Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Fast and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers perfect for grilling, featuring a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce.
I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers whenever I want a fast, crowd-pleasing grill dish that tastes fancy with minimal fuss. Cubed chicken threaded on soaked wooden skewers cooks quickly over medium-high heat, and that creamy-sweet-spicy bang bang sauce delivers big flavor with simple pantry ingredients. If you enjoy weeknight chicken that doubles as party finger food, you might also like this 15-minute creamy lemon chicken orzo for an easy, complementary side.
Why you’ll love this dish
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the kind of recipe that solves several dinner problems at once: they’re fast, portable, kid-friendly (adjust the heat), and scalable for a crowd. The sauce—mayonnaise + sweet chili + sriracha + lime—gives a creamy, tangy heat without needing long marinading or complex prep. Perfect for summer grills, backyard parties, or a simple midweek dinner where you want something different from the usual chicken breasts.
The cooking process explained
Quick overview so you know what to expect: whisk the bang bang sauce, cube and skewer the chicken, preheat the grill to medium-high, and cook about 5–7 minutes per side until done. Brush the sauce on during the final minutes so it caramelizes but doesn’t burn. Total active time: ~15–20 minutes; total time including prep and resting: ~30 minutes.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into roughly 1–1.5 inch cubes (uniform pieces cook evenly)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo if preferred)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai sweet chili is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste; substitute chili garlic sauce for a garlicky kick)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove minced fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (prevents burning)
Substitution notes: swap Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo to lighten the sauce; use honey or maple syrup if you don’t have sweet chili sauce, but add a splash of rice vinegar to mimic the sweet-tang balance.
Step-by-step instructions
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust heat or acidity.
- Thread the chicken: Thread cubed chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F). Oil the grates or brush the skewers lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side, turning once. Check for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Brush with sauce: During the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with a generous layer of bang bang sauce so it warms and slightly caramelizes. Avoid brushing too early to prevent burning the sugar in the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat, let rest 2 minutes, and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
01Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
For the Chicken Skewers
02Method
- Preparation
- Grilling
- Serving
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0 OF 6 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Serve skewers hot off the grill over a bed of steamed rice or a crisp slaw. For gatherings, arrange skewers on a platter with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven or on a medium grill.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these skewers hot off the grill over a bed of steamed rice or a crisp slaw for contrast. For a more composed plate, pair them with grilled corn, cucumber salad, or the hearty protein-forward side of 38g protein chicken enchiladas with dreamy white sauce when feeding a larger group. For casual gatherings, arrange skewers on a platter with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftover skewers and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if you want it fresher.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through, or briefly on a medium grill (2–3 minutes per side). Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers flat in a single layer on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Food safety: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature before serving. Discard any sauce that touched raw chicken unless you cooked it first.
Creative twists
- Shrimp swap: Use large shrimp instead of chicken—reduce grill time to 2–3 minutes per side.
- Sticky glaze: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a stickier, more lacquered finish.
- Low-fat option: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Crunchy topping: Finish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for texture.
- Indo-Thai twist: Add a teaspoon of peanut butter for a nutty depth and thin with water to achieve desired consistency.
Common questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: This recipe doesn’t require a long marinade because the sauce is applied at the end; however, you can toss chicken in a tablespoon of lime juice, salt, and a little oil for 15–30 minutes to add extra brightness.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Yes—bake at 425°F on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, turning once and brushing with sauce during the last 3 minutes.
Is the sauce safe if it touched raw chicken?
A: If sauce has contacted raw chicken juices, do not serve it raw. Either reserve a portion of sauce before brushing raw chicken, or bring the used sauce to a simmer for a minute to make it safe.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
A: You can prep chicken cubes and the sauce a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately and skewer/finish on the grill the day of the event.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful grill option that’s fast enough for weeknights and tasty enough for guests. For another take on bang bang-style appetizers and family-friendly skewers, this version from I Am Homesteader’s Bang Bang Chicken Skewers offers helpful variations and photos. For another idea, try my Easy Chicken Souvlaki Skewers.
Appetizer
Appetizer
Appetizer
