Save to Pinterest This dish features tender chicken pieces marinated with garlic powder and smoked paprika, threaded onto skewers, then grilled to perfection with a slight char. The skewers are generously coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs, it brings a balanced blend of heat, creaminess, and citrusy brightness. Ideal for easy weeknight meals or party servings, the chicken is juicy with well-layered flavors and simple prep.
Using a grill or grill pan, the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, retaining moisture and smoky edges. Adjust spice levels with sriracha to your liking. Serve with fresh lime wedges, steamed rice, or crisp lettuce wraps for a satisfying fusion experience with minimal effort.
The first time I made these for a summer cookout, my friend Sarah literally abandoned her burger to hover by the grill. That creamy, spicy-sweet sauce has a way of pulling people in. I've learned to double the recipe now because guests will inevitably ask for the sauce recipe. It's become the dish I'm most requested to bring to gatherings.
Last July, my neighbor leaned over the fence while I was grilling these and asked what smelled so incredible. I ended up passing three skewers through the fence to him. Now every time I fire up the grill, he jokingly asks if it's Bang Bang day. Food really does bring people together.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken: Thighs stay juicier on the grill, but breasts work perfectly if that's what you have on hand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices stick and prevents sticking to the grates
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes evenly better than fresh garlic for the spice rub
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives you that beautiful charred flavor even before the grill touches it
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the sauce creamy and rich
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The essential sweet element that balances the heat
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Start here and adjust to your spice tolerance
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds depth and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
Instructions
- Prep your skewers:
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes so they don't burn on the grill
- Season the chicken:
- Toss cubes with olive oil and spices until every piece is evenly coated
- Thread the skewers:
- Load chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking
- Fire up the grill:
- Get it to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook 5-7 minutes per side until internal temp hits 165°F and edges are nicely charred
- Make the magic sauce:
- Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and salt until smooth
- Sauce and serve:
- Brush generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime
Save to Pinterest My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. There's something about eating food off a stick that makes everything taste better to kids. We set up a little sauce bar with extra sriracha on the side for the brave ones.
Make Ahead Magic
I've started prepping the spice rub and sauce the night before. The chicken sits in the rub for a few hours which makes it even more flavorful. The sauce keeps in the fridge for a week, so I often make a double batch to use on everything from burgers to roasted vegetables.
Grill Alternatives
When winter hits or I don't feel like firing up the outdoor grill, I use my oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat. Broil 4-5 minutes per side and you'll get surprisingly similar results.
Serving Ideas
We've turned these into lettuce wraps for a lighter dinner and served them over fluffy jasmine rice when we want something hearty. The sauce is incredible drizzled over roasted sweet potatoes too.
- Make extra sauce for dipping vegetables
- Try cubed sweet potatoes on skewers alongside the chicken
- Cut leftover chicken into strips for rice bowls the next day
Save to Pinterest Hope these bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Happy grilling!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the skewers from burning?
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Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
- → What cut of chicken is best for quick grilling?
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes grill evenly and stay juicy.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
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Yes, vary the amount of sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier according to preference.
- → What sides pair well with these skewers?
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Steamed rice, fresh salad, or crisp lettuce wraps complement the skewers nicely, enhancing the meal's balance.
- → Is the sauce suitable for dairy-free diets?
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For a dairy-free option, substitute traditional mayonnaise with a vegan alternative in the sauce.
- → How long should chicken marinate for enhanced flavor?
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Marinating the chicken in the spice mixture for up to 2 hours intensifies its flavor before grilling.
