Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The first time I made Bang Bang chicken skewers was for a backyard BBQ that almost got rained out. Something about that spicy-sweet sauce sizzling on the grill just makes everyone gather around, regardless of the weather. My friend took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe, which is basically the highest compliment you can get at a party.

I made these for my sister last summer when she was visiting from out of town. She is not someone who enjoys spicy food, but she could not stop eating them. Now she texts me every time she makes them for her own family, usually with a photo and a message about how much better hers turned out than mine.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Thighs stay juicier on the grill than breasts, but either works perfectly for these skewers
• Olive oil: Helps the spices cling and prevents sticking on the grill grates
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: This duo creates a subtle smoky backbone that plays nicely with the sauce
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the Bang Bang sauce so irresistible and rich
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds that signature Asian-inspired sweetness and glossy finish
• Sriracha: Start with one tablespoon and taste, you can always dial it up or down
• Honey: Balances the heat and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully on the grill
• Fresh cilantro or scallions: Bright herbs cut through all that creamy richness
• Toast sesame seeds: Do not skip these, they add the most incredible nutty crunch

Instructions

Prep your skewers:

Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes so they do not turn into charcoal on the grill

Fire up the grill:

Get it to medium-high heat, you want nice sear marks but not an inferno

Season the chicken:

Toss cubes with olive oil and spices until every piece is evenly coated

Thread them up:

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

Grill time:

Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until you see those gorgeous charred edges and the chicken reaches 165°F

Whisk the magic sauce:

Combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and salt until silky smooth

Sauce it up:

Brush or drizzle generously while the skewers are still hot so it melts into every crevice

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and sesame seeds, then serve with lime wedges for squeezing

Pin it

These skewers have become my go-to whenever I need to feed a crowd but still want to actually enjoy the party. Watching people reach for seconds and thirds before the platter even hits the table never gets old.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in ground ginger or onion powder for a slightly different flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is while still delivering that restaurant-quality taste every single time.

Serving Ideas

I love serving these over steamed jasmine rice or tucked into lettuce cups for a lighter take. The sauce works beautifully as a dip for raw veggies too, so do not be afraid to make extra.

Storage and Prep

You can assemble the skewers up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. The sauce keeps for a week in a sealed container, which means you are just a quick grill away from dinner anytime.

• Warm leftover skewers gently in the microwave or oven
• The sauce can double as a sandwich spread the next day
• Store extra sauce separately from cooked skewers to keep everything fresh

Pin it

There is something magical about food on a stick that makes everything taste better. These skewers bring people together in the best way possible.

Recipe FAQ

→ What parts of chicken work best for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes work well for even cooking and juiciness.

→ How do I prevent skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, varying the amount of sriracha in the sauce lets you control the heat level to your preference.

→ What is the ideal cooking temperature for chicken skewers?

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

→ Are there any good garnishes to pair with these skewers?

Chopped cilantro or scallions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh, nutty notes that complement the sauce well.