
This spicy sweet chicken skewer recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy dish with that famous bang bang sauce everyone loves. The combination of the sriracha kick and honey sweetness creates perfect balance, while the creamy sauce ties everything together for a restaurant quality meal right from your own grill.
I first made these skewers for a neighborhood cookout last summer and they disappeared faster than any other dish. Now whenever friends come over, they specifically request my bang bang chicken skewers before they even arrive.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts choosing thighs gives you juicier results that are more forgiving on the grill
- Soy sauce provides the salty umami foundation for the marinade
- Sriracha adds heat that builds rather than overwhelms the palate
- Honey balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken
- Rice vinegar brings essential acidity that tenderizes the meat
- Olive oil helps transfer flavors and prevents sticking during grilling
- Garlic powder offers convenience while still delivering robust flavor
- Smoked paprika adds complexity and subtle smokiness even before grilling
- Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce provides texture and complex sweet heat to the sauce
- Lime juice brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Combine soy sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper in a large bowl until well blended. Add your chicken chunks and use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination up to 4 hours will intensify the flavors and tenderness.
- Prepare the Skewers
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking. The spacing allows heat to circulate around each chunk of chicken, resulting in more consistent cooking and better caramelization.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth with no streaks. The sauce should have a pale orange color with visible red flecks from the sweet chili sauce. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill
- Heat your grill to medium high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Once hot, brush the grates with oil using a folded paper towel held with tongs. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks.
- Grill the Skewers
- Place your chicken skewers on the prepared grill, leaving space between each one. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side until you see nice grill marks forming. Flip the skewers and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. During the final 2 minutes, brush generously with some of the bang bang sauce, which will create a delicious glaze.
- Serve
- Transfer the finished skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top or serve it alongside for dipping. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for visual appeal and textural contrast.

The sweet chili sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it years ago when trying to recreate a dish from my favorite Thai restaurant, and now I keep a bottle in my refrigerator at all times. My family knows when they see me reach for it that something delicious is about to happen.
Oven Baking Option
If outdoor grilling isn't possible, these skewers bake beautifully in the oven. Preheat to 425°F and place skewers on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with sauce during the final few minutes. The high heat helps achieve a similar caramelization to grilling.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different heat preferences. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha in both the marinade and sauce by half. For extra spicy results, double the sriracha or add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can even divide the sauce and make half spicy and half mild to accommodate mixed company.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice, which helps balance the heat. For a complete meal, serve with a crisp Asian slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. They also work beautifully as part of a larger spread alongside other grilled items like vegetables or as hearty appetizers for a gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these chicken skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Brush with bang bang sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- → How spicy are these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These skewers have a moderate heat level from the sriracha in both the marinade and sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half. To increase the spiciness, add more sriracha or include red pepper flakes in the marinade.
- → What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
These versatile skewers pair beautifully with coconut rice, Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with noodles tossed in sesame oil or a simple green salad with ginger dressing.
- → Can I prepare these chicken skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance (stored in the refrigerator). The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated. Assemble the skewers shortly before cooking for best results.
- → Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan mayonnaise. Each option will slightly alter the flavor profile but will still create a delicious sauce for the chicken skewers.
- → What's the best type of chicken to use for these skewers?
Both chicken thighs and breasts work well, but thighs are generally juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Whichever you choose, ensure pieces are cut to similar sizes (about 1-inch cubes) for even cooking.