Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Let’s be honest; there’s something undeniably fun—and downright delicious—about food on a stick. And if you’re after that perfect combo of juicy grilled chicken and bold, creamy flavor, this bang bang chicken skewers recipe is about to become your new favorite. As someone who’s spent years in the kitchen testing what really works for real-life meals, I can tell you this recipe hits that sweet spot between easy prep and big flavor.

Inspired by the wildly popular bang bang shrimp you’ve probably had at restaurants, this bang bang chicken skewers recipe takes the same sweet, spicy, creamy magic and wraps it around perfectly cooked chicken. That dreamy sauce—made from mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha—hugs every bite with just the right kick.

But here’s where this bang bang chicken skewers recipe really earns its keep: versatility. You can grill it for that smoky finish, roast it in the oven, or pop it in the air fryer when you need something fast and mess-free. It’s quick, affordable, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re feeding the family, entertaining friends, or just craving something better than takeout, this bang bang chicken skewers recipe brings the flavor—and a little bit of fun, to your table every single time.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe Stands Out

You’ve probably heard of bang bang chicken before, but here’s a little backstory that makes this dish even more intriguing; the original version hails from Sichuan cuisine in China, where the term “bang bang” comes from the sound of a wooden mallet used to tenderize the meat. It’s culinary percussion at its finest. That said, the version we’ve all come to crave here in the West leans more into flavor than folklore—and trust me, that’s not a bad thing.

This bang bang chicken skewers recipe celebrates that irresistible creamy-spicy-sweet combo we can’t get enough of. Think mayo for richness, sweet chili sauce for a touch of sugar, and sriracha to bring the heat. It’s a sauce that knows exactly what it’s doing—and when it’s brushed over juicy, perfectly cooked chicken skewers? Game over.

What I love most about this bang bang chicken skewers recipe is how insanely versatile it is. You can serve it up as:

• An easy-yet-impressive appetizer for your next gathering
• A crowd-pleasing main course alongside jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies
• The star of your summer BBQ spread
• A protein-packed addition to your weekly meal prep

Plus, these skewers play nicely with simple sides like cucumber salad, Asian-style slaw, or even plain steamed rice when you just want something light. Every bite delivers that signature bang bang flavor—creamy, spicy, and totally addictive, making this bang bang chicken skewers recipe a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, every single time.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
• Equipment
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret Brushstroke That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Your New Weeknight Showstopper
• Related
• Pairing
• Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs will be juicier)
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce (adjust for your heat preference)
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic powder

For Garnish:

• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, trying to keep them similar in size for even cooking.
2. In a medium bowl, mix vegetable oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the marinade, toss to coat well, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
2. Stir until completely blended and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more sriracha if desired.
4. Set aside about half the sauce for serving, and save the rest for basting.

Assemble and Cook the Skewers

For Grilling (Traditional Method):

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
3. Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or about 10-12 minutes total.
4. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush with some of the bang bang sauce.
5. Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Place assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the skewers.
4. Brush with bang bang sauce and bake for another 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

For Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Place skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch (you may need to cook in batches).
3. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip, brush with bang bang sauce, and cook for another 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Serve

1. Transfer the cooked bang bang chicken skewers to a serving plate.
2. Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce.
3. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Add fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Hints & Expert Cooking Tips

• Managing the heat; This bang bang chicken skewers recipe is designed to land right in the middle of the spicy spectrum. Want to make it kid-friendly or tame the fire? Scale the sriracha down to just a hint—about half a teaspoon will do the trick without sacrificing flavor.at could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
• Choose thighs for juicy results; If you want the most tender, flavorful skewers, go with chicken thighs. They hold up better on the grill and stay succulent, even if you slightly overcook them. Chicken breasts work too, but they’re less forgiving.
• Wooden skewer woes? Even after soaking, wooden skewers can char or splinter. Here’s a pro move; wrap the exposed ends in a bit of foil before grilling. It’s a simple trick that saves you from burnt tips.
• Grill marks 101; Tempting as it is to flip and fuss, let your skewers sit undisturbed for a solid 3 minutes on each side. That’s how you get those gorgeous sear lines and that grilled flavor we all love.
• Bang bang sauce feeling too thick? No worries. Just stir in a teaspoon of water or a squeeze of lime juice. This thins the sauce without compromising that signature zing.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications

Make It Lighter

Looking to cut a few calories without cutting corners on flavor? This bang bang chicken skewers recipe adapts beautifully:

• Swap in Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in your bang bang sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and offers a protein boost too.
• Choose chicken breast over thighs if you're aiming for a leaner cut; just be sure not to overcook, as white meat can dry out faster.

Make It Gluten-Free

This recipe is easy to adjust for a gluten-free lifestyle:

• Use tamari in place of soy sauce when making the marinade; it delivers the same umami depth without the gluten.
• Check your sweet chili sauce labels; many are gluten-free, but a few brands sneak in wheat ingredients, so it’s always best to confirm.

Flavor Twists

Want to switch things up and make this bang bang chicken skewers recipe your own? Try these delicious variations:

• Pineapple Bang Bang Skewers; Thread in chunks of fresh pineapple between the chicken pieces for a sweet, caramelized edge that plays beautifully with the sauce.
• Veggie Boost; Add color and crunch with bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion slices between chicken cubes.
• Spicy Mango Bang Bang; Stir in a couple of tablespoons of mango purée to the sauce for a tropical, sweet-heat fusion that’ll surprise and delight.

Make It Dairy-Free

Good news; this bang bang chicken skewers recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use regular mayo. Despite being creamy, mayonnaise is egg-based, not milk-based—so no adjustments needed unless you’re swapping in yogurt.

Equipment

To make the most of your cooking experience, the right tools go a long way:

• Meat Thermometer; Nothing beats an instant-read thermometer for making sure your chicken hits the safe and juicy 165°F mark—without drying it out.
• Skewers; Metal skewers are reusable, sturdy, and don’t require soaking. If using wooden ones, flat varieties are your best friend—they keep the chicken from spinning every time you flip.
• Grilling Gear; Long-handled tongs will protect your hands while giving you control over the flip.
• Basting Brush; A silicone pastry brush helps apply that luscious bang bang sauce evenly—and it’s a breeze to clean compared to bristle brushes.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Fridge Storage

Once cooked, these juicy skewers stay just as crave-worthy for a few days;

• Store your bang bang chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.
• Keep any extra bang bang sauce in a separate container; it holds up well in the fridge for up to 5 days and makes a great dip or spread even beyond the skewers.

Freezing Instructions

Planning ahead? This bang bang chicken skewers recipe lends itself well to freezer prep:

• Marinate your chicken and freeze it either on or off the skewers for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing them already assembled, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.
• A quick note on the sauce; skip freezing it. Because of the mayonnaise base, it can separate and lose its texture. It’s best to whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to serve.

Meal Prep Idea

• Love having a shortcut to a delicious dinner? Here’s how to make this recipe work even harder for you;
• Double your marinade batch and freeze half of the uncooked chicken. You’ll thank yourself later when all you have to do is thaw and grill.
• Make extra bang bang sauce and store it for the week—it’s a surprisingly versatile spread. Use it as a dipping sauce for veggie sticks, a drizzle for rice bowls, or even a creamy salad dressing with a spicy kick.

FAQ

Your New Weeknight Showstopper

If there’s one dish that never fails to impress while keeping things low-effort, it’s this bang bang chicken skewers recipe. Whether you’re whipping them up after a long workday or serving a tray at your next backyard get-together, these skewers strike that perfect balance between bold flavor and simplicity. The juicy, tender chicken kissed with that creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce? It’s one of those flavor combos that gets requested again and again around here.

And hey, if you’re the kind of cook who loves mixing things up (I see you!), you might also fall hard for my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—loaded with smoky, zesty goodness, or the hearty, flavor-packed Butter Chicken Rice for a cozy change of pace. But honestly, these skewers are the gateway dish; once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

Don’t be shy, make it your own! Try the pineapple twist, go veggie-heavy, or tame the heat for the kids. And if you give this bang bang chicken skewers recipe a go, drop me a comment. I’d love to hear your tweaks, your rave reviews, or even your cooking mishaps—we’ve all been there. Happy grilling, friend!

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe: