Want a showstopping grilling recipe with big flavors? You'll love this Bang Bang Chicken Skewer recipe. Bold, juicy, and totally addictive. Perfect for grilling season, game day snacks, or a quick weeknight dinner!
If you're craving something packed with flavor, you've gotta try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. We loooove this easy chicken recipe in my house, and I think you will, too!
Tender marinated chicken is grilled to juicy perfection and smothered in a homemade bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime. They're quick, fun to serve, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you're firing up the outdoor grill or using an indoor grill pan, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. You can serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack—just don’t forget extra sauce!
This easy recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
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🌟 Why is it called Bang Bang Chicken?
What's behind the fun name? Well, Bang Bang Chicken is originally from the Sichuan province of China. The name “bang bang” refers to the wooden stick (or mallet) used to tenderize the chicken.
The popular Americanized version has evolved into a crave-worthy dish where grilled or fried chicken is slathered in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill.
But it's not just for chicken - check out our Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, which has the same yummy bang bang sauce.
My bang bang chicken skewers version keeps the flavor punch - without the spicy heat (although you could easily add it!). All while offering a fun, skewer-friendly twist perfect for home cooks.
🛒 Ingredient notes
You'll find the measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are some quick notes regarding the ingredients before you start making this recipe.
- Chicken - Chicken thighs are juicier and will give you more flavor, but you can use chicken breasts instead.
- Marinade ingredients - The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while it marinates, and also gives the chicken a subtle tangy flavor that is a great base for the bang bang sauce.
- Bang bang sauce ingredients - I kept it classic: mayo, a tiny touch of sriracha (add more if you want it spicy!), sweet chili sauce and honey for sweetness, and lime juice.
- Garnish - I love the bright herb flavors and colors that fresh chopped parsley and cilantro add to the skewers. Garnish is optional, though.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
More detailed instructions and the full list of ingredients with measurements are all in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are some step-by-step photos to help show you how to make these chicken skewers.
- Start by making the marinade in a large bowl.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade sauce, cover, and refrigerate.
- After chilling, thread the chicken onto the wooden skewers.
Note: soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to keep the skewers from burning.
4. Grill the skewers over medium high heat, turning the skewers to get a nice golden brown on all sides. Once cooked, remove from heat and transfer to a plate to rest.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the ingredients to make the bang bang sauce.
6. Brush the sauce over the cooked chicken.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until fully cooked. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra char.
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier, more forgiving if overcooked, and, I believe, more flavorful, making them a great option for skewers. But you can definitely substitute chicken breasts if you prefer.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Grill or bake just before serving for best flavor and texture
Chicken is fully cooked when a thermometer shows an internal temp of 165°F.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. You may find it easier to store by taking the chicken off of the skewers first, then placing the chicken into the container.
🍽 Serving ideas
These chicken skewers are begging to be shared at your next gathering! Whether it's a barbecue, picnic, potluck, or holiday, they're sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Especially if you serve them with savory side dishes that have equally bold flavors. Think smoky Charred Corn Salad, Filipino Mac Salad, or
Or serve them with something light and refreshing, like an Asian Carrot Cucumber Salad or a Mango Avocado Prawn Salad.
For a regular weeknight dinner, I love to serve this with our Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
The complex flavors of bang bang chicken skewers call for a clean, bright, refreshing white wine. A dry Riesling, Albariño, or Chenin Blanc would all be excellent wine pairings for this dish.
More chicken recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- 1 grill or grill pan
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Marinade
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Make the marinade: in a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat the chicken in the marinade. Cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to overnight.
- Prep the chicken and grill: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you are ready to grill. Heat the grill to medium-hight heat and thread the chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken: grill the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and transfer to a plate.
- Make the bang bang sauce: in a separate large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha. Transfer about ¼ of the sauce to a small or medium bowl and set aside for serving.
- Using a basting brush, brush the cooked chicken skewers with the remaining bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve with the bang bang sauce you had set aside.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs will be juicier and have more flavor.
- Use dairy-free yogurt to keep this dairy-free.
- You can substitute agave nectar for the honey in the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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