If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and irresistible creaminess, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. These tender, juicy chicken pieces are marinated and grilled to perfection, then generously slathered with a spicy, tangy mayo sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests who love a kick of heat, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes. Get ready to fall in love with a vibrant dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers sing with flavor. Each component plays a vital role — from tenderizing and seasoning the chicken to building a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for perfect bite-sized pieces that cook evenly on skewers.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the marinade, enhancing umami.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances richness and adds brightness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps lock in moisture and ensures a great texture after grilling.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty warmth that livens up every bite.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Delivers an aromatic punch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy mayo sauce that coats the skewers.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with a hint of sweetness and sticky texture.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha: Kicks up the spice level to give the sauce its signature bang.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Enhances the sauce’s umami dimension.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a more concentrated garlic flavor in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone wanting extra heat and a bit of crunchy texture.
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes: Prevents burning and makes grilling easier.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for grilling to keep the chicken moist and prevent sticking.
- Chopped green onions: For fresh, oniony garnish that pops visually and in taste.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch as a finishing touch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mix isn’t just about seasoning — the cornstarch helps create a tender outer layer that locks in juices during grilling. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak in all these delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want a more intense taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up the star sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. This spicy mayo sauce captures the essence of “bang bang” with creamy, sweet, and spicy layers that are perfectly balanced. Cover and chill the sauce until it’s time to serve.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the cubes onto your soaked bamboo skewers. Leaving a little space between each piece helps the heat circulate so they cook evenly and develop that beautiful grill char without steaming.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil for extra moisture and a lovely golden finish. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), resulting in juicy, tender bites with just the right amount of charred flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled, plate your skewers and generously drizzle them with the luscious spicy mayo sauce. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of freshness and texture. Now, sit back and savor every flavorful bite of this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes really elevate this dish visually and in taste. Chopped green onions bring a crisp, vibrant freshness that contrasts the creamy sauce perfectly. Toss on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the spicy mayo sauce. You can also add thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro for extra color and an herbal twist.
Side Dishes
These skewers are fantastic on their own but shine even more alongside complementary sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice or a cool Asian-style slaw with cabbage and carrots dressed in a light vinaigrette — the crispness cuts through the richness perfectly. Grilled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can refresh your palate between spicy, creamy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers as an appetizer on a platter lined with lettuce leaves — they double as natural wraps for a handheld bite. Alternatively, chop the grilled chicken and toss it into a vibrant salad or a rice bowl, drizzling the spicy mayo sauce all over. This recipe is versatile and lends itself to many creative presentations that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo sauce separate and drizzle fresh when ready to serve, so it stays creamy and fresh tasting.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken cubes before grilling. Place the skewered chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before grilling. The prepared sauce is best made fresh but can be stored frozen for short periods in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or use a grill pan for a quick reheat that revives that charred flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the chicken and affect the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and more juiciness, so feel free to swap in boneless, skinless thighs for an even more tender Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe.
How spicy is the sauce?
The sauce has a balanced kick from sriracha and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan over the stove. Just make sure to oil the pan and watch carefully to achieve that perfect char without burning.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the spicy mayo sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, providing tanginess and creaminess while keeping the sauce deliciously balanced.
Is it important to soak the bamboo skewers?
Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which also keeps the chicken flavorful and safe to eat. It’s definitely worth this simple extra step!
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is truly a game-changer if you love dishes packed with bold, lively flavors and a little heat. It’s approachable, quick to make, and perfect for any occasion that calls for finger-licking goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite as much as I do!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a deliciously spicy and creamy grilled chicken dish featuring tender marinated chicken cubes skewered and cooked to perfection over a hot grill. Coated with a vibrant, flavorful Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, and aromatic seasonings, these skewers make an irresistible appetizer or main course that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
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)
Additional Ingredients
- 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
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating of the chicken.
- Refrigerate the Chicken: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to let the flavors deepen.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Oil and Grill the Skewers: Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil and place them on the hot grill.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even char and cook through. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill, drizzle or dip in the Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by marinating the chicken and making the sauce in advance.
- For a healthier option, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Oven broiling can be used as an alternative cooking method if a grill is not available.
