Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare, these bang bang chicken skewers are the perfect solution! Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe takes just about 5 minutes of prep time, making it an absolute must-have for your meal planning rotation. With a delightful blend of spices and a creamy, tangy sauce, these skewers are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe, the ingredients you'll need, and some helpful tips to ensure your cooking experience is a breeze!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Convenient: With just 5 minutes of prep time, these bang bang chicken skewers are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You can have a flavorful meal on the table in no time!
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and the creamy, spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels in the sauce to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These skewers are great for meal prepping! Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week for lunch or dinner.
Helpful Tips:
Soak the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This will prevent them from burning in the oven.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve with Fresh Veggies: Add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to your meal for added nutrition and color.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love the bang bang sauce, consider making extra to use as a dipping sauce for veggies or as a dressing for salads.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Chicken Breast: Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is lean and easy to work with. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
Paprika: This spice adds a mild sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken, enhancing its visual appeal.
Chili Powder: For a bit of heat, chili powder adds depth and flavor to the chicken, giving it that signature bang bang taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder) infuses the chicken with aromatic goodness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
Yogurt: Use plain yogurt as a creamy base for the sauce. It adds a delightful tanginess and helps to balance the heat from the spices.
Sriracha: This iconic hot sauce brings a spicy kick to the sauce, making it both flavorful and exciting.
Honey: A touch of honey adds sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the spicy and tangy notes in the sauce.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavor, adding a zesty freshness that complements the other ingredients.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds umami depth and saltiness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce and round out the meal.
Spring Onions and Chili Flakes: For garnish, chopped spring onions add a fresh, crunchy element, while chili flakes provide an extra kick for heat lovers.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This allows for even cooking and makes it easy to thread onto skewers. Place the diced chicken into a mixing bowl.
2. Season the Chicken: Add paprika, chili powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl with the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the spices, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
3. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 4 minutes. This initial baking step helps to lock in the moisture and allows the chicken to start cooking.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, sriracha, chili powder, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix until you have a smooth and creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
5. Baste and Finish Cooking: After 4 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Using a brush or spoon, baste the chicken pieces with the prepared sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake, basting every 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is juicy and coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken skewers are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Serve the delicious bang bang chicken skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, and drizzle any remaining sauce on top. Garnish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your tasty meal!
