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These spicy and saucy Bang Bang Chicken skewers are what I whip up when I want both comfort and a little kick at dinner time. Juicy, smoky chicken is paired with a creamy, zippy sauce and finished with herbs and lime for a meal that is always a hit at family cookouts or cozy nights in.
The first time I served this recipe for friends it disappeared before anything else on the table My kids now ask for it when they want “something spicy but not too much”
Ingredients
- Black pepper: freshly ground for a gentle heat boost buy whole peppercorns and grind fresh if you can
- Smoked paprika: gives the chicken a subtle smokiness Spanish paprika is especially nice
- Garlic powder: infuses savory depth choose a reputable brand for pure flavor
- Olive oil: helps the spices cling to chicken and keeps everything juicy use extra virgin for best taste
- Rice vinegar: adds a bright tang use unseasoned for cleanest flavor
- Honey: brings balance and caramelization real honey is best for drizzling
- Sriracha sauce: adds that signature punch use your favorite for consistent heat
- Soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness pick low sodium to control seasoning
- Chicken thighs or breast: juicy dark or leaner light meat both work buy quality chicken for tenderness
- Lime juice: wakes up the sauce fresh lime is worth the squeeze
- Sweet chili sauce: for mellow heat and a touch of sweetness try to find Thai brands for authentic taste
- Mayonnaise: creamy and rich use full fat for the silkiest result
- Lime wedges: for spritzing right before eating choose plump ones for max juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: classic garnish for brightness flat leaf parsley or fresh cilantro both shine
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a big mixing bowl combine soy sauce sriracha honey rice vinegar olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika and black pepper Whisk thoroughly so the marinade is smooth Toss in chicken pieces making sure every piece is evenly coated Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes and up to four hours Longer means more flavor
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Spoon mayonnaise into a bowl Stir in sweet chili sauce sriracha lime juice and honey if you want extra sweetness Whisk until perfectly smooth Cover and refrigerate until needed
- Thread the Skewers:
- If you use wooden skewers soak them in water for at least fifteen minutes so they will not burn Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers Leave a little space between each piece for even grilling
- Heat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high Brush or spray lightly with oil so the chicken will not stick Let it get hot before grilling
- Grill the Skewers:
- Lay the skewers on the grill turning every few minutes for an even char Cook for ten to twelve minutes until the meat is cooked through and the outside is lightly charred Brush generously with some bang bang sauce during the last minute for sticky flavor
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer hot skewers to a plate Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro Drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce and serve with lime wedges Squeeze lime over chicken just before eating to brighten the flavors
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The sweet chili sauce in this really makes the dish pop I first found my favorite brand at a local Asian grocery It adds a tangy spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors Every time I make these skewers I remember my little one racing to be first for the extra sauce
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken stays juicy for up to three days in the fridge Store in an airtight container and keep the bang bang sauce separate for topping right before serving Cold bang bang chicken is also tasty as a salad topper or stuffed in a wrap
Ingredient Substitutions
No rice vinegar on hand Use mild apple cider vinegar No sriracha Try sambal oelek for a chunkier hot sauce Any good mayonnaise works and both chicken thighs and breast turn out well even turkey breast for a lean twist
Serving Suggestions
Pile skewers over simple steamed rice or sesame noodles They are also great party appetizers just cut the chicken smaller and serve with toothpicks For a full meal round out with a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies
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Cultural Context
Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Sichuan street food where chicken is pounded then dressed in a flavorful sauce This version is a Western twist bringing the same sweet spicy tangy flavors with the ease of grilling and a creamy sauce on top
Recipe FAQs
- → Which chicken cuts give the best flavor?
Chicken thighs stay juicier and absorb the marinade well when grilled, but breast pieces work too if cut small for even cooking.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor, but if possible, let it soak up to 4 hours to really intensify the taste.
- → Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely. Use a hot grill pan on your stove to achieve nice char marks and caramelization on the chicken.
- → How do I ensure even cooking on skewers?
Thread the chicken pieces with a little space between them so the heat circulates and cooks each piece evenly.
- → What garnish works best?
Fresh parsley or cilantro and plenty of lime wedges keep each bite fresh and brighten the spicy-sweet flavors.