Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Printable version)

Tender grilled chicken cubes coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce with a smoky paprika touch.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken Skewers

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 8 wooden or metal skewers

→ For the Bang Bang Sauce

08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon honey
12 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
13 - Pinch of salt

→ For Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or scallions
15 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
16 - Lime wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
03 - In a large bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.
05 - Grill chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
06 - While chicken is grilling, whisk together all Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
07 - Once skewers are done, brush or drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in literally two minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • These skewers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day, if there are any leftovers
02 -
  • Don't skip the smoked paprika because it's what gives you that grilled flavor even if you're using a grill pan indoors
  • The sauce thickens as it sits, so add a teaspoon of water if it's too thick to drizzle
03 -
  • Don't overcrowd the grill or the chicken will steam instead of getting those beautiful char marks
  • Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute