Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your next gathering. This dish, with its origins rooted in Asian cuisine, has gained immense popularity for its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The name “Bang Bang” is said to evoke the explosive flavors that come together in each bite, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
What I love most about Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is their incredible versatility. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and texture. The tender chicken, marinated in a creamy, spicy sauce, is grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, they will become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparing the Marinade
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well blended. This marinade is going to infuse the chicken with a ton of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This will help them cook evenly and make them easy to eat once they’re skewered.
3. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. I like to use my hands for this part; it’s the best way to ensure that every piece gets that delicious marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, aim for 2 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.
Preparing the Skewers
5. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
6. Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to prepare the skewers. Take the chicken pieces out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade, as it’s not safe to reuse.
7. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and allows the heat to circulate around each piece. I usually fit about 4-5 pieces per skewer, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Cooking Process
8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, heat it over medium-high heat as well. You want the grill to be hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear.
9. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help create those beautiful grill marks and seal in the juices.
10. After 4-5 minutes, flip the skewers over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into a piece to check that it’s no longer pink in the center.
11. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.
Assembling and Serving
12. While the chicken is resting, you can prepare your serving platter. I like to lay down a bed of fresh greens or shredded cabbage for a nice presentation. It also adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
13. Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and place them on the prepared platter. If you prefer, you can leave them on the skewers for a fun presentation, especially if you’re serving them at a party.
14. To finish, sprinkle the skewers with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. This step is optional, but it really elevates the dish!
15. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers warm, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. A spicy peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with these skewers.
Tips for Success
– If you want to add some veggies to your skewers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini work great! Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and alternate them with the chicken on the skewers.
– For a
Conclusion:
In summary, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a zesty sauce, paired with the perfect crunch from the skewers, creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or just craving something delicious, these skewers are sure to impress.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also switch things up by using shrimp or tofu for a delightful variation that caters to different dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables on the skewers, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add even more color and flavor to your dish.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers turn out and any creative twists you add to make them your own. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: A Deliciously Spicy Recipe to Impress Your Guests
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers feature marinated chicken grilled to perfection, infused with a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, they are garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches.
- Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use your hands for thorough mixing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours or overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Skip this step for metal skewers.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip the skewers and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare a serving platter with a bed of fresh greens or shredded cabbage.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the skewers and place them on the platter, or leave them on for presentation.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and alternate with the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
