A Spicy, Creamy Summer Skewer That Steals the Show
There’s a certain joy in finding a recipe that checks all the boxes—fast, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing. The Best Quick Bang Bang Chicken Skewers do exactly that. This dish combines tender grilled chicken with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s bold yet beautifully balanced. It’s an American twist on Asian-inspired flavors that has earned a permanent spot in my summer rotation.
Growing up in a household where grilling was a weekend ritual, I learned early that the key to an unforgettable skewer lies in the sauce. My grandmother, with her affinity for punchy flavors, used to whip up the most tantalizing condiments using pantry staples. Inspired by her approach, I developed this Bang Bang sauce—zesty, velvety, and so good you’ll want to slather it on everything. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or need a quick weeknight dinner idea, these skewers will not disappoint.
Table of Contents
Why These Are the Best Quick Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
This recipe isn’t just quick—it’s also versatile and incredibly satisfying. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Speedy Cooking: Less than 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Addictive Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is a show-stealer—creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet.
- Perfect for Grilling: Summer’s best friend, these skewers thrive over a flame.
- Customizable: Great with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even veggies for a meatless option.
- Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids (with heat adjustments), bold enough for adults.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5” cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Zest of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Scallions, finely sliced
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Skewers
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add another squeeze of Sriracha; for extra tang, increase the vinegar slightly. Set aside, or refrigerate if prepping ahead.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread 4–5 chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side. During the last few minutes, brush some of the Bang Bang sauce over the skewers for a rich, caramelized glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once grilled, arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Serve with lime wedges for that extra zing.
Make It a Meal: Serving Ideas
While the Best Quick Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are stunning on their own, here are a few pairing suggestions to turn your meal into a true summer feast:
- Coconut Rice: Its subtle sweetness complements the spicy sauce.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices: Add a smoky-sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
- Crunchy Slaw: A tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with lime vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Chilled Noodle Salad: With cucumber, sesame, and a soy dressing for an Asian-inspired side.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Leftover chicken skewers and sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to retain texture. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the chicken.
- Freeze: Marinated (raw) chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
Recipe Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute shrimp, tofu, or pork for the chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat.
- Low-Carb Sauce: Use a keto-friendly sweetener and sugar-free chili sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper or use a spicy chili garlic sauce for more heat.
Tips for Perfect Skewers Every Time
- Even Sizing: Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking.
- Marinate Ahead: Longer marination deepens flavor.
- High Heat = Better Sear: Preheat your grill thoroughly for optimal char.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space the chicken pieces on skewers slightly for full exposure to heat.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Summer Recipe
There’s a reason this dish is called the Best Quick Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. It hits every high note—speed, flavor, presentation, and ease. Whether you’re grilling on a weeknight or preparing a backyard spread for friends, these skewers bring big flavors with minimal effort.
Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, they’re also an introduction to bold, Asian-inspired tastes that are surprisingly simple to recreate. Add this to your regular summer lineup, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested recipe at your table.
Best Quick Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Spicy, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, these grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are your next summer BBQ favorite.
- Grill
- Mixing Bowl
- Skewers
- Tongs
- Basting Brush
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 lime zest (from 1 lime)
- chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- lime wedges (for serving)
- toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, vinegar, and lime zest to create the Bang Bang sauce.
Thread the chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes on each side. Baste with sauce in the last 2 minutes.
Serve hot, drizzled with more sauce and garnished with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing Sriracha. Can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place skewers on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
2. Is Bang Bang sauce gluten-free?
Check your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha for gluten-containing additives. Many brands are gluten-free, but always read labels.
3. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or vegan mayo are great substitutes for a lighter or dairy-free version.
4. How can I make the skewers kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the Sriracha in the sauce and serve extra sauce on the side.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and the sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
6. Do I need to soak the skewers?
If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
Serving Ideas
These skewers pair great with tropical or grain-based sides. Try them over a coconut rice base like our Hawaiian Chicken Coconut Rice or alongside fresh fruit salad for a cooling balance.
For an avocado-forward combo, serve them with this Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack that brings creamy freshness to balance the heat.
Make It a Summer Feast
Planning a grill night or dinner party? Add variety with:
- Jalapeño Peach Chicken: Fruity heat with a Southern flair.
- Hot Honey Feta Chicken: A sweet-spicy profile topped with creamy feta.
- BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls: Hearty and meal-prep friendly.
