Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Gather the following ingredients to make these flavorful skewers:
- For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Directions for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
3. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken is grilling, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if desired.
7. Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Basting brush (optional for applying marinade)
- Small bowl for the sauce
Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate longer, but at least 30 minutes is essential for flavor absorption.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the skewers for added color and nutrition.
- Oven Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Skewer and grill when you’re ready to eat.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Uncooked marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Pairing Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A refreshing cucumber or Asian slaw salad complements the rich flavors of the skewers.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy, such as peanut sauce or soy sauce.