These Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs are full of flavor and fun! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I love serving them at parties, and they always disappear fast. Pair them with rice or a salad for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean meat that cooks quickly and stays juicy when marinated. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey breast or firm tofu work well for a similar texture.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. Coconut aminos can also be a milder alternative.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. For a vegan substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Sesame Oil: It provides a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you could use olive oil, but you’ll miss the unique taste. Toasted sesame oil is a great complement if you can find it.
Mayonnaise: This is the base for the Bang Bang sauce. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or an avocado mash for a creamy texture.
Sriracha: It adds heat! If you’re not a fan of spice, substitute it with ketchup or simply skip it for milder flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy kabobs lies in marination. Marinating is essential! Mixing soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and spices creates a flavor-packed blend that really penetrates the chicken.
- Mix the marinade well and allow the chicken to soak in it for at least 30 minutes, but more is better—up to 2 hours if you have time.
- Be sure to thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers with space in between. This helps them cook evenly.
- Finally, make sure the grill is properly preheated and don’t rush the cooking. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This avoids dry, overcooked pieces!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Others:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for marinating the chicken and another 20 minutes for grilling, making it a total of about 50 minutes. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be, so if you can, allow up to 2 hours for marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Now, add the bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will give even better flavor!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grab a separate small bowl to make the Bang Bang sauce. Mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if you want some extra spice), and lime juice. Stir everything until it’s nice and smooth. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha based on your taste. Set this delicious sauce aside for later!
3. Preheat the Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps them not to burn during grilling. In the meantime, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow even cooking. This is going to make your kabobs juicy and perfectly grilled!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they cook evenly and develop those lovely grill marks. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve:
Once done, take the kabobs off the grill and drizzle them with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Serve the kabobs with extra sauce on the side for dipping—your friends and family are going to love them!
Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and richness to your kabobs. Just keep in mind they might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through, so be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos, which is a bit sweeter and less salty. You can also make a quick homemade version with equal parts beef or vegetable broth mixed with a dash of vinegar.
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or heat on a grill pan for a few minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of lime juice for a fresh flavor boost!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Make sure to stir it well before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
