These grilled chicken skewers are coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce for a high-protein main course. They provide a healthier alternative to fried appetizers while maintaining a bold Asian-inspired flavor profile.
List of ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil – used for brushing the grill to prevent sticking.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise – provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- 4 tbsp sour cream – full-fat version is recommended for better texture.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – adds a sharp, vinegary bite.
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce – provides the primary sweet and spicy balance.
- 1/2 tsp sriracha – adds heat; increase this amount for a spicier result.
- 1 tsp honey – adds a touch of floral sweetness.
step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chopped chicken pieces into a large zip-locking bag or a Tupperware container. Pour half of the prepared bang bang sauce over the meat, seal the container, and shake or stir to coat every piece evenly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to ensure the chicken does not stick.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, ensure they have been pre-soaked in water to prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the exterior has developed a slight char.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining half of the bang bang sauce over the hot skewers and serve immediately.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baking in the Oven
If a grill is unavailable, you can bake these skewers at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish lightly coated with non-stick spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Achieving a Char in the Oven
To mimic the grilled effect when baking, switch the oven to the broil setting for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch the skewers closely to prevent the sauce from burning. This step creates the crispy, charred edges typical of a grill.
Using an Air Fryer
Prepare the skewers as directed but work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. If your air fryer is a basket style, you may need to use shorter skewers or remove the chicken from the sticks before cooking.
Choosing the Right Skewers
Benefits of Metal Skewers
Metal skewers are a durable and reusable option that requires no preparation before use. Flat metal skewers are particularly useful because they prevent the chicken pieces from spinning when you flip them on the grill.
Preparing Wooden Skewers
Wooden skewers must be soaked in water for 15 to 30 minutes before they touch the heat. This moisture prevents the wood from drying out too quickly and reduces the risk of the sticks splintering or burning during the grilling process.
Using Rope Skewers
Rope skewers are excellent for professional presentations and plating. However, they allow the food to rotate more easily, which can make it more difficult to rearrange the skewers on a hot grill surface.
Flavor Adjustments and Substitutions
Increasing the Heat Level
To make the sauce spicier, increase the amount of sriracha. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce can also amplify the heat without altering the creaminess of the base.
Adding Extra Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the honey by a half-teaspoon or add a small amount of brown sugar. This helps the sauce caramelize more effectively when it hits the hot grill grates.
Adjusting the Tanginess
The Dijon mustard provides a necessary acidic balance to the fat in the mayo and sour cream. If you want a sharper taste, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the sauce mixture.
Substituting Sour Cream
For a tangier and slightly healthier alternative, replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Ensure the yogurt is thick and strained to maintain the consistency of the sauce so it clings to the chicken.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pairing with Garden Salads
These skewers pair exceptionally well with a crisp garden salad. Use a light vinaigrette, such as lemon-olive oil, to contrast the richness of the creamy bang bang sauce.
Serving Over Jasmine Rice
For a more filling meal, serve the chicken skewers over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice absorbs the extra sauce, making the dish more satisfying as a dinner main course.
Adding Grilled Vegetables
You can increase the nutritional value by adding vegetables to the skewers. Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini chunks grill in a similar timeframe as the chicken and complement the sweet and spicy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Refrigeration and Shelf Life
Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the extra sauce in a separate small container to prevent the chicken from becoming overly soggy during storage.
Reheating in the Oven
To maintain the best texture, reheat the skewers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery, which often happens in the microwave.
Reheating in the Microwave
If using a microwave, heat the chicken in 30-second intervals at medium power. Once the meat is warm, drizzle fresh sauce over the top to restore the moisture and flavor profile.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Preventing the Sauce from Burning
Because the sauce contains honey and sugar, it can burn quickly if the grill is too hot. Ensure you use a medium-high heat and flip the skewers promptly to avoid excessive blackening.
Ensuring Chicken is Fully Cooked
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest piece of chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures safety while preventing the meat from drying out through overcooking.
Avoiding Dry Meat
Do not skip the marinating step, as the sauce helps tenderize the chicken breasts. Additionally, avoid overcooking the chicken; remove the skewers as soon as they reach the safe internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. Thighs are generally juicier and more forgiving on the grill, though they may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.
How long can the chicken marinate?
The minimum marinating time is 15 minutes, but you can leave the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion.
Is this sauce suitable for other proteins?
Absolutely. This sauce works well with grilled shrimp, tofu cubes, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Shake it well before using to reintegrate the ingredients.
Print
Zesty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Bang bang chicken kabobs are a take on the infamous Bonefish grill shrimp appetizer. Instead of seafood, we use freshly grilled chunks of juicy chicken and slather them in the same sweet & spicy Asian cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite sized pieces)
- olive oil
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 4 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl whisk together all the ingredients for the bang bang sauce until evenly incorporated and smooth.
- Step 2: Put the chopped chicken into a large zip-locking bag or a tupperware dish. Add in half of the bang bang sauce, and seal the bag or dish. Give everything a good swish around to coat and then refrigerate the marinaded chicken for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill and lightly brush the hot grill with olive oil. Thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers (if using wooden ones make sure you pre-soaked them to prevent burning).
- Step 4: Transfer the chicken to the hot grill and cook about 4-5 minutes before flipping the skewers and cooking an additional 4-5 minutes. When the chicken is cooked through and the outside has begun to char, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken skewers and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the heat level in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha to suit your tastes. These skewers pair really well with a fresh garden salad for a light summer dinner. Make sure to let the chicken marinade in the sauce before cooking so it tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 314 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 491 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 118 mg