Description
Whip up these irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Tender chicken, spicy-sweet sauce, and a hint of crunch. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Marinade Base:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Bang Bang Sauce Essentials:
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1–3 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Flavorful Skewer Additions:
- 12–15 bamboo skewers (soaked in water)
- Finishing Touches:
- Fresh chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken & Skewers:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready for our Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – this is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it’s okay! Then, in a medium bowl, toss the chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of rice vinegar, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Give it a good mix with your hands until every piece is coated. While that’s happening, soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes; this stops them from burning later.
- Marinate for Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:: Once your chicken is coated, let it sit and marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, an hour in the fridge is even better, or honestly, overnight makes these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers incredibly flavorful and tender. This is where the magic starts to happen, soaking up all those savory notes. While the chicken is marinating, you can start whisking together the Bang Bang sauce. It’s all about layering those flavors! Don’t skip this step; it really makes a difference.
- Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce:: Now for the star of the show, the Bang Bang sauce! In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the remaining rice vinegar, honey, Sriracha (add more or less depending on your heat preference!), garlic powder, onion powder, and sesame oil. Mix until it’s super smooth and creamy. Taste it! Adjust the sweetness or spice if you like. This sauce is honestly so good, I sometimes make extra just for dipping other things. It’s what makes these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly special.
- Skewer the Chicken:: Once the chicken has marinated and the skewers are soaked, thread the chicken pieces onto the bamboo skewers. Don’t cram too many pieces on each skewer; give them a little room so they can cook properly and get nice and crispy. I usually aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer, depending on their size. This is a good time to preheat your grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. A little bit of oil in the pan helps prevent sticking, a mistake I’ve definitely made before with my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!
- Cook the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:: Place the chicken skewers on your preheated grill pan or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for those lovely char marks, not burned bits! This is where that cornstarch really helps create a tender interior and a slightly crispy exterior. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear, and we want that beautiful texture for our Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
- Glaze and Serve Your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers:: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers from the heat. You can either brush the sauce directly onto the skewers or, my personal favorite, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds makes them look extra fancy and adds a nice crunch. The aroma in your kitchen right now should be incredible – sweet, spicy, and savory all at once. Enjoy these warm, delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers!