Some dinners are planned carefully, while others happen because you find chicken thighs, a few pantry spices, and a bottle of sweet chili sauce in the kitchen. That is exactly how these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers became a regular at my house. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce takes less than five minutes to stir together, and the grill does most of the work.
Each bite is juicy in the middle, lightly charred around the edges, and coated in a creamy sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. I like serving them with rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or warm flatbread. They also fit neatly into a list of Easy Dinner Ideas On The Grill because everything can be prepared ahead of time. If you enjoy bold flavors without a long ingredient list, these skewers are an easy BBQ dinner worth repeating.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for Easy Dinner Ideas On The Grill
Chicken thighs are my first choice here because they stay tender over high heat. Cut them into pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Very small pieces can dry out before the larger ones are ready, while oversized chunks may brown outside before the center cooks through.
Ingredients for Skewer Dinner Ideas
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, plus more for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Wooden or metal skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and honey. Let it rest for 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight if you are preparing dinner in advance.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so the heat can reach all sides. Tightly packed chicken tends to steam instead of developing those delicious browned edges. Preheat an outdoor grill, grill pan, or Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the cooking surface.
Whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Reserve half of the sauce for serving. Brush the remaining sauce over the chicken just before cooking, but avoid brushing with sauce that has touched raw chicken unless it is cooked first.
Grill the skewers for 18 to 22 minutes, turning every five or six minutes. The outside should look caramelized, and the thickest piece should reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then drizzle it with the reserved sauce and finish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Easy Bbq Dinner Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Better Chicken Scewers
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the spices stick and the edges brown properly.
- Oil the grill grates or griddle after preheating to reduce sticking.
- Turn the skewers often instead of leaving them in one position for the entire cooking time.
- Keep a clean brush and separate bowl for the finishing sauce.
Exquisite Dinner Recipes and Flavor Variations
For a smoky version, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the chicken seasoning. Replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut, but watch it closely because breast meat cooks faster. You can also add chunks of red onion, zucchini, or bell pepper to the skewers. For a lighter sauce, use plain Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
Dinner Ideas Make Ahead, Substitutions, and Troubleshooting
The chicken can be seasoned up to 24 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. The sauce can be mixed a day in advance as well. Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to three days, then reheat them gently in a covered skillet, air fryer, or microwave. Serve leftovers in wraps, rice bowls, or chopped over salad when you need ideas for what to make with grilled chicken.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use boneless chicken breast instead of thighs, reducing the cooking time as needed.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Use hot sauce instead of sriracha, or leave it out for a mild sauce.
- Replace lime juice with lemon juice or rice vinegar.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for high-heat cooking.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the chicken sticks, the grill may not be hot enough or the skewers may have been moved too soon. If the sauce burns, brush it on during the final few minutes instead of at the beginning. Chicken that seems dry was probably cut unevenly or cooked beyond the recommended temperature, so use a thermometer rather than relying only on color.
Healthy Dinner Blackstone Serving Ideas
For a balanced plate, serve the skewers with grilled vegetables, brown rice, couscous, or a crisp cabbage slaw. A small bowl of extra bang bang sauce makes the meal feel generous without covering every bite. These skewers are also excellent for casual gatherings because guests can grab one easily and add their own toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the skewers at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I use chicken breast?
Chicken breast works well, but cut it evenly and avoid overcooking it because it contains less fat than chicken thighs.
How spicy is the sauce?
The sauce is mildly spicy with one tablespoon of sriracha. Use less for a gentle heat or add more for a stronger kick.
Can I prepare the skewers the night before?
Yes. Season and thread the chicken, then cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to grill. Keep the sauce refrigerated in a separate container.
What vegetables go well with these skewers?
Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are all good choices. Cut them into pieces that cook in a similar amount of time.
How long do leftovers last?
Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently and add fresh sauce just before serving.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Outdoor grill, grill pan, or Blackstone griddle
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Instant-Read Thermometer
- Wooden or metal skewers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs Cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha Add more for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 green onions Thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- wooden or metal skewers Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into evenly sized pieces.
- Add the chicken to a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and honey. Toss well and marinate for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Reserve half of the sauce for serving.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat the grill or griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the cooking surface.
- Brush the chicken with half of the bang bang sauce and grill for 18 to 22 minutes, turning every five or six minutes.
- Cook until the thickest piece reaches 165°F. Rest for a few minutes, then drizzle with the reserved sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results.
- Keep sauce used for serving separate from sauce that touched raw chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- For an air fryer option, cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through.
