Name: Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ pound chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup mayonnaise; juice of half a lemon; ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce; ¼ cup sriracha sauce

Getting a tasty, fiery meal on the table takes just about 25 minutes with this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe. Seriously, it's one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in a flash—perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

There are five metal skewers laid evenly side by side on a square white plate. Each skewer holds several pieces of grilled light brown chicken with some darker grilled spots. The chicken pieces are covered with a light creamy sauce that drips slightly. Underneath the skewers, there are fresh green lettuce leaves spread out to cover the plate surface. Small sprigs of green herbs are sprinkled on top of the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin on the left and some green herbs at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these spicy bang bang chicken skewers—I was craving something bold, saucy, and finger-friendly, and oh boy, this recipe delivered. It’s quickly become a go-to that I reach for when I want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Bold, balanced flavor: The sauce perfectly blends creamy mayo, tangy lemon, sweet Thai chili, and fiery sriracha to deliver kick and depth in every bite.
Simple, fresh ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry, and fresh chicken thighs take the recipe to the next level in juiciness.
Quick assembly and grilling: Prep takes about 5 minutes, then it’s straight onto the grill for 15-20 minutes—easy peasy!
Versatile and fun: Perfect for alfresco dining, game days, or a spicy twist on weeknight dinner—you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines pantry-friendly spices and fresh chicken for a well-rounded, flavorful dish that’s bursting with a little heat and a touch of sweetness. Each ingredient plays a key role in building those layers of flavor that make this a standout. Here’s a quick rundown on what goes in and why it’s essential.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thighs cut into bite-sized cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of bright red sweet Thai chili sauce, a small white bowl of vibrant orange-red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of creamy white mayonnaise, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl holding fresh lemon halves with visible juicy pulp, a small white bowl with golden honey, whole uncracked brown eggs next to a sprinkling of sea salt crystals, a small heap of deep red paprika powder, a small heap of pale beige garlic powder, a small heap of light brown onion powder, a small heap of coarse black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender on the grill, making your skewers far less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts.
Paprika: Adds mild smoky warmth and deep color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Brings savory punch without the risk of burning like fresh garlic might when grilling.
Onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and depth.
Black pepper: Adds a little bite and rounds out the spice mix.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors forward.
Honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, adding richness.
Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
Sweet Thai chili sauce: Sweet and mildly spicy, it’s the star ingredient providing that signature bang bang flavor.
Sriracha sauce: Packs more heat and balances the sweetness with a vinegary tang.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with the spice level depending on the crowd. Sometimes I dial down the sriracha just a bit for the kids, or swap in half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter version. You can absolutely tweak this recipe to make it as fiery or mild as you want—and it always turns out delicious.

Milder Version: When I want less heat, I swap out half the sriracha for extra Thai chili sauce or a splash more honey—still gets that lovely flavor without making your mouth burn.
Extra Spice Kick: For my spice-loving friends, I add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle more sriracha on top before serving.
Protein Swap: I’ve also tried shrimp or firm tofu with this marinade, grilling times just vary.
Grilling Alternatives: No grill? No problem! You can broil these skewers in the oven or cook on a grill pan indoors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular plate with grilled chicken pieces on metal skewers, arranged over fresh green lettuce leaves. The chicken is lightly browned with some dark grill marks and topped with a smooth, creamy, off-white sauce being poured from a metal spoon. Small green herb leaves are scattered on the chicken, adding contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with some green herb sprigs visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into even 1-inch cubes—this helps the pieces cook uniformly on the skewers. Toss them in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, honey, and olive oil. This simple spice mix gives the chicken a beautiful flavor base. Then, mix together the bang bang sauce ingredients but only pour half over the chicken to marinate. Give everything a good toss to coat all the pieces well.

Step 2: Skewer and Preheat the Grill

Thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers, leaving just a little space between each piece. Brush them with some of the marinade sauce to lock in flavor and moisture. Meanwhile, set your grill to high heat—this ensures you get that beautiful char and caramelization fast without drying out the meat.

Step 3: Grill for Juicy, Spicy Perfection

Place the skewers directly over the flame and grill for about 15-20 minutes total, flipping every few minutes. As you turn, baste the chicken with more of that leftover marinade sauce. Keep an eye on them—once they hit an internal temperature of 165°F, they’re done. Don’t skip the basting; it helps build that sticky, flavorful glaze we all crave.

Step 4: Serve with Extra Sauce for Dipping

Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate and pass around the reserved half of the bang bang sauce for dipping. There’s just something so fun about dunking these skewers in extra sauce—it amps up the flavor even more and gets everyone involved at the table.

Top Tip

From personal experience, the key to nailing the perfect Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in the marinade and watching your heat carefully. Here are some nuggets to keep your skewers juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

Marinate long enough: Even 15-30 minutes lets the chicken soak up that spicy sauce, but if you can, an hour or two in the fridge makes it even better.
Don’t crowd the skewers: Leaving a little breathing room between chunks helps the heat circulate evenly for perfect grilling without steaming.
Use a meat thermometer: Avoid guesswork—once your chicken hits 165°F internally, take it off to keep it juicy.
Baste generously: This adds layers of flavor and helps create that irresistibly sticky coating we love.

How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds five metal skewers with pieces of raw chicken coated in a creamy orange marinade. The chicken pieces are light pink with the sauce giving them a smooth, pale orange texture. The marinade lightly covers the inside of the bowl, showing swirls and drips of the sauce around the chicken pieces, with a soft, slightly thick consistency. The metal skewers have looped handles, and the whole scene is clean and bright. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love to sprinkle these skewers with chopped fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions just before serving. A little squeeze of extra lemon juice really brightens everything up, and if you’re feeling fancy, a handful of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe, I usually pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or some fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. Steamed veggies or grilled corn on the cob also round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Try serving these skewers over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for a bang bang chicken salad vibe, or arrange them as part of a colorful appetizer board with dipping sauce in small bowls. It’s such a crowd-pleaser when guests can help themselves and customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken holds together well and the sauce keeps it moist, making for an easy, tasty next-day snack or lunch.

Freezing

Freezing cooked bang bang chicken skewers also works great. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about 2 months. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a hot skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes—this helps regain that slight char and juiciness without drying out the chicken. You can always brush on a little extra sauce beforehand, too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily on the grill. If you choose breast meat, be sure to watch the grilling time carefully and consider marinating longer for extra moisture.

How spicy is this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?

The recipe balances sweet and spicy elements well, thanks to the Thai chili and sriracha. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the sriracha or add more honey to soften the bite. For more heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make the sauce without mayonnaise?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap out half or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt. This gives a tangy flavor and creamy texture with less fat, and it still pairs perfectly with the spices and chili sauces.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No worries! You can broil the skewers in your oven on high or cook them in a grill pan on the stove. Just watch them closely to get a bit of char without burning, flipping as needed until cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe has earned a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s just so easy to make and wildly delicious every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these skewers deliver big flavor with little hassle. Give it a go—you might just find yourselves asking for seconds (and thirds!).