Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Delicious & Easy!

Searching for a dish that’s both effortless to make and guaranteed to wow your guests? Something perfect for a sunny barbecue, a cosy family dinner, or as the centrepiece of a party buffet? Look no further. We’re here to walk you through making the most tender, flavourful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers you’ve ever had. Prepare to indulge in a sweet-meets-spicy, luxuriously creamy delight that’s simply impossible to resist.

This recipe is not just a meal, It celebrates the joy of cooking. It’s the satisfying sizzle on the grill, the beautiful aroma that fills your home, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take their first delicious bite. Let’s begin!

What Exactly is Bang Bang Chicken?

Before we explore the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand its intriguing name. “Bang Bang” has its roots in a traditional Szechuan street food dish from China known as “Bang Bang Ji.” The name is said to come from the sound of the wooden mallet, or ‘bàng’ (棒), which was used to beat the chicken, making it exceptionally tender and perfect for absorbing the flavourful sauce. You can delve deeper into its interesting origins with culinary resources like Serious Eats.

While the classic preparation involves poached chicken, the Western interpretation of the “Bang Bang” flavour we adore today is defined by its sauce. This sauce blends creamy mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce and a subtle kick of sriracha heat. This incredible sauce is what elevates simple chicken to a whole new level.

Why We Absolutely Love These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

We have prepared this dish countless times, and it always gets rave reviews. Here is why we are confident it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen as well:

• An Explosion of Flavour: The marriage of the juicy, marinated chicken with that signature creamy and spicy sauce is truly a match made in heaven.
• Effortlessly Simple: With straightforward instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is brilliant for cooks of all skill levels. It’s ideal for a speedy mid-week meal.
• Wonderfully Versatile: Present them as a starter, a main dish, or as part of a larger spread. They are a surefire success at barbecues and parties, making them the ultimate easy party food.
• Make It Your Own: You have complete control! The spiciness of the sauce can be easily tweaked to your preference, and we provide several cooking methods to match your kitchen appliances.

Ingredients for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The secret to a great dish always begins with good ingredients. For this recipe, we have split the list into two parts: the chicken and its marinade, and of course, that show-stopping sauce.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• A pinch of salt and black pepper

For the Incredible Bang Bang Sauce

• 150g good-quality mayonnaise
• 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 1-3 tsp sriracha (or other hot sauce, adjusted to your taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp lime juice

A Visual Guide: How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

There’s nothing quite like watching a recipe come to life! We recommend watching this brilliant video to see the whole process. It’s a great confidence booster before you head to the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Skewers

Are you ready to make some kitchen magic? Just follow our simple, step-by-step guide to ensure you get perfect skewers every single time.

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

The first step to achieving succulent, tasty chicken is the marinade. Please don’t be tempted to miss this part—it truly elevates both the texture and the flavour!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper until combined.
2. Place the cubed chicken in the bowl and mix gently, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 35 minutes so the flavors can fully mingle.
4. For a deeper flavor, let it sit for 4 hours, if you have time.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken marinates, take a moment to whip up the sauce—it’s so tasty you’ll want to put it on everything.

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until well mixed.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until your sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. We suggest starting with 1 teaspoon of sriracha, then tasting. If you prefer more heat, simply add more to suit your taste.
3. Incorporate the fresh lime juice and stir the sauce one last time to combine everything thoroughly. The lime adds a brilliant zestiness that balances the creaminess. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook Your Skewers

Now for the most exciting bit! If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This simple trick stops them from burning while you cook.

1. Gently thread the marinated pieces of chicken onto the skewers. Try not to pack them on too tightly, as leaving a little space helps them to cook through evenly. About 4-5 pieces per skewer is ideal.
2. Cooking Methods for Seasoned Chicken Skewers
   Grill (recommended): Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has attractive char marks.
   Oven: Preheat to 200 °C (392°F) or 180 °C with a fan. Lay the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until fully cooked.
   Air Fryer: Place the skewers in the basket (trim if needed) and cook at 190 °C (392 °F) for 10–12 minutes, turning midway, until they’re golden and done. Multiple cooking methods work well for these seasoned chicken skewers:
   • To grill (recommended): Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice char marks.
   • In the Oven:** Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F or 180°C for fan-forced). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them once halfway through.
   • In the air fryer, place the skewers in the basket, trimming them to size if necessary. Cook at 190°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Grilling method (favored): Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature. Cook skewers for around 5 minutes on each side until the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature with a pleasant grilling pattern.
4. Oven prep: Set the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Fahrenheit). Arrange the skewers on a baking tray coated with parchment and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping at the midpoint.
5. Air fryer option: Insert the skewers into the basket and cut any necessary pieces. Cook at a temperature of 190°C (392°F) for 10-12 minutes, then turn the heat up halfway through, until the temperature reaches golden brown and is completely cooked.
6. Once finished cooking, transfer skewers to a serving dish. Generously coat with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. For a finishing touch, add chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds as a garnish.

Our Top Tips for Success

• The Marinade is a Must: We cannot say this enough! Marinating is the secret to juicy, flavour-packed chicken.
• Remember to Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using bamboo or wood, soaking them first is crucial to prevent them from catching fire on the grill or in the oven.
• Keep an Eye on Cooking Times: Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked. Ensure it is fully cooked until it is opaque, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C.
• Customise the Sauce to Your Liking: The sauce is all about personal taste! Feel free to adjust the sweet and spicy elements to create your perfect creamy peanut sauce alternative that you and your guests will adore.

What to Serve with Your Skewers

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are exceptionally versatile. Enjoy them on their own as an appetiser, or create a satisfying meal by pairing them with one of these simple side dishes:

• A bed of fluffy rice: Simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the perfect companion for soaking up that extra sauce.
• A fresh, crisp side salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch and contrasts in flavors.
• Noodles: For a more substantial side, toss some cooked noodles with a dash of sesame oil and soy sauce.
• Steamed Greens: Tenderstem broccoli or pak choi complements the flavours beautifully.

And if you’re putting together a full menu, why not round things off with a simple and comforting dessert? We find that after such a flavourful main, a home-baked treat is just what’s needed. Our simple Banana Bread recipe is a timeless favorite and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea after dinner. For an even quicker treat, our 4-Ingredient Banana Bread is a real lifesaver!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Can these skewers be made ahead of time?

The chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours ahead of time. Make the sauce up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until needed. When ready to serve, just thread the skewers and cook them fresh.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is completely in your control. The sriracha adds a kick. We suggest starting with 1 teaspoon for a gentle warmth and then adding more until it’s just right for you. This makes it a wonderfully adaptable and family-friendly spicy chicken recipe.

Could I use a different protein?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe also works brilliantly with prawns (we recommend king prawns). Reduce the cooking time because they cook more quickly than chicken. It’s also lovely with firm tofu for a vegetarian alternative; just remember to press the tofu thoroughly first to get rid of any excess moisture.

What is the best way to store leftover food?

Refrigerate leftover skewers and sauce separately in airtight containers; they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The chicken is delicious, enjoyed cold in a salad or wrap the next day, or you can gently reheat it in the microwave or a low oven.

Get Ready to Wow Your Taste Buds!

So there we have it—a straightforward yet truly impressive recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that we’re sure will become a new household favourite. It’s the ideal balance of simple cooking and wonderfully bold flavours.

We truly believe that great food can unite people, and this recipe is a perfect example. So, go ahead and gather your ingredients, light up that grill, and prepare for a meal to remember.

We would be excited to see how yours turns out! Please give this recipe a try and be sure to leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Happy cooking!