Bang bang chicken skewers thread seasoned chicken cubes onto skewers, bake or grill them, then brush on a mayo-sweet-chili-sriracha sauce, ready in about 25 minutes. Brushing the bang bang sauce onto the chicken only after it's fully cooked, rather than marinating in it beforehand, keeps the sauce's texture and flavor bright rather than cooking off in the oven or on the grill.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat grill.
- Season chicken pieces with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Bake or grill for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
- Brush or drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken skewers.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Adjust sriracha for spice level.
- Air fryer option: cook at 190°C for 12–15 minutes.
- Do not overcook to keep chicken juicy.
- Serve with rice or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 serving
- Calories
- 420
- Sugar
- 6 g
- Sodium
- 480 mg
- Fat
- 22 g
- Saturated Fat
- 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 15 g
- Trans Fat
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Protein
- 38 g
- Cholesterol
- 90 mg
Why you'll love this
- Seasoning the chicken directly with oil and dry spices before skewering means the surface is already flavorful before the sauce is even added, so the dish isn't relying on the sauce alone for taste.
- Turning the skewers halfway through baking or grilling, as the instructions specify, ensures even browning on all sides rather than one side cooking faster than the other.
Tips for the best result
- Soak wooden skewers in water before threading the chicken, as the ingredient list specifies, so they don't burn or char in the oven or on the grill.
- Adjust the sriracha for spice level, per the recipe's own notes, since the sauce's heat is easy to scale up or down to taste.
Troubleshooting
The wooden skewers burned or charred.
This means they weren't soaked long enough beforehand. Soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken next time.
The chicken dried out.
Don't overcook, as the recipe's own notes specify, and check for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested time, since exact timing depends on cube size and oven or grill heat.
Chicken is coming out dry.
you’re likely overcooking it. Chicken breast only needs about 8-10 minutes on the grill until it reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer eliminates guesswork.
Store the chicken and sauce separately if possible, brushing on fresh sauce when reheating for the best texture.
The recipe's own notes suggest green onions and sesame seeds as garnish, with rice or salad alongside.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is bang bang sauce?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It originated in Chinese restaurants and has become wildly popular for its perfect flavor balance.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead. Just store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How can I make these skewers less spicy?
Reduce or omit the sriracha and add more mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of honey to balance the heat with sweetness.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter version. You can also use sour cream or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I cook Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Save this recipe for later
Keep this recipe handy when you are planning another chicken dinner.
Save on Pinterest