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I first stumbled upon the delightfully bold flavor of Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers during a summer get-together with friends. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the grill, laughter mingling with the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air. The first bite was an explosion of smoky spice and savory goodness that danced on my palate. It quickly became a favorite in our circle, and I knew I had to share it with my family and loved ones. This dish has since become a staple at our gatherings, a symbol of warmth and connection served on a skewer. Just one dish brings everyone together, united by laughter and the irresistible charm of those spicy, sweet flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers stand out for their unique blend of flavors and their easy preparation, making them perfect for any occasion. Not only do they offer a delightful kick from the chipotle and a creamy touch with the bang bang sauce, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional fried options. They are a treasure trove of flavor packed into protein-rich chicken, making them a family-approved meal that everyone will adore. These skewers come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The balance of spice, sweetness, and a kick of smokiness is simply irresistible, ensuring that these will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chipotle powder (adjust for spice preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, then set aside.
Skewer the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, ensuring even spacing for proper cooking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
Serve with Bang Bang Sauce: Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle with your prepared bang bang sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Recipe Variations

Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chicken and fresh spices.
Spice it Up: Add more chipotle powder or sriracha for extra heat, or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder taste.
Dietary Adaptations: Substitute chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a grill or in the oven to maintain crispness.

Best Ways to Serve

These Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers shine brightly when paired with sides that complement their robust flavors. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, or cilantro lime rice to balance the spice. A chilled margarita or iced tea makes for an excellent beverage pairing. For presentation, arrange the skewers on a vibrant platter and drizzle extra bang bang sauce for a pop of visual appeal. This dish is perfect for gatherings, with each skewer serving as an inviting finger food option!

Common Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance for more flavor. Just grill it when ready to serve!
Can I freeze the leftovers? You can freeze the cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of chipotle powder? Smoked paprika can be a great substitute, though lacking the same level of heat, you might want to add some cayenne pepper for spice.
How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery? Ensure the chicken is well-drained after marinating and don’t overcrowd the grill.
Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free? Absolutely! Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables or tofu, and opt for a dairy-free mayo for the sauce.

Sharing delicious moments around food is what truly brings us together. Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers have a unique way of sparking joy at any gathering, infusing our meals with warmth and flavor. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experience with family and friends. Whether it’s for a cookout or a cozy dinner, this dish will surely be a hit. I can’t wait to hear about the beautiful memories you create with these skewers!

“These Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers were a game changer for our summer barbecue! Everyone kept asking for seconds. The spice level was just right, and the bang bang sauce added a fun twist. Highly recommend!”

Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Tender chunks of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, these skewers are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 12

Total Time 42

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chipotle powder adjust for spice preference
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha or more for extra heat
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Method

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, then set aside.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, ensuring even spacing for proper cooking.
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).

Serve

Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle with your prepared bang bang sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Consider serving these skewers with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or cilantro lime rice. They also pair excellently with a chilled margarita or iced tea.