Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The smell of sweet chili sauce hitting hot grill still takes me back to my first apartment patio, where I discovered that Bang Bang sauce makes absolutely everything better. I'd originally planned to make plain grilled chicken for a Tuesday dinner, but a half-empty bottle of sweet chili sauce sitting on my counter changed everything. Now these skewers are my go-to whenever I need something that feels like takeout but comes together in under an hour.

Last summer I made these for my friend Sarah's backyard birthday, and honestly, I've never seen skewers disappear so fast. The kids were even fighting over the last pieces, which is basically the highest compliment possible. Sarah's husband texted me the next day asking for the recipe, claiming he'd dreamt about the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier on the grill, but breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps those spices stick and creates beautiful grill marks
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Onion powder works as a substitute in a pinch
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Regular paprika misses that subtle smoky depth
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the sauce creamy, but Greek yogurt adds a nice tang
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: This is the non-negotiable ingredient that defines Bang Bang flavor
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Start with less if you're sensitive to heat
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
• Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden ones for 20 minutes so they don't burn

Instructions

Prep your skewers:

If you're using wooden skewers, drop them in a bowl of water to soak while you prep everything else

Fire up the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan heating to medium-high so it's ready when you are

Season the chicken:

Toss those chicken cubes with olive oil and all the spices until every piece is evenly coated

Thread your skewers:

Slide the chicken onto skewers, leaving a tiny bit of space between pieces for even cooking

Grill to perfection:

Cook for about 6 minutes per side until you've got nice charred edges and the chicken reaches 165°F

Whisk the magic sauce:

While chicken cooks, stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until completely smooth

Sauce and serve:

Brush or drizzle that gorgeous sauce over hot skewers and top with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime

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These skewers have become my absolute favorite thing to bring to potlucks because they travel so well and reheat beautifully. Something about food on a stick makes people instantly happy, and when you add that creamy spicy sauce, it's basically guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap the sriracha for sambal oelek when I want a chunkier texture and slightly brighter heat. The recipe also works beautifully with shrimp, just reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side. For a lighter version, I've used half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt, and honestly, nobody noticed the difference.

Serving Ideas

These skewers are incredibly versatile on the table. I love serving them over coconut rice with extra sauce on the side, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. During summer, they're perfect alongside a cucumber salad and some grilled corn.

Storage and Prep

You can cube and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce keeps for a week in the fridge and actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld together. Leftover skewers reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

• Cut everything into uniform sizes so they cook at the same rate
• Double the sauce recipe and keep the extra for dipping later
• Let leftover chicken cool completely before refrigerating in a sealed container

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Hope these skewers become a staple in your rotation like they have in mine. There's something genuinely joyful about food that's this fun to eat and delicious to share.

Questions & Answers

→ How do I keep the chicken skewers moist while grilling?

Marinate the chicken cubes in olive oil and spices for up to 2 hours before grilling to enhance juiciness. Avoid overcooking and grill over medium-high heat for even cooking.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce can be mixed a few hours ahead and refrigerated to let the flavors meld, just give it a good stir before serving.

→ What alternatives can I use for wooden skewers?

Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Modify the amount of sriracha to suit your taste, starting with less and adding more for a hotter kick without overpowering the balance.

→ What side dishes complement these skewers well?

Steamed rice, fresh salads, or lettuce wraps pair beautifully, offering balance and refreshing contrast to the smoky, spicy skewers.