If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors and irresistible textures, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Juicy, tender chicken cubes are marinated to perfection, grilled to achieve that delightful char, and paired with a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this dish hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of heat, tang, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key to creating these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of taste and texture—from the tender chicken and zesty marinade to the creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1-inch pieces for quick grilling and perfect tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a slight coating on the chicken to lock in moisture.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Brings a fresh, warming spice that’s essential for the marinade’s complexity.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic pungency that complements the ginger perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the spicy mayo sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: Gives the spicy mayo that vibrant, tongue-tingling spice; adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to balance richness in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Brings umami to the sauce, enhancing overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Offers a touch of natural sweetness to mellow the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a pop of heat for those who like it extra spicy.
- Bamboo skewers, soaked: Prevents burning while grilling and makes presentation fun.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For brushing the grill to prevent sticking and keep chicken juicy.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish adding crunch and color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty flavor and lovely visual appeal.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with great flavor but also ensures juiciness once grilled. Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl. This creamy sauce brings together a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that pair wonderfully with the grilled chicken. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve to enhance the flavors even more.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
After soaking your bamboo skewers to prevent burning, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto them, leaving a little space between each piece. This spacing promotes even cooking and allows the smoky grill flavor to reach all sides.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil too, which helps with charring and keeps the meat moist during the grilling process.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to get beautiful char marks and even cooking. The chicken should be perfectly cooked and juicy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma at this point is downright irresistible!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled, serve the skewers immediately with generous dollops of the Bang Bang sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flavor boost and a stunning presentation.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions add a crisp bite and vibrant color, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives a delightful nuttiness that complements the spicy mayo perfectly. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from delicious to downright unforgettable.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even a simple slaw to balance the rich, spicy flavors. Pick any of these to round out your meal and keep your taste buds dancing.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or alongside some vibrant pickled vegetables? You can also offer the spicy mayo and chili sauce on the side in small bowls for dipping, giving everyone a chance to customize their heat level and enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo sauce separate to maintain its freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated chicken cubes before grilling by placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. For cooked skewers, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the skewers on a grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that delicious grilled texture. Reheat the sauce gently or serve it chilled as a dip.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, making them a great alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a balanced heat from sriracha and chili sauce, but you can easily tone it down or pump up the spice by adjusting these ingredients to suit your taste. The red pepper flakes are optional for extra kick.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in your oven. Just be sure to watch closely for charring and cook evenly by turning the skewers frequently.
Is soaking the bamboo skewers necessary?
Soaking prevents the skewers from burning on the grill and helps keep their strength when threading the chicken. It’s a simple step with great payoff in presentation and safety.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the spicy sauce?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute works well and still creates that creamy, tangy base for the Bang Bang sauce.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong making the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers excitement at every bite with its juicy grilled chicken and that luscious, spicy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and possibly some happy dancing around the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite!
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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo and Chili Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled chicken dish, marinated in a tangy soy and ginger mixture, then served with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious 30-minute meal, these skewers offer a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of texture and color.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Grilling and Garnish:
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for grilling
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat and oil the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil to enhance grilling and create a crispy exterior.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 8-10 minutes total, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, serve hot with the chilled Bang Bang sauce on the side, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe works well on a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
