Save to Pinterest These Bang Bang chicken skewers deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. The chicken is marinated in garlic and soy sauce, then grilled to juicy perfection before being coated in the signature Bang Bang sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
The result is tender, slightly charred chicken with a rich, spicy-sweet glaze that hits all the right notes. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, fresh scallions, and optional cilantro, these skewers work beautifully as an appetizer or main course alongside jasmine rice and crisp vegetables.
The first time I made Bang Bang sauce, I accidentally doubled the sriracha and my husband spent the entire meal drinking milk while grinning like a maniac. Now Ive perfected the balance, and these skewers have become our go-to summer dinner.
Last summer, we served these at a backyard party and our friend who claims to hate spicy food went back for thirds. Theres something about the creamy heat that just keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work beautifully if thats what you have on hand
- Vegetable oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and keeps the chicken from drying out on the grill
- Garlic powder: Distributes more evenly than fresh garlic in this quick marinade
- Soy sauce: Use gluten-free if needed, it adds that essential umami depth
- Black pepper and salt: Simple seasoning that lets the sauce shine
- Mayonnaise: Creates that luscious creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: The secret ingredient that balances all that heat
- Sriracha: Adjust this to your spice comfort level
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to tame the fiery notes
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness with bright acidity
- Sesame seeds: That nutty crunch makes everything feel restaurant quality
- Scallions: Fresh onion flavor that pops against the rich sauce
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but adds such a lovely herbal finish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Toss cubes with oil, garlic powder, soy sauce, pepper, and salt until evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the sauce and soak those wooden skewers if youre using them.
- Thread and prep:
- Slide chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates. Fire up your grill to medium-high and let it get good and hot.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until youre seeing gorgeous char marks and the chicken is cooked through.
- Whisk the magic sauce:
- While grilling, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and irresistible.
- Sauce and serve:
- Brush those hot skewers generously with sauce, then hit them with sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro. Get them to the table while theyre still sizzling.
Save to Pinterest My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. Something about eating food on sticks makes everything feel more festive, even on a random Tuesday.
Making It Your Own
Ive made these with shrimp when we wanted something lighter, and honestly, the sauce works on just about anything. Cauliflower florets make an incredible vegetarian version that even the meat lovers will grab.
Sauce Secrets
Double the sauce recipe and keep it in your fridge for a week. I drizzle it on roasted vegetables, use it as a dip for sweet potato fries, and once even tossed it with cold noodles for an instant lunch.
What To Serve Alongside
These skewers shine alongside something cool and refreshing to balance the heat. Cucumber salad with rice vinegar, jasmine rice, or even lettuce cups for wrapping all work beautifully.
- Make extra sauce for dipping on the side
- Lime wedges add a bright finish right before serving
- Let guests add their own garnishes at the table
Save to Pinterest Theres nothing quite like standing around the grill with skewers in hand, sauce dripping everywhere, and everyone reaching for seconds.
Questions & Answers
- → What makes Bang Bang sauce unique?
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Bang Bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This creates a balanced sauce that's simultaneously rich, sweet, spicy, and tangy—perfectly coating grilled meats and vegetables.
- → Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
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Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Store the skewers covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. The sauce can also be whisked together beforehand and kept chilled for up to 3 days.
- → How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
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Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from charring on the grill. Alternatively, use metal skewers which eliminate this concern entirely.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
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Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade. Most mayonnaise and chili sauce brands are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you have severe sensitivities.
- → What proteins work well with Bang Bang sauce?
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While chicken thighs and breasts are classic choices, Bang Bang sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp, salmon, tofu, or cauliflower florets. Adjust cooking times accordingly and brush with sauce during the final minutes.
