These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are deliciously crispy and packed with flavor! The chicken is marinated and grilled, giving it a tasty twist that’s hard to resist.
Kids and adults love these skewers! I like to serve them with a side of rice and some veggies for a fun and colorful dinner. Trust me, everyone will go back for seconds! 🍗🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but thighs give a juicy and flavorful result. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, you can even use tofu or shrimp as a substitute.
Cornstarch: This helps create a nice crispy coating on the chicken. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but it may not be as crispy. Gluten-free folks can use arrowroot powder instead.
Mayonnaise: It’s a key ingredient for the Bang Bang sauce, providing creaminess. If you’re avoiding mayo, try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a similar texture. This keeps it light and zesty!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a sweet flavor to the dish. If it’s not available, make a simple mix of sugar and hot sauce instead, adjusting to taste.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked on Skewers?
Cooking chicken evenly on skewers is essential. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This way, they’ll cook at the same time.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently for an even golden color.
- For grilling, ensure your grill is preheated, and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Your chicken should be golden brown and cooked through but still juicy. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep, plus around 10-15 minutes for cooking. If you soak the skewers ahead of time, it’s a quick and easy dinner option that’s ready in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning while you cook the chicken.
2. Coat the Chicken:
In a bowl, take your chicken cubes and toss them with cornstarch until they’re all well coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer grilling, thread the chicken onto the skewers and grill them until cooked through.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. This will create your delicious Bang Bang sauce!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is cooked, thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. You can serve them as is or brush them generously with your Bang Bang sauce.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Garnish the skewers with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are best served hot with your favorite sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first! The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight, or you can quickly place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. These alternatives will still give you a creamy texture while keeping the flavor delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it with cornstarch in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days! Just give it a stir before using.
