Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs are juicy chicken pieces on skewers, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. They’re perfect for grilling and bring a fun burst of flavor to your meal!
These kabobs make any cookout a hit! I love to serve them with fresh veggies for a colorful plate. Don’t be surprised if you get requests for extra sauce—it’s that good! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is great for kabobs. For variety, chicken thighs can be a moister option. If you’re vegetarian, try using firm tofu or tempeh cut into cubes.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, go for Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you’re dairy-free.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings sweetness and a hint of spice. If you don’t have it, mixing sugar with a bit of hot sauce can mimic the flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat based on your taste. If sriracha is too spicy, use a milder hot sauce or even some barbecue sauce for flavor without too much heat.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill. Maple syrup or agave syrup are perfect substitutes for a vegan option.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is essential for creating delicious kabobs. It allows the flavors to soak in, making each bite tasty. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl first. Whisk to mix well.
- Once combined, add the chicken pieces and make sure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, aim for 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Make sure you don’t marinate too long, as the acidity from lime juice can change the chicken’s texture. Enjoy your kabobs with this juicy and flavorful technique!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You will also need about 12 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for around 1 hour, including marinating time. The result is flavorful and spicy kabobs that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Start by grabbing a bowl. In this bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, along with some salt and pepper. Blend everything until it’s nice and smooth—this will be your Bang Bang sauce!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, set aside about one-third of the Bang Bang sauce for later. Take the chicken pieces and toss them in the remaining sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will make it even tastier!
3. Prepare and Grill the Kabobs:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. After marinating, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Once your grill is hot, place the kabobs on it. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and has pretty grill marks.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When the kabobs are ready, take them off the grill and brush them with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for an extra flavor boost. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve your delicious kabobs hot with any extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty, spicy treat!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to your kabobs. Just cut them into 1-inch pieces just like you would with breast meat, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to amp up the heat, consider adding more sriracha or even some red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also marinate the chicken for a bit longer to allow the flavors to really penetrate. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the acidity can change the texture of the chicken.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the Bang Bang sauce up to 2 hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just store the marinating chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to grill, simply skewer the chicken and cook as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
To store leftovers, let the kabobs cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on a hot skillet to warm. Just be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out the chicken!
