Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

Featured in Poultry Perfection: Chicken & Turkey Recipes.

Savor the bold flavor of Bang Bang Chicken! These grilled skewers feature juicy chicken marinated for tenderness, topped with a tangy and spicy sauce made with mayo, lime, chili, and Sriracha. Add some parsley and lime slices for extra zing and color. Ideal for any gathering, these kebabs steal the spotlight every time.

A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:36:17 GMT
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Fiery Chicken Skewers deliver an irresistible mix of sweet heat that'll make them the talk of your next get-together. Tender chicken thighs get soaked in spices, cooked till they're perfectly juicy, then drizzled with creamy, zesty sauce. They're a total hit at backyard cookouts or when you need something fast yet impressive for dinner at home.

What You'll Need

  • Boneless Chicken Thighs (2 lb): Cut into chunks, they stay moist and pack tons of flavor when grilled.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Locks in moisture and prevents sticking during cooking.
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a nice smoky touch to your meat.
  • Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors in your chicken.
  • Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, sweet kick without chunks of onion.
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Packs garlicky goodness into every bite.
  • Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the marinade.
  • Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates the rich, creamy foundation for your sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce (⅓ cup): Delivers that signature sticky sweetness with a hint of heat.
  • Sriracha Sauce (2 tablespoons): Cranks up the spice level and adds depth.
  • Fresh Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Cuts through richness with zingy freshness.
  • Lime Wedges: For squeezing over top just before eating.
  • Chopped Parsley: Sprinkles color and freshness on your finished dish.

How To Make It

Step 1: Season the Chicken
Grab a big bowl and toss chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really sink in.
Step 2: Load Your Skewers
Push marinated chicken onto your skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. This makes sure everything cooks evenly and handles easily.
Step 3: Mix Your Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl, stirring until everything's smooth. Split it in half - save some for serving and use the rest while cooking.
Step 4: Cook Those Skewers
Get your grill or pan nice and hot on medium-high. Cook skewers about 6-8 minutes on the first side. Flip them over, brush with some sauce, and cook another 8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F inside.
Step 5: Finish and Enjoy
Move your skewers to a plate, pour the remaining sauce on top, scatter parsley around, and arrange lime wedges on the side. Serve them while they're hot for the best sweet-spicy punch!

How To Serve and Store

  • Perfect Pairings: These skewers taste amazing with fluffy rice or a fresh salad. They're also fantastic for parties as finger food.
  • Keeping Leftovers: Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep in your fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up on the grill or in your microwave before eating.
  • Make Ahead: You can prep and freeze the seasoned chicken (before cooking) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in your fridge before putting on skewers and grilling.

Expert Cooking Advice

  • Overnight Magic: Many top chefs suggest letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight in your fridge for flavors that go way deeper.
  • Heat Management: Keep your grill at a steady medium-high heat so your chicken cooks through without drying out.

Mix It Up

  • Swap The Protein: This works beautifully with jumbo shrimp or firm tofu chunks instead of chicken.
  • Go Meatless: Thread chunky veggies like zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • No Grill Needed: Pop these in your air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.

Spicy Chicken Kebabs

Marinated chicken cooked over flames and drizzled with creamy, sweet Bang Bang sauce. Great for hangouts or cozy dinners!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
46 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: 6 skewers (about)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, chopped into small chunks.
02 2 tbsp of olive oil.
03 1 tsp of smoked paprika.
04 1 tsp of fine salt.
05 1 tsp of powdery onion seasoning.
06 1 tsp of ground garlic.
07 Half a teaspoon of black pepper.
08 A cup of creamy mayonnaise.
09 A third cup of mild sweet chili sauce.
10 2 tablespoons of hot Sriracha.
11 Fresh juice from 2 limes.
12 Wedges of lime for serving.
13 Finely chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the chicken pieces into a big mixing bowl. Mix them with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir well to make sure every piece gets coated. Let it sit for at least half an hour, so it soaks up the flavors.

Step 02

Slide the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Step 03

Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a small dish. Stir it until smooth and creamy. Save half of this mix for dipping later.

Step 04

Use some of the sauce to brush over the skewered chicken pieces before cooking.

Step 05

Heat your grill or griddle pan on medium-high. Lay the skewers down and cook for around 6–8 minutes. Flip them, add more sauce, and cook for another 8 minutes or until they're cooked through, reaching 165°F inside.

Step 06

Move the grilled skewers onto a serving dish. Drizzle the leftover sauce on top, and sprinkle parsley and lime wedges to finish.

Step 07

Serve them while they’re still warm and enjoy every bite of the sweet and spicy goodness!

Notes

  1. This sweet-spicy combo is great for cookouts, family gatherings, or weeknight meals.
  2. The zesty, creamy sauce works wonders alongside the grilled flavors of the chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Griddle pan or grill.
  • Wooden or metal skewers.
  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Small dish or bowl.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g