Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The first time I made Bang Bang chicken, my neighbor actually leaned over the fence and asked what smelled so incredible. That creamy, spicy-sweet sauce has a way of calling people to the table like nothing else. Now it is the one recipe my friends specifically request for every summer gathering.

Last summer I made these for my sister's birthday and ended up grilling three batches because everyone kept grabbing them off the platter. There is something about food on a stick that makes people so happy, and when you add that sauce it becomes the kind of dish that disappears before you even sit down.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier on the grill but breasts work beautifully too, just do not overcook them
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the spices stick and prevents the chicken from drying out over high heat
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Use fresh garlic if you prefer but the powder distributes more evenly across all the pieces
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds that beautiful reddish color and a subtle smoky depth
• ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: The foundation that lets everything else shine
• 8 wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden ones for twenty minutes or they will burn on the grill
• ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the sauce so luscious and irresistible
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: You can find this in the Asian aisle, it adds that perfect sticky sweetness
• 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: A little acidity cuts through the richness and brightens everything
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to wake up all the flavors
• Fresh cilantro or scallions: These add a fresh pop against the rich sauce
• Toasted sesame seeds: Toast them in a dry pan for two minutes first, it makes a huge difference
• Lime wedges: That squeeze of bright acid at the end ties everything together beautifully

Instructions

Prep your skewers:

If you are using wooden skewers, drop them in a bowl of water to soak while you prep everything else, otherwise they will turn to charcoal on the grill.

Fire up the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan heating to medium-high, you want it nice and hot so the chicken gets those gorgeous grill marks.

Season the chicken:

In a large bowl, toss those chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is evenly coated.

Thread the skewers:

Slide the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving just a little space between them so the heat can circulate and cook everything evenly.

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until you see nice charred edges and the chicken reaches 165°F inside.

Make the magic sauce:

While the chicken grills, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and salt until completely smooth.

Sauce it up:

Brush or drizzle that beautiful sauce all over the hot skewers while they are still on the grill so it warms through.

Finish and serve:

Scatter fresh cilantro or scallions and those toasted sesame seeds on top, then serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Save

These skewers have become my go-to for bringing people together, whether it is a casual Tuesday dinner or a full blown party. There is something about eating with your hands and getting a little messy that just makes everything more fun and memorable.

Make Ahead Magic

You can cube and season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it marinating in the refrigerator. The sauce also keeps beautifully in a jar for about a week, so I usually double it and use the extra on sandwiches or roasted vegetables.

Grilling Without A Grill

When winter keeps me from using the outdoor grill, I broil these skewers in the oven on a foil-lined sheet pan. Keep them about 6 inches from the heating element and flip them halfway through for that charred effect.

Serving Suggestions That Work

I love serving these over steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that sauce, or wrapped in butter lettuce for a lighter take. They are also incredible alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

• Set out extra sauce on the table because people will want to double dip
• Cut the skewers into smaller pieces for appetizer portions
• Keep some plain grilled chicken aside for anyone who cannot handle the heat

Save

Hope these bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Happy grilling.

Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to reduce the risk of burning.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture compared to breasts.

→ How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce balances sweetness and heat from sriracha and sweet chili, but the spice level can be adjusted to taste.

→ What sides pair best with these skewers?

Steamed rice, fresh salads, or lettuce wraps complement the skewers beautifully for a complete meal.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?

Grill for 5–7 minutes per side until slightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).