Spicy Sweet Chicken Skewers

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These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and spicy blend of soy sauce, sriracha, and honey. After grilling to juicy perfection, they're generously drizzled with a creamy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The combination creates an irresistible balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess that makes these skewers perfect as an appetizer or main course. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs, they're visually striking and packed with bold flavors that will impress at any gathering.

A woman with a spoon in her hand.
Written by Emma
Last modified on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:42:48 GMT
A plate of marinated meat skewers. Bookmark
A plate of marinated meat skewers. | mygourmetflavors.com

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.
A plate of food with a stick in it. Bookmark
A plate of food with a stick in it. | mygourmetflavors.com

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.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Juicy grilled chicken with sweet-spicy marinade, topped with creamy bang bang sauce for an impressive appetizer or main dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Written by: Emma

Category: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Asian-Fusion

Output: 4 Servings (12-16 skewers)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken Marinade

01 1 ½ pounds (680g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
02 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons sriracha
04 2 tablespoons honey
05 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For the Bang Bang Sauce

10 ½ cup mayonnaise
11 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
12 1 tablespoon sriracha
13 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
14 ½ teaspoon lime juice

→ Optional Garnishes

15 Fresh parsley or cilantro
16 Sesame seeds
17 Lime wedges

Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Add chicken chunks and toss well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).

Step 02

Soak bamboo skewers in water (if using). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them out slightly.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (optional), and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.

Step 04

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.

Step 05

Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with bang bang sauce during the last few minutes.

Step 06

Transfer skewers to a serving plate, drizzle with more bang bang sauce, garnish with sesame seeds, parsley or cilantro.

Notes

  1. These skewers can also be cooked in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-18 minutes.

Essential Tools

  • Bamboo or metal skewers
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if needed.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains eggs (in mayonnaise)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 28 g