lifestyles, recipes that can be prepped ahead, marinated in advance, and cooked in under 15 minutes are golden. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers allow you to do just that. The chicken benefits from a short marination time, and grilling takes less than 15 minutes, making this an ideal choice for those who want big flavor without hours in the kitchen.

The Origin and Influence Behind “Bang Bang” Sauce

The term “Bang Bang” originated from a traditional Chinese street food dish called “Bang Bang Chicken,” where the meat was pounded with a stick (hence the name) before being served with a spicy sesame-based sauce. In American and Western adaptations, however, the sauce took on a new identity: creamier, sweeter, and more versatile.

Today’s Bang Bang sauce, commonly used in recipes like shrimp, chicken, or cauliflower, typically features mayonnaise as a base with added chili sauce, Sriracha, and sometimes honey or sugar to balance the heat. The version used in these chicken skewers draws inspiration from this Westernized adaptation, offering a fusion flavor profile that hits all the right notes — creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy.

This cross-cultural blending has made the sauce incredibly popular across many types of dishes, but chicken skewers remain one of the most beloved ways to enjoy it, especially when grilled.

Cooking Methods: Grill, Oven, or Air Fryer

Although grilling is the preferred method for cooking Bang Bang Chicken Skewers — especially for those who love that smoky, charred flavor — it’s not the only way to bring this dish to life. For those who don’t have a grill or simply prefer a different cooking method, the oven or air fryer works beautifully.

In the oven, the skewers can be baked at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C) for about 15–20 minutes. A quick broil at the end mimics the caramelization that grilling provides. The air fryer method, on the other hand, offers a crisp exterior and juicy interior in record time, typically needing just 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). No matter which method you choose, the result is always flavorful and satisfying.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

One of the great things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is that you can easily prep them ahead of time. The chicken can marinate in the sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors. This is particularly useful for busy weeknights or when preparing for a gathering.

Cooked skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to reheat them, avoid the microwave if possible — it can dry out the chicken and dull the sauce. Instead, reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through, preserving their texture and flavor. You can also store leftover sauce separately to drizzle over freshly reheated skewers for a fresh pop of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy them:

• With Rice or Noodles: Serve the skewers over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even soba noodles. The starch helps soak up the sauce and makes for a complete meal.

• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap pieces of the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a drizzle of sauce.

• As a Salad Topper: Slice the chicken off the skewers and toss it into a fresh salad with crunchy cabbage, radishes, and a sesame vinaigrette.

• Party Platter: Serve as finger food at parties alongside other small bites, dips, and grilled veggies. Add toothpicks or mini skewers for easy grabbing.

• In Tacos or Wraps: Turn the chicken into a fusion taco filling with slaw and avocado crema, or roll it into a wrap with crunchy greens.

Tips for Maximum Flavor and Texture

Here are a few key tips to elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to restaurant quality:

• Don’t Skip Marination: Even a short 30-minute marinade helps tenderize the chicken and allows the sauce flavors to penetrate the meat.

• High Heat = Better Grill Marks: Whether you’re using a grill or grill pan, make sure it’s hot before placing the skewers on. This locks in moisture and creates that beautiful char.

• Reserve Sauce for Finishing: Set aside some sauce before marinating to brush over the skewers as they finish grilling. This ensures maximum flavor and prevents cross-contamination.

• Use Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into even-sized cubes ensures they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onion adds freshness and color to the dish.

Healthier Alternatives and Dietary Modifications

If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter or fit specific dietary needs, consider the following swaps:

• Low-Fat Mayo: Use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise to reduce fat content while still keeping it creamy.

• Less Sugar: Reduce or omit the honey if you’re watching sugar intake — the chili sauce already has sweetness.

• Plant-Based Version: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower and follow the same marinade and cooking process. These alternatives also absorb the flavors beautifully.

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check labels on chili sauces and condiments.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are more than just a trend — they’re a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that brings excitement to any meal. With their bold sauce, quick cook time, and endless versatility, they’ve earned a place in both everyday dinners and special gatherings alike.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to please nearly every palate — from spice lovers to picky eaters — while remaining accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether grilled in the backyard or baked in the oven, these skewers deliver big flavor in every bite.

So next time you’re wondering what to cook for a weeknight meal, game day party, or family gathering, let Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring the bang to your table.