The moment I first tasted bang bang chicken skewers at a friend’s backyard gathering, I knew I had to recreate that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors at home. These bang bang chicken skewers have since become my signature dish—the one friends request by name whenever I’m hosting. What makes these skewers truly special is how the tender, juicy chicken absorbs the complex sauce, creating a multi-layered flavor experience with every bite. The gentle char from the grill or broiler adds a subtle smokiness that complements the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly, while the visual appeal of the glistening, sauce-coated skewers signals that something extraordinary is about to happen on your taste buds. Keep reading to discover how easily you can create this crowd-pleasing dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang bang chicken skewers solve the perpetual challenge of serving chicken that’s both flavorful and moist. Too often, chicken dishes end up bland or dry, but the marinade and cooking technique here ensure perfectly tender, flavor-packed results every time.
I remember the first time I served these skewers at my sister’s birthday celebration. My brother-in-law—a notoriously picky eater—initially refused to try them, claiming he “didn’t like spicy food.” After watching everyone else eagerly reach for seconds, curiosity got the better of him. That first hesitant bite turned into three full skewers and requests for the recipe!
Unlike traditional methods that require precise technique, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. The skewers cook quickly and can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining. They’re equally delicious hot off the grill or at room temperature, and the sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference.
What’s more, these bang bang chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, add them to a rice bowl, wrap them in flatbread with fresh vegetables, or place them atop a crisp salad for a complete meal. Now, let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to create these irresistible skewers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs are my preference for their natural juiciness and flavor, but breasts work wonderfully too. For the most tender results, ensure all pieces are cut to a uniform size (about 1-inch cubes).
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil): Helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promotes browning. Any high smoke-point oil works well here.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and umami. For gluten-free diets, tamari is an excellent substitute.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without overwhelming the sauce. Fresh minced garlic can be substituted (use 2 cloves), but powdered version prevents burning.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds subtle warmth and complexity. Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon) makes a more vibrant alternative.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Offers a distinct, gentle heat that complements the bang bang sauce. Black pepper can be substituted but will alter the appearance slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors. Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste.
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce. Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise adds extra richness if available, but any good-quality mayo works well.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat. Look for Thai brands for the most authentic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Delivers the signature heat. Adjust up or down depending on your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds silkiness and balances the heat. Agave nectar makes a good vegan alternative.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness. Apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy note. Lemon juice is an acceptable substitute, though slightly less authentic.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty flavor. This is worth seeking out, but can be omitted if unavailable.
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds freshness, color, and a mild onion flavor.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Provides visual appeal and subtle crunch.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional): Brings a bright, herbal note that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Lime wedges for serving: The fresh acidity balances the rich sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If using wooden skewers, place them in water to soak while you prepare the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Cut the chicken into even 1-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl.
- Add oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, white pepper, and salt to the chicken.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated. The chicken should look glossy and evenly seasoned.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil.
- Whisk until completely smooth and well-integrated. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-pink hue.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – for more heat, add sriracha; for more sweetness, add honey.
- Reserve half the sauce for serving, and set aside the other half for basting.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or set your oven broiler to high.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking. Each skewer should hold about 5-6 pieces, depending on size.
- For grilling: Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and you see nice grill marks.
- For broiling: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 4-5 inches from the heat source for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and begins to char slightly at the edges.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush the skewers with a portion of the reserved basting sauce to create a glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with the remaining sauce, allowing it to pool slightly on the plate. The texture creates perfect pockets to catch the flavorful sauce.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
- For an extra pop of flavor and heat, offer additional bang bang sauce on the side.
Variations
Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Substitute large shrimp (peeled and deveined) for the chicken. Reduce cooking time to approximately 2 minutes per side – shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This creates a lighter alternative that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Vegetarian Bang Bang Skewers
Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressed for 30 minutes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Alternatively, use cauliflower florets or king oyster mushrooms cut into chunks. For tofu, I recommend baking at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, before basting with the sauce.
Peanut Bang Bang Chicken
Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the bang bang sauce for a richer, more complex flavor profile reminiscent of Thai cuisine. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts for enhanced texture and nuttiness.
Coconut Bang Bang Skewers
Dip the marinated chicken in beaten egg, then in a mixture of unsweetened shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs before threading onto skewers. This creates a delightful tropical crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Grilled Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken
Alternate chicken pieces with fresh pineapple chunks on the skewers. The caramelized sweetness of the grilled pineapple complements the spicy sauce perfectly, creating a sweet-heat balance that’s irresistible.
Korean-Inspired Bang Bang Chicken
Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the bang bang sauce and substitute the sweet chili sauce with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This creates a deeper, more complex flavor with an authentic Korean twist.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
🔹 For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil avocado or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp white pepper or black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 8-10 skewers soak wooden ones for 30 min
🔹 For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise Japanese Kewpie preferred
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha adjust for heat preference
- 1 tbsp honey or agave for vegan option
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp sesame oil
🔹 For Garnish:
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves optional
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water.
- Pat the chicken dry and cut into cubes.
- In a bowl, mix chicken with oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, white pepper, and salt.
- Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Set aside half for serving, and use the rest for basting.
3️⃣ Assemble & Cook the Skewers
- Preheat grill to 400°F or set oven broiler to high.
- Thread chicken onto skewers, spacing pieces slightly.
- Grill: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Broil: Place skewers on a lined baking sheet, broil for 4-5 minutes per side.
- In the last minute, baste with reserved sauce.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Transfer skewers to a platter.
- Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and extra sauce on the side.
Notes
✔️ Vegetarian: Use tofu, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
✔️ Peanut Twist: Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to the sauce.
✔️ Grilled Pineapple: Alternate chicken with pineapple chunks.
✔️ Korean Flavor: Add 1 tbsp gochujang to the sauce.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bang bang chicken skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately. You can even cook the skewers a few hours before serving and reheat them gently in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Add the fresh garnishes just before serving for the best presentation.
How spicy are these bang bang chicken skewers?
As written, this recipe creates a medium heat level that balances well with the sweetness. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 1 teaspoon. For extra heat, increase to 3-4 tablespoons or add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken doesn’t dry out?
Three key tips: First, use chicken thighs for naturally juicier meat. Second, don’t overcook – remove the skewers as soon as they reach 165°F internal temperature. Finally, the initial marinade adds moisture, while the sauce coating helps seal it in during cooking.
Can I make these bang bang chicken skewers in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, arrange the skewers in a single layer (you may need to trim them to fit), and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then drizzle with additional sauce before serving.
Are bang bang chicken skewers gluten-free?
They can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check your sweet chili sauce labels, as some brands may contain gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What sides pair well with bang bang chicken skewers?
For a complete meal, I recommend coconut rice, a simple cucumber salad, or Asian-inspired coleslaw. They’re also wonderful served over a bed of mixed greens or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. For entertaining, pair with vegetable spring rolls or edamame.
Closing Thoughts
The first time I brought these bang bang chicken skewers to a neighborhood potluck, I watched as the platter emptied within minutes. My neighbor Maria—a skilled cook who rarely compliments others’ dishes—pulled me aside and asked for the recipe, confessing that they reminded her of a dish her mother made in the Philippines, but “with a wonderful modern twist.”
What I love most about these skewers is how they honor the traditions of Asian sweet-spicy-creamy flavor combinations while adapting to our contemporary needs for quick, adaptable recipes. The aroma will transform your kitchen into something special—a place where global flavors meet everyday convenience.
I hope you’ll make these bang bang chicken skewers your own, perhaps incorporating one of the variations or adjusting the heat level to suit your family’s preferences. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching someone take that first bite, seeing their eyes widen with pleasure, and knowing you’ve created something that brings pure joy to your table. Whether served as a quick family dinner or as the star of your next gathering, these skewers carry that rare combination of impressive flavor and effortless preparation that makes cooking such a rewarding experience.