Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Prepare to ignite your taste buds with a flavor explosion! These aren’t your average grilled chicken skewers; they’re a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will leave you craving more. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly charred and coated in a creamy, vibrant sauce that delivers a delightful kick.

Bang Bang Chicken, while often associated with Chinese-American cuisine, draws inspiration from Sichuan flavors. The “bang bang” refers to the method of tenderizing the chicken – traditionally, it was beaten with a mallet to create a more delicate texture. While we’re skipping the mallet for these skewers, we’re certainly not skimping on the flavor!

What makes Bang Bang Chicken Skewers so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The slight char from the grill gives the chicken a smoky depth, while the creamy, tangy sauce provides a luscious coating. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile – perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a main course served with rice and vegetables. Plus, these skewers are surprisingly easy to make, making them a weeknight winner. Get ready to experience a flavor sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed peanuts
• Other:
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
• Vegetable oil, for grilling or pan-frying

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.
2. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: After the chicken has marinated, thread the cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Make sure the chicken is securely on the skewer to prevent it from falling off during grilling or pan-frying.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount of sriracha and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but I find that chilling the sauce enhances its flavor and texture.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers:

You have two options for cooking the chicken skewers: grilling or pan-frying. Both methods work well, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and equipment.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
3. Baste with Bang Bang Sauce (Optional): During the last few minutes of grilling, you can baste the chicken skewers with some of the Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor. Be careful not to baste them too early, as the sauce can burn easily.
4. Remove from Grill: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-Frying Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pan-Fry the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Baste with Bang Bang Sauce (Optional): During the last few minutes of pan-frying, you can baste the chicken skewers with some of the Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor. Be careful not to baste them too early, as the sauce can burn easily.
4. Remove from Pan: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Arrange the Skewers: Arrange the cooked chicken skewers on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce: Generously drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the chicken skewers. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish the skewers with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts for added flavor and visual appeal.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers immediately while they are still warm and the sauce is fresh. They are delicious as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually.
• Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just make sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian option, you can use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cut the tofu or tempeh into 1-inch cubes and marinate them in the same way as the chicken.
• Air Fryer: You can also cook the chicken skewers in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken skewers and the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the skewers and drizzle them with the sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with rice, noodles, or a salad for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to a party platter or buffet.
• Peanut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, you can omit the crushed peanuts or substitute them with other toppings, such as chopped cilantro or toasted coconut flakes.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and sweet chili sauce.
• Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Detailed Explanation of Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts:

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they are lean and cook quickly. However, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

Soy Sauce:

Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the chicken marinade. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Rice Vinegar:

Rice vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the chicken marinade and the Bang Bang sauce. It also helps to tenderize the chicken. You can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.

Cornstarch:

Cornstarch helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken when it’s cooked. It also acts as a thickening agent for the marinade. You can substitute

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are truly a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, that creamy, spicy, slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce, and the satisfying char from the grill (or pan!) makes this recipe a total winner. I genuinely believe this will become a regular in your meal rotation, and for good reason. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a weekend barbecue, and universally loved by just about everyone who tries it.

Why is this a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, these skewers are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. Want more heat? Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of sriracha. It’s all about making it your own!

But the real magic lies in the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers themselves. The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful. And that sauce? Oh, that sauce! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet, coating the chicken in a luscious glaze that will have you licking your fingers clean. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra – it’s fantastic on everything!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless! Serve these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A side of steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian slaw complements the flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, try wrapping the chicken in lettuce cups with some shredded carrots and cucumbers.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:

* Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers: Substitute the chicken with large shrimp for a seafood twist. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp!
* Bang Bang Tofu Skewers: For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water. Marinate and grill as directed.
* Bang Bang Veggie Skewers: Thread a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto skewers and brush with the Bang Bang sauce before grilling.
* Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Chop the cooked chicken and serve it in a bowl with rice, your favorite veggies, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy these delicious skewers! I’ve even used the Bang Bang sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and egg rolls – it’s that good!

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals.

Now it’s your turn! I’m so excited to see what you create. Once you’ve made these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served them with, and what your family and friends thought. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from you! Happy cooking!