Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

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Juicy, smoky, and kissed with a spicy-sweet glaze — these Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of bold flavor and satisfying texture. Each bite bursts with a combination of heat from chipotle peppers and creamy richness from the signature bang bang sauce. Grilled to perfection and drizzled with just the right amount of zing, they’re a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual dinner or prepping a show-stopping appetizer for a crowd, these skewers deliver. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, they’re a surefire way to turn any meal into a flavor-packed experience. The caramelized char on the outside contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken inside — all enhanced by that irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

• A spicy twist on a classic favorite
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for grilling season or indoor broiling
• Pairs great with rice, slaw, or flatbreads
• Crowd-pleaser for parties, barbecues, or weeknight dinners

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that make all the difference in flavor and efficiency:

• Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for that perfect handheld format. Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
• Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the bang bang sauce.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending the creamy sauce until smooth.
• Grill or grill pan: A grill brings out that smoky flavor, but a stovetop grill pan works great too.
• Basting brush: To glaze the skewers as they cook.
• Meat thermometer: Optional but useful for ensuring your chicken is cooked through without drying out (165°F is the goal).

Each tool contributes to a smooth cooking process and better flavor outcome, from marinade absorption to even grilling.

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Preparation Tips

For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs — they stay juicier on the grill than breasts. Cut the chicken into even chunks so they cook uniformly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, overnight is ideal to really lock in flavor. When grilling, don’t overcrowd the pan or grill grate — give each skewer enough space to sear properly. Finally, brush with extra bang bang sauce during the last minute of grilling for maximum flavor impact.

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Ingredients for this Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (or canned chipotle in adobo, minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional for tang)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
• Extra sriracha drizzle
• Lime wedges for serving

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

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Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice if using. Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.

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Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 4–5 marinated chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

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Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes to get a nice char on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

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Step 5: Glaze and Finish

During the last minute of grilling, brush each skewer with a generous amount of the bang bang sauce. Let the heat caramelize the sauce slightly. Remove from heat and rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side and enjoy hot off the grill. These pair perfectly with jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or warm flatbread wraps.

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Notes

These Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring together a bold marinade and a creamy, spicy sauce for a powerful flavor combination. Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the taste and tenderness, and using thighs ensures the meat stays juicy during grilling. Don’t be afraid to adjust the heat level of the sauce to match your preference — the recipe is very forgiving and customizable. Pair with rice bowls, fresh greens, or even as taco filling for a versatile meal.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the skewer soak: Wooden skewers will burn if not soaked in water beforehand.
• Overcrowding the grill: This prevents proper searing and leads to uneven cooking.
• Not preheating the grill: Cold grates can cause sticking and hinder caramelization.
• Using cold chicken: Let the marinated chicken sit at room temp for 15 minutes before grilling to cook evenly.
• Neglecting to baste: Skipping the sauce glaze during the final minute can dull the final flavor impact.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or an oven at 350°F until warmed through. Microwaving is convenient but may cause the chicken to dry out. Extra bang bang sauce can be stored separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is moderate due to the chipotle and sriracha, but you can easily adjust by reducing or increasing the sriracha in the sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the skewers at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Broil in the last 2 minutes for extra char.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breast is leaner but may cook slightly faster, so monitor closely to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free if you ensure the chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten-free.

What can I substitute for mayo in the sauce?

Greek yogurt or sour cream are good alternatives, though the flavor will slightly change.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Cook just before serving for best texture.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Coconut rice, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, or warm pita all complement the flavors wonderfully.

Can I freeze the cooked skewers?

Yes, once fully cooled, store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Conclusion

Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fiery, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings excitement to any mealtime. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked in your kitchen, their bold flavors and versatile serving options make them a standout favorite. With simple prep, easy ingredients, and a punchy sauce, this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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