Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring together juicy spice-kissed chicken with a creamy bang bang sauce you will crave every time the grill fires up. Slightly smoky and sweet with a tingly heat these skewers work as a memorable summer BBQ highlight or a crowd-pleaser for game day. Even on busy nights I love how it all comes together in under an hour with a handful of everyday ingredients.

I started making this for our backyard get-togethers and it instantly became the dish everyone hopes I bring. The creamy sauce gives just the right cool-down from the smoky heat so every bite is exciting.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: juicy and tender especially suited for the grill look for thighs with healthy color and minimal surface moisture
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: smoky depth with natural heat choose peppers that are plump and packed in a thick sauce
• Fresh lime juice: brings brightness and balances out sweetness buy limes that feel heavy for their size
• Fresh garlic cloves: adds real pungency crush or finely mince so it melts into the marinade
• Honey: a touch of sweetness to round out the spice use pure honey without added sugar
• Olive oil: adds moisture and helps marinade cling to the chicken use extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt and pepper: builds base seasoning freshly cracked pepper will give more aroma
• Mayonnaise: forms the rich base of the bang bang sauce choose a full-fat mayo for smoothness
• Sweet chili sauce: adds a tangy sweetness look for a thick vibrant sauce without too many thickeners
• Sriracha: offers customizable heat go mild or bold to fit your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Cut the chicken thighs into equal bite-sized chunks with a sharp knife aim for consistent sizing so they cook evenly

Make the Marinade:

Mix minced chipotle peppers lime juice garlic honey olive oil salt and pepper in a large bowl blend thoroughly for a paste-like consistency so flavors penetrate every piece

Marinate:

Toss chicken into the bowl and stir very well until every piece is coated cover and chill for at least thirty minutes to let the flavor soak in if you have time marinate up to four hours for maximum taste

Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and an extra squeeze of lime juice in a small bowl whisk until fully smooth and creamy taste and adjust the sriracha and lime for your heat and tang preference

Thread the Skewers:

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers pack them but do not squish too tightly for even cooking

Grill the Skewers:

Preheat your grill to medium-high oil the grates grill skewers for ten to twelve minutes turning every three to four minutes to create a charred crust while keeping the meat juicy chicken should be fully opaque with no pink at the center

Sauce and Serve:

Transfer cooked skewers to a platter drizzle or generously brush with bang bang sauce serve extra sauce on the side plus fresh lime wedges for squeezing

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The smoky chipotle flavor absolutely makes this special I love tasting the zing from fresh lime and a little heat from the sriracha The color and smell of the sauce as you whisk it together always reminds me of summer evenings with friends laughing around the grill

Storage Tips

Let leftover skewers cool then store the chicken in an airtight container You can keep them for three days in the refrigerator The bang bang sauce also holds well in the fridge for up to a week If you want to freeze the cooked chicken it works best without sauce added

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken breasts are a good swap for thighs just be careful to avoid overcooking or use firm tofu for a vegetarian version For a dairy-free sauce choose vegan mayonnaise and double check your chili sauce is egg free If fresh limes are out of season bottled lime juice works in a pinch

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Serving Suggestions

I usually pile these skewers on a platter over grilled vegetables or a simple rice bowl Extra sauce on the side gets devoured quickly Fresh sliced cucumbers or crunchy slaw cool things down I have even chopped up leftovers for lettuce wraps or salads

Cultural and Historical Context

Chipotle peppers bring their Mexican roots to the marinade lending smoky depth that hints at classic BBQ traditions Bang bang sauce is often tied to Asian American restaurant favorites but this version is tailored for grilling at home bringing together different flavor influences in a fresh new way

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these skewers their smoky flavor?

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a rich smokiness and gentle heat, and grilling enhances this flavor further.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used; just watch carefully during grilling to avoid overcooking and dryness.

→ Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sriracha. Start with less and add more to taste.

→ What sides go well with these skewers?

Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, salad, or warm flatbread for a balanced meal.

→ Can these skewers be made without a grill?

Absolutely! Bake them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Yes, vegan mayonnaise works well as a dairy-free substitute in the bang bang sauce.