Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Name: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cubed); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ cup light mayonnaise; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 pinch kosher salt; sesame seeds (optional, to sprinkle)

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These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are sweet, smoky, and always a hit. I like using a mix of chicken breast and thighs so you get both lean and juicy pieces. Everything gets coated in a simple homemade Bang Bang sauce that adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender.

Bang Bang Chicken skewers on a round white plate.

I’m always looking for easy, delicious marinades for grilling season. Using homemade Bang Bang sauce for marinating chicken chunks is my latest favorite! The yogurt keeps the meat so juicy and tender, while the sriracha and sweet chili sauce are quick wins for flavor. Keep things simple with just chicken, or add some colorful veggies to the skewers for a nutrient boost.

Looking for more flavorful chicken skewers? Try my BBQ Chicken Skewers and Lemon Chicken Skewers.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Intermediate

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Ingredients Needed

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. The full quantities can be found in the recipe card further down the post.

ingredients for Bang Bang chicken skewers.

Boneless, skinless chicken: Both breast and thighs are used for a combo of lean, firm protein and tender, juicy meat.
Light mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps the chicken caramelize when grilled. Full-fat mayonnaise can be used for a richer finish.
Plain Greek yogurt: Helps to tenderize the chicken as it marinates while keeping the sauce creamy.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a gentle heat and sweet-sour flavor that’s key to the bang bang sauce. If you don’t have any, increase sriracha and honey to 3 tbsp each.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper
Sriracha: Feel free to reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.
Honey: Balances the creaminess and heat in the bang bang sauce. Agave nectar also works well.
Rice vinegar: Brings acidity that cuts through the creamy mayo and yogurt. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar also works well.
Sesame seeds: A delicious optional sprinkle that adds a toasty flavor to the skewers.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

process shot to make the dressing got the chicken and then marinating the chicken bites.

Step 1: In a small bowl whisk all the ingredients for the bang bang sauce.

Step 2: Reserve ½ cup in a separate bowl. This will be your dipping sauce. The remaining sauce will be used for marinating. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken.

Step 3: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss with the marinade portion of the sauce. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes (up to 4 hours max).

process shot to add the chicken onto skewers and then cooking in a skillet.

Step 4: Alternate the marinated breast and thigh pieces on skewers for flavor contrast.

Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side. If you use the oven, bake at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Broil for the last 2 minutes for char.

Step 6: Once cooked, lightly brush the skewers with a thin layer of reserved sauce.

Step 7: Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Variations & Tips

Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks, so they all cook at the same rate.
Soak wooden skewers in a tray of water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This prevents them from burning.
Make sure you preheat and oil the grill or grill pan before adding the skewers. This will prevent them from sticking.
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is done. It’s safe to eat once the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Letting the meat marinate for longer will help the marinade flavors infuse into the meat while tenderizing it.
Alternate pieces of chicken with veggies like broccoli, peppers, zucchini, or snap peas on the skewers.
Make it dairy-free by swapping the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt.
Swap the chicken for peeled, deveined jumbo shrimp.

Grilled bang bang chicken skewers on a white plate on a wooden board.

Common Questions

How do I store it?

Allow cooked skewers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the dipping sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the cooked, cooled skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Freezing the dipping sauce is not recommended.

How do I reheat it?

Reheat skewers in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat until piping hot.

Can I use all Breast meat?

Yes, you can use all chicken breast (or all chicken thigh). Thighs tend to stay moist as they’re harder to overcook, whereas breast is leaner.

What is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, mildly hot, and sweet dip usually made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and vinegar. It has an American-Chinese flavor profile and is perfect for serving with fried or grilled fish, seafood, and meat.

Can I use only chicken thighs?

Yes. You can use just chicken thighs if that’s all you have on hand. Try to trim some of the fat to keep the fat content on the lower side.

More Grilling Recipes

Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rating below.