Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Printable version)
Marinated chicken skewers grilled and drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce.
# What you need:
→ For the Chicken Skewers
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1 tablespoon honey
07 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes, or metal skewers
→ For the Bang Bang Sauce
10 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, adjust to taste
13 - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
15 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or scallions
17 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
18 - Lime wedges
# How To:
01 - In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
04 - Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and has slight char marks on the edges.
05 - Arrange the grilled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or scallions and sesame seeds. Serve accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The bang bang sauce walks that perfect line between sweet, creamy, and fiery, and you will want to put it on everything.
- These skewers come together fast enough for a weeknight dinner but look impressive enough for a backyard gathering.
02 -
- Soak wooden skewers for a full thirty minutes or they will burn before the chicken is done.
- Do not rush the marinade time because even an extra ten minutes makes the chicken noticeably more flavorful.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the sauce clings instead of sliding off.
- Make double the bang bang sauce because someone always asks to take the extra home.