Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Printer-friendly)

Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled and drizzled with creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce — quick, great for BBQs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 8 bamboo or metal skewers

→ Bang Bang Sauce

09 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
10 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce, adjust to taste
12 - 1 teaspoon honey
13 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
15 - 1 spring onion, thinly sliced

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - If using bamboo skewers, submerge them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well blended. Set aside at room temperature.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Thread the pieces evenly onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
05 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and develops a nice char. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
06 - Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion. Serve immediately with any remaining sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce is absurdly addictive and you will want to put it on everything from rice to roasted vegetables.
  • It comes together in about half an hour, which means weeknight dinners feel special without any real effort.
  • The char on the grill paired with the cool heat of the sauce is the kind of contrast that makes people close their eyes when they take a bite.
02 -
  • Do not skip soaking bamboo skewers because they will ignite and you will be holding a torch instead of dinner.
  • Letting the chicken marinate for the full two hours in the fridge transforms the flavor from good to unforgettable.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the soy sauce and sesame oil actually coat the meat instead of sliding off on a layer of moisture.
  • Make double the bang bang sauce because running out halfway through is a genuine disappointment.