Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Welcome summer in style with this deliciously simple recipe for Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! These Asian-inspired chicken kebabs feature lean chicken breast marinated in a spicy-sweet honey sriracha marinade, coated in creamy bang bang sauce a la Bonefish Grill, and grilled to smoky perfection. Delish!

It is now OFFICIALLY summer, which TBH seems crazy since the days are already getting shorter and it’s been hot for weeks. But, what better way to celebrate the new season than with a bangin’ new grilling recipe? (Pun absolutely intended. 😂) 

Don’t get me wrong—I’ve been loving my grilled chicken shawarma wraps,  rosemary balsamic chicken, and grilled steak salads. But it was time for something new and exciting, and these spicy chicken skewers have absolutely hit the spot. They’re a little sweet, a little spicy, a little smoky, and a whole lot delicious. Tommy and I can’t get enough!

Better yet, these perfectly portable grilled chicken skewers are simply made with just 10 ingredients (12 if you count the salt and pepper separately) and only about 15 minutes of active prep time. And since they’re made on the BBQ, cleanup is a snap!

Jump to:

• What is Bang Bang Chicken?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewer Nutrition
• Pricing Info
• Other Summer Ready Recipes
• Recipe

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Originally from China, where it’s known as 棒棒鸡丝 (bàng bàng jī sī), this dish gets its fun name from the traditional method of “banging” the chicken with a mallet or the flat side of a cleaver. This little trick helps tenderize the chicken and makes it extra perfect for soaking up the flavorful spicy sauce.

Chinese bang bang chicken is usually poached or steamed, then drizzled in a saucy mix of creamy peanut butter, chili paste, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar and vinegar, and served cold. For a tasty twist on this classic, I’ve crafted a more Americanized version inspired by Bonefish Grill.

Instead of the traditional sauce, I whip up a simple combination of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha hot sauce for a beautiful balance of sweetness and heat. I also marinate the chicken in a mouthwateringly flavorful honey-sriracha-paprika marinade to infuse it with layers of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes. 

After marinating, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. While they’re perfectly tasty served room temperature or cold, we usually eat them hot off the grill with extra reserved bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. 

My simple Bang Bang chicken recipe keeps the bold-flavored spicy flavor of the Chinese dish, while the grilling imparts a wonderful char and the creamy nut-free mayo-based sauce adds an American flair that’s absolutely delicious. 

What does it taste like?

Bite-sized pieces of chicken breast are soaked in a blend of low-sodium chicken broth for moisture, avocado oil for richness, and honey, for subtle sweetness. The smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky undertone, while the sriracha sauce kicks it up a notch with a gentle heat. Garlic and onion powders layer in a savory-sweet allium background, rounding out the marinade.

Before grilling, the skewers are brushed with a homemade bang bang sauce, which adds an irresistible glossy coat that packs a flavorful punch. Once they’re threaded onto skewers and hit the grill, magic happens. The heat caramelizes the marinade and bang bang sauce slightly, deepening all those rich, savory flavors.

You’ll first taste the crisp, charred exterior, giving way to succulent, flavorful chicken that’s bursting with the tastes of honey, smoke, and a thrilling hint of spice. Offer some additional bang bang chicken sauce for dipping and swirling those juicy chunks of chicken into even more spicy-sweet-saucy goodness. So good!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

• Mostly Hands-Off – Chop your chicken, mix up your marinade, let time do its magic, then thread onto skewers and grill. Your active prep time will be just 15 minutes but the flavor will taste like you spent hours in the kitchen!
• Lean, Protein-Packed, & Satisfying – If you’re looking for a healthy grilling option that’ll fill you up without weighing you down, these Chinese chicken skewers are just the thing. With a whopping 26 grams of protein, a moderate 15 grams of fat, and a completely reasonable 269 calories per skewer, they’re designed to crush even the hangriest hunger.
• Accessible – No fancy, far-flung, obscure ingredients here. Any well-provisioned grocery store should have everything you need to make this bang bang chicken skewer recipe, so anyone can make it without much fuss. 

Ingredients Needed

As I mentioned, all the ingredients you need to make this easy bang bang chicken recipe are common enough to find at any grocery store. Here’s what to grab:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Lean white meat is lower in fat and calories while also being easier to cut into uniformly sized pieces.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Adding some broth to the marinade helps to infuse the chicken with both flavor and juiciness. 
• Avocado Oil – This neutral-flavored oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for the grill. It’s also super heart healthy!
• Honey – For a touch of sweetness and to assist with caramelization on the grill. 
• Smoked Paprika – For warmth and smokiness. Smoked paprika comes in both hot and sweet varieties, so choose whichever you like based on your spice tolerance. 
• Sriracha Sauce – The rooster helps add heat and sweetness, like a spicy ketchup. 
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – For the sweet, savory complexity of cooked alliums without any fuss. 
• Bang Bang Sauce – My homemade sauce is a snap to whip up with just mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, but you’re also welcome to swap in your favorite store-bought brand instead.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Adding salt to the marinade increases its permeability, adding both seasoning and juiciness. Use freshly cracked black pepper (preferably sichuan!) for the most potent flavor. 

Substitutions

Out of something? Not to worry. Any of these easy ingredient swaps will still produce excellent grilled chicken skewers:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to swap in cheaper boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dark meat is higher in fat and calories, but is also harder to dry out on the grill. 
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Low-sodium vegetable scrap broth will also do the trick. 
• Avocado Oil – Any neutral-flavored, high-heat oil will work here including canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. 
• Honey – Try using another liquid sweetener like maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. You can also use brown sugar. 
• Smoked Paprika – Regular paprika will still add some brightness. You can also use ground chipotles for a spicy, smoky alternative. 
• Sriracha Sauce – Korean gochujang has a similar viscosity and sweet spiciness, but with a hint of smoky flavor. Chili garlic sauce (a.k.a. sambal oelek) is a bit spicier, but it will also work here. 
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Only have garlic flakes or onion flakes? Double or triple the amount you use, respectively. You can also use 1 clove of fresh minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of fresh minced onion per ¼ teaspoon of dried powder. Finally, garlic salt or onion salt can be used, but omit the added salt if you go this route. 
• Bang Bang Sauce – Try another creamy Asian-style sauce like Yum Yum instead.
• Salt – MSG is a lower-sodium alternative, and contrary to what you might think, isn’t bad for most folks. You can also use a bit of acid like fresh lime juice or rice vinegar as an alternative if you’re on a no-salt diet. 
• Black Pepper – White pepper can also be used if you prefer a less intense heat. 

How To Make Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Dice your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate. In a large bowl or gallon-size ziplock bag, combine the broth, oil, honey, smoked paprika, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Prep. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour before preparing to grill. (Metal skewers don’t require this step.) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450 degrees).

Step 4: Assemble. Thread 6-7 pieces of marinated chicken onto each wooden skewer and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Brush. Once all the chicken has been placed on the skewers, brush ¼ cup of the bang bang sauce over all the chicken. Safety Note: If you plan on serving extra as a dipping sauce, set aside the remaining bang bang sauce in a separate bowl first to avoid raw chicken contaminating the whole bowl.

Step 6: Grill. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and grill for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill another 5-6 minutes or until all the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees. Remove from the grill.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

There are tons of ways for you to make this easy bang bang chicken recipe your own. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Extra Spicy – Add some cayenne pepper to the marinade, swap out sriracha for sambal oelek, and use ground chipotles instead of smoked paprika for a fiery, tongue-tingling experience. 
• Add Some Veggies – For more colorful bang bang chicken kabobs, thread large chunks of veggies like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms between the pieces of chicken. Pineapple chunks could also be fun!
• Whole Bang Bang Chicken Breasts – Don’t want to deal with skewers? Marinate and grill whole chicken breasts instead. Just note that you’ll need to adjust your cooking time appropriately—it should hit an internal temp of 165ºF with an instant-read thermometer for food safety. I recommend actually banging the chicken with a mallet if you go this route to ensure even thickness for even cooking. 
• Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers – Swap the poultry for shellfish, or simply add some shrimp to the mix for a surf-n-turf twist! I recommend grabbing large or jumbo frozen shrimp that have been peeled and deveined for the easiest prep. 

Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or a party platter that pops, these ideas will have everyone raving:

• Grain Bowls – Serve your bang bang chicken over basmati, jasmine, or sticky rice, or swap in another grain like barley or farro for a nuttier flavor. The grains do an excellent job of soaking up all the yummy juices and extra sauce.
• Lettuce Wraps – Going low-carb? Grab a head of leaf lettuce (e.g. butter lettuce or little gems), separate the leaves, and stuff the grilled bang bang chicken pieces into them like little tacos.
• Stir Fry – Add some color to your plate with a medley of veggies. You can either grill them alongside the chicken skewers, or do a quick stir-fry. Use any vegetables you like, including sweet bell peppers, savory mushrooms, onions, fiery jalapeños, or tender summer squash. 
• Sandwich Fusion – Take some inspiration from Vietnamese banh mi and load your bang bang chicken in a crusty French roll. Use extra bang bang sauce like mayo, then pile on some pickled carrots and radishes, crisp lettuce or cabbage, and plenty of cilantro. 
• As a Salad Topper: Slide the grilled chicken off the skewers and lay it over a mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Add a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce for a creamy, spicy kick.
• Party Platter: Arrange the skewers on a platter with a variety of dips including the Bang Bang sauce, Sriracha, teriyaki, Yum Yum, and maybe a spicy cilantro lime garlic sauce. Perfect for guests to grab and go!

Recipe Success Tips

• Freeze your meat for about 15 minutes before cutting into cubes. The extra chill will help firm up the meat, making slicing a breeze! Just don’t leave it in there too long; it won’t help you if it’s totally frozen through. 
• Let it be. While it’s hard to exercise patience with something so tasty, let your grilled bang bang chicken kebabs rest, tented under foil, for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices time to redistribute, yielding a juicier, more delicious result.
• Plan ahead. Feel free to thread your chicken onto skewers first, then toss them in a freezer-safe container with the marinade. If possible, remove all excess air to guard against freezer burn. They should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, allow them to defrost overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. 
• Keep food safety in mind. Don’t reserve the marinade as a sauce (unless you want to boil it first), don’t dip the brush you paint the sauce on the raw chicken with into your dipping sauce bowl, use a clean plate to transfer the grilled skewers to, and make sure your chicken hits an internal temperature of 165ºF. 
• Protect your pets! Furry friends are always interested in chicken, it seems. But beware! Not only does the marinade have onions and garlic (no-nos for dogs), but the skewers themselves can also present a danger. A friend’s dog recently nosed through the trash after she made skewers, swallowed the sharp wood, and then had to have emergency surgery to repair the hole it poked through her gut and out the side of her coat! 😣Long story short—consider using metal skewers or make sure your trash is covered and/or well out of reach. 

FAQs

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewer Nutrition

Each bang bang chicken skewer comes in at about 269 calories (not including extra dipping sauce), which is pretty reasonable for a main dish. You’re also looking at 15 grams of fat, including some healthy fats from the avocado oil. Protein-wise, you’re in great shape with 26 grams per serving—great for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full. 

The carbs are low, only 7 grams, so these skewers are a great option if you’re trying to keep things light. As for sodium, it’s 443 mg per skewer, which isn’t too high, but it’s something to be mindful of if you’re watching your salt intake, especially if you’re dipping them in extra sauce. Overall, these skewers are a tasty, balanced choice, especially if you pair them with some veggies or a fresh salad. 

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 269 calories
• Total Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 26 grams
• Sodium: 443 mg
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:

1 ½ lbs chicken breasts: $5.05
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: $0.22
2 tbsp avocado oil: $0.37
1 tbsp honey: $0.25
2 tsp smoked paprika: $0.06
1 tsp sriracha sauce: $0.02
1 tsp garlic powder: $0.03
1 tsp onion powder: $0.02
½ tsp salt: $0.01
¼ tsp black pepper: $0.01
¼ cup bang bang sauce: $0.59

The total for this recipe comes out to be around $6.63 or roughly $1.11 per skewer!

Other Summer Ready Recipes

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Recipe

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xoxo Megan