Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

The first time I made these skewers was for a summer rooftop gathering that almost got rained out. Everyone stood around the grill with drinks in hand, the smell of smoked paprika and sizzling chicken cutting through the humidity. When I brought out that creamy spicy-sweet sauce, my friend Sarah literally said 'whoa' out loud. Now they request these at every cookout, rain or shine.

Last summer I made these for my dad who claims he doesnt like spicy food. He watched me brush that sauce onto the chicken with legitimate suspicion, then went back for thirds. The heat builds slowly so it never overwhelms, and the honey smooths everything out beautifully. Now he texts me asking when Im making 'those bang things' again.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier on the grill but both work wonderfully here
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices cling and prevents sticking without adding competing flavors
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes evenly better than fresh garlic for this application
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This creates that gorgeous color and adds depth you cannot get elsewhere
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Use full fat for the creamiest texture and best flavor carry
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Look for the bottle with little chili bits floating inside
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Start here and adjust up or down based on your heat tolerance
• 1 tablespoon honey: The secret that tames the heat into something utterly addictive

Instructions

Prep your skewers like a pro:

Soak wooden ones for 20 minutes while you prep everything else so they do not turn into charcoal on the grill

Season the chicken generously:

Toss those cubes in the oil and spices until every piece is evenly coated, and do not be shy with the seasoning mixture

Thread with intention:

Piece the chicken onto skewers leaving just a tiny bit of space between cubes for even heat circulation

Get that gorgeous char:

Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side until you see those beautiful grill marks and the chicken reaches 165 degrees inside

Whisk the magic sauce:

Combine mayo, sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until completely smooth and taste for salt adjustments

The moment of truth:

Brush that sauce generously over the hot skewers so it warms slightly and clings to every nook and cranny

Save

These skewers have become my go-to when I want to serve something impressive but not fussy. Last weekend my neighbor actually came over to ask what smelled so good, and ended up staying for dinner. That is the kind of reaction food should provoke.

Getting Ahead

You can cut and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep it marinating in the refrigerator. The sauce actually benefits from sitting for a few hours so the flavors really meld together beautifully. I often prep both in the morning so grilling is all that is left at dinner time.

Perfect Pairings

Steamed jasmine rice soaks up that extra sauce perfectly and cools down the heat just enough. A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar adds such a refreshing contrast to the rich spicy chicken. For drinks, cold beer or a slightly sweet riesling work beautifully to balance everything.

Serving Like A Restaurant

Arrange the skewers on a platter with extra sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Scatter plenty of fresh herbs and sesame seeds over the top because that visual pop makes people excited before they even take a bite.

• Set out lime wedges so guests can add that bright acid themselves
• Keep some extra napkins nearby because this is hands on food
• Consider lettuce cups as a lighter serving option

Save

There is something incredibly satisfying about food that makes people pause mid conversation to really savor what they are eating. These skewers do exactly that every single time.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling and brush the grill with oil to reduce sticking.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy during grilling.

→ How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce balances sweetness and heat, adjustable by varying the sriracha amount to your preference.

→ What sides complement these skewers?

Steamed rice, fresh salads, or lettuce wraps add freshness and complete the meal.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored refrigerated for convenience.