Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Printable)
Marinated chicken skewers grilled and drizzled with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce; serves 4, gluten-free adaptable.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken Skewers
01 - 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
03 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
04 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
08 - 8 bamboo or metal skewers
→ Bang Bang Sauce
09 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
10 - 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
11 - 1 tbsp Sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
12 - 1 tsp honey
13 - 1/2 tsp lime juice
→ Garnish
14 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
15 - 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - If using bamboo skewers, submerge them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
04 - Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
05 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred with an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in about sixty seconds and you will want to put it on everything from tacos to rice bowls.
- Chicken thighs stay juicy even if you get distracted and overcook them slightly, which makes this wonderfully forgiving.
02 -
- Do not skip soaking bamboo skewers because dry ones catch fire faster than you would expect and that is a deeply stressful experience.
- Letting the chicken marinate for the full two hours transforms the flavor from good to unforgettable.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating so the soy sauce and sesame oil actually cling instead of sliding off.
- Turn the skewers only once during grilling because the best char happens when you leave them alone and let the heat do its work.