Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: A Flavor Explosion on a Stick

The Origins of Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce, which gives this dish its name, has its roots in Asian-inspired cuisine. Known for its balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess, this sauce is typically a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Its versatility makes it a favorite for dipping, drizzling, and marinating.

The term "bang bang" has a fun, energetic vibe, and it aptly describes the punchy flavor profile of the sauce. While its origins are debated, the sauce has become a staple in fusion cuisine, appearing in dishes like shrimp, cauliflower, and chicken skewers.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the chicken skewers:

• 1.5 pounds (700g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• Juice of half a lime
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken

   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

   Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking. Set aside half of the sauce for serving and use the other half for basting during grilling.

3. Assemble the Skewers

   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Skewers

   Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with a light layer of the Bang Bang Sauce to caramelize slightly.

5. Serve and Enjoy

   Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang Sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

Serve immediately with your favorite bang bang chicken skewers sides.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

1. Choosing the Chicken: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during grilling, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you’re catering to kids or those with milder palates, reduce the sriracha in the sauce. Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes for spice lovers.
3. Make Ahead: To save time, marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
4. Cooking Alternatives: No grill? No problem. You can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pairing Ideas

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

1. Rice or Noodles: For a hearty base, serve the skewers over jasmine rice, fried rice, or sesame noodles.
2. Salads: A crisp Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.
3. Veggies: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms make for a colorful and healthy side.
4. Dipping Sauce: For dipping, offer extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side, along with a cool ranch or yogurt-based dressing for contrast.

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is their adaptability. Whether catering to specific dietary needs, experimenting with new flavors, or switching up the protein, there are countless ways to make this bang bang chicken skewers recipe uniquely yours.

Protein Swap

1. Seafood: Substitute chicken with shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers. The sauce pairs wonderfully with the shrimp's natural sweetness.
2. Beef: Cubes of beef work just as well for a heartier twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly for each protein.

Vegetarian Delight

Skip the meat altogether and load the skewers with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. The Bang Bang Sauce elevates their natural flavors.

Gluten-Free Option

Ensure all your condiments, lovely chili sauce, are gluten-free. For marinades, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Air Fryer Alternative

Cook the skewers in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It's a great way to get crispy edges without a grill.

Spice It Up or Down

Adjust the sriracha amount or add a chili flake pinch to tailor the sauce's heat level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha entirely.

Fusion Flavors

Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist, or swap lime juice with rice vinegar for a tangy kick.

With these ideas, you can reinvent Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to suit any palate!

Why You'll Love This Dish

1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky, charred chicken and the sweet-spicy Bang Bang Sauce is irresistible.
2. Easy to Make: These skewers are beginner-friendly with just a few ingredients and steps.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners, these skewers are a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch and use the leftovers in salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week.

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