Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Bold Flavor on a Stick

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of smoky grilled chicken, creamy sweet-heat sauce, and easy-to-serve presentation. Inspired by the wildly popular bang bang sauce made famous in Asian-American fusion cuisine, this recipe transforms simple chicken skewers into a crave-worthy dish that works equally well as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or summer grilling favorite.

What makes bang bang chicken so irresistible is the balance of flavors. The sauce blends mayonnaise for richness, sweet chili sauce for mild sweetness, sriracha for heat, and lime juice for brightness. When brushed over juicy grilled chicken, the result is bold, layered flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

These skewers are ideal for anyone looking for high-impact flavor with minimal prep, and they adapt easily to ovens, grills, or air fryers. Whether served at a backyard cookout or meal-prepped for the week, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers deliver consistent results every time.

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Why Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Are So Popular

Bang bang sauce has become a staple in modern kitchens because it hits all the major taste notes: creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy. When paired with chicken skewers, it creates a dish that feels indulgent but remains approachable and versatile.

Skewers also offer built-in portion control and quick cooking times. The exposed surface area allows the sauce to caramelize slightly during cooking, enhancing flavor while keeping the chicken moist inside.

Another reason these skewers stand out is their adaptability. They can be grilled outdoors, baked indoors, or even pan-seared when time is limited. This flexibility makes them a dependable recipe year-round.

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Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2–3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes for best flavor.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Reserve half the sauce for serving.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Skewers:
   Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
5. Sauce and Finish:
   Brush the cooked skewers generously with bang bang sauce during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve:
   Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with remaining sauce on the side.

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Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Space allows caramelization instead of steaming.
• Adjust heat level: Reduce sriracha for mild or increase for extra spice.
• Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay extra moist if preferred.
• Soak wooden skewers: Prevent burning by soaking for 30 minutes.

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Variations

• Air Fryer Version: Cook at 380°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven-Baked: Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes.
• Shrimp Bang Bang Skewers: Substitute chicken with jumbo shrimp.
• Low-Carb Option: Use sugar-free chili sauce and keto mayo.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with jasmine rice, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or inside lettuce wraps. They also pair well with Asian slaw or cucumber salad for contrast.

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Cultural Context & Fun Fact

The term “bang bang” originated from Sichuan-style dishes where chicken was traditionally tenderized by pounding. Modern bang bang sauce evolved in Western kitchens into a creamy, chili-based condiment that’s now a fusion favorite.