Get ready to elevate your grilling game with our irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe. These succulent chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, then grilled to juicy perfection and drizzled with a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, or weeknight dinners, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we dive into the world of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Skewers (soak in water if using wooden skewers)
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 cup mayo
- ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons honey
- 3 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then thread them onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush the marinade evenly over the chicken skewers, coating them well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Rotate the skewers occasionally for even cooking and to prevent them from burning.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha to taste, depending on your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for the chicken to make vegetarian Bang Bang Skewers. Marinate the tofu or vegetables in the same spice mixture and grill until tender.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sweet Thai chili sauce and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the soy sauce.
- Baked Version: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken skewers in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for a few minutes at the end for a crispy finish.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some tips to adapt this Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe:
- Low-Carb Sauce: Replace the honey in the sauce with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some sweeteners may be sweeter than honey.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Instead of traditional rice, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with cauliflower rice or a side salad to keep the meal low in carbs.
- Check Marinade Ingredients: Double-check the ingredients in the marinade to ensure they are keto-friendly and do not contain any hidden sugars or high-carb additives.
In conclusion, our Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner, or simply craving something flavorful and satisfying, these skewers are sure to hit the spot. With their tender, juicy chicken and spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation like no other. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken Skewers right in your own kitchen. Serve them up hot and watch as they disappear in record time!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for these skewers? A: Yes, you can use shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu instead of chicken for these skewers. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of protein you choose.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure it’s well mixed.
Q: How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce? A: The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go until you reach your desired level of heat.
Q: Can I grill the skewers indoors? A: Yes, you can grill the skewers indoors using a grill pan or an electric countertop grill. Make sure to preheat the grill pan or electric grill before cooking the skewers to ensure they cook evenly.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken skewers? A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken skewers for up to 3 months. Place the skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for long-term storage. Thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling as directed.