Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The first time I made these for a summer gathering, my friend Sarah literally grabbed the last skewer off the platter before anyone else could reach it. She said the sauce was so good she wanted to put it on everything from now on. Now whenever we have people over, someone always asks if Im making those chicken skewers again.

Last summer my teenage son had three friends over after soccer practice and I threw these together last minute. They stood around the kitchen island eating them straight off the skewers talking about how they were better than the restaurant version downtown. Now whenever his friends come over they casually ask what were having hoping itll be these skewers.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken: Chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill but breasts work perfectly too just watch them closely so they dont dry out
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps all those spices stick to every single piece of chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Ive tried fresh garlic but it can burn on the grill and taste bitter so powder works better here
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is what gives the chicken that gorgeous reddish color and subtle smoky depth
• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper: Keep it simple because the sauce will bring most of the flavor
• 8 wooden or metal skewers: If youre using wooden ones please dont forget to soak them or youll have a bonfire situation
• ½ cup mayonnaise: This is the creamy base that makes the sauce so addictive
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Look for this in the Asian aisle it brings this incredible sweet heat
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Start here and adjust up or down depending on your spice tolerance
• 1 tablespoon honey: This balances the heat and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Just a little brightness to cut through all that richness
• Fresh cilantro or scallions: These add a fresh pop of color and flavor that makes everything look complete
• Toasted sesame seeds: Take the extra two minutes to toast them in a dry pan it makes such a difference

Instructions

Get your skewers ready:

If youre using wooden skewers drop them in a bowl of water while you prep everything else so they dont burn to a crisp on the grill

Fire up the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan heating to medium high so its nice and hot when the chicken is ready to go

Season the chicken:

Toss those chicken cubes with olive oil and all the spices in a big bowl until every piece is evenly coated

Thread the skewers:

Slide the chicken pieces onto your skewers leaving just a tiny bit of space between each piece so the heat can circulate

Grill to perfection:

Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until theyre cooked through and have those beautiful charred edges

Whisk the sauce:

While the chicken grills stir together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until its completely smooth

Sauce and serve:

Brush that gorgeous sauce all over the cooked skewers then hit them with cilantro sesame seeds and lime wedges

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My dad who normally claims he doesnt like spicy food tried one of these and went back for three skewers. He said the sauce was so perfectly balanced it didnt feel spicy at all just incredibly flavorful. Now whenever I visit he asks if I can teach him how to make it.

Make It Your Way

Sometimes I swap in shrimp when I want something lighter and they cook in just a few minutes on the grill. The sauce pairs perfectly with seafood and feels a little more elegant for date night at home.

Serving Ideas

We love these over fluffy steamed jasmine rice with some extra sauce drizzled on top. Theyre also amazing tucked into lettuce cups for a lighter version that still feels totally satisfying.

Make Ahead Magic

You can cut and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep it marinating in the refrigerator. The sauce actually gets better after a day in the fridge so make it in advance and let the flavors meld together.

• Set up a sauce station with extra lime wedges so people can customize their skewers
• Keep some cooked rice warm so you can turn leftovers into quick rice bowls the next day
• Cut any extra chicken into pieces and toss it with salad greens for lunch the next day

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These skewers have become our go to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to feeding a crowd. Hope they become a favorite in your house too.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best chicken cut for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into evenly sized cubes work best for consistent cooking and tenderness.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning on the grill.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, modify the amount of sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier according to your taste preference.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken skewers?

Steamed rice, fresh salads, or lettuce wraps complement the flavors and round out the meal nicely.

→ Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

Absolutely, swap regular mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise to make the sauce dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.