Name: Irresistibly Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers You’ll Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 162 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Thighs offer more flavor.); 2 tablespoons Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (Adjust quantity for milder taste.); 2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce; 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can substitute for a lighter option.); 2 tablespoons Honey; 1 tablespoon Lime Juice; 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (For garnish.)

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Picture this: the sun is shining, friends are gathered, and you’re about to unveil a plate of Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that’ll have everyone swooning. The moment those skewers hit the grill, the tantalizing aroma of smoky chipotle mingles with the sizzling sound of juicy chicken, beckoning your guests closer. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, striking the perfect balance between heat and sweetness, thanks to the creamy chipotle-honey sauce.

These skewers are not just quick to prepare; they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, transforming any occasion into a festive celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, whipping up a weeknight dinner, or looking for that show-stopping dish for game day, these bang bang chicken skewers are bound to steal the show. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to deliver joy with every bite!

Why are Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers irresistible?

Satisfying Flavor Explosion: Each skewer bursts with smoky and spicy notes, perfectly paired with a creamy sauce that balances the heat.

Quick to Prepare: Ideal for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings, these skewers are ready to grill in under 30 minutes.

Versatile Options: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different tastes, ensuring everyone can enjoy.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for any occasion, these skewers guarantee rave reviews from family and friends!

Perfect for Grilling: Whether outdoors or in the oven, the charred exterior versus tender juicy chicken makes every bite addictive.

For even more fun ideas, consider serving them alongside coconut rice or a fresh slaw for a colorful and flavorful meal.

Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Ingredients

Unleash the flavors with these essential components for your skewers!

For the Chicken

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Thighs offer more flavor while breasts provide a leaner, healthier option.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – Infuses that smoky, spicy kick; adjust the quantity for a milder taste.
Adobo Sauce – Deepens the flavor profile and pairs perfectly with the chipotle peppers.

For the Creamy Sauce

Mayonnaise – Forms a luxuriously creamy base; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
Honey – Balances the spiciness with sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Lime Juice – Brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing acidity to cut through the richness.
Soy Sauce – Adds savory umami notes, elevating the overall taste of the chicken.
Olive Oil – Helps coat the chicken evenly and enhances the crispy finish while grilling.

For the Seasoning

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential for adding rich savory depth to your marinade.
Fresh Cilantro – Garnish for a pop of freshness and color, bringing everything together.

Now you’re all set to create the most delicious Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Make Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Prepare the Chicken: Trim and cube your chicken thighs or breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. Pat dry to ensure the marinade adheres beautifully.
Blend the Marinade: In a blender, mix chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth; remember to set aside some sauce for glazing later.
Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the remaining marinade, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to let the flavors infuse deeply.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread your marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers for grilling. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers for even cooking!
Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning frequently until they are charred and cooked through. Look for a nice golden brown color!
Glaze the Skewers: Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes of grilling. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Serve & Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for added brightness and flavor contrast.

Optional: Drizzle additional creamy sauce over the skewers for an indulgent finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Proper Chicken Cut: Choose chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor; if using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Marinating Time Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor of your spicy chipotle bang bang chicken skewers.
Skewer Safety: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are a great alternative!
Glazing Caution: Use reserved marinade only for glazing during the last moments of grilling to avoid contamination from raw chicken.
Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high for the best char and crispiness; adjust as needed if cooking indoors.

Storage Tips for Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through without drying out the chicken.
Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with extra creamy sauce after reheating for added flavor on your spicy chipotle bang bang chicken skewers.

Make Ahead Options

These Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those bold flavors to really penetrate. Simply prepare the marinade and toss the chicken in, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to grill. For extra convenience, you can also thread the marinated chicken onto skewers a few hours ahead, just be sure to keep them covered in the fridge to prevent drying out. When it’s time to cook, simply grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes over medium-high heat, brushing with the reserved sauce during the last few minutes for that creamy finish. This way, you can enjoy delicious, smoky skewers with minimal last-minute effort!

Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Variations

Feel free to customize your skewers to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a quick-cooking, seafood twist that’s just as flavorful.
Tofu Alternative: Use firm tofu, marinated similarly, for a delicious vegetarian option without missing the spice.
Heat Level: Adjust the spice by adding more chipotle peppers for a fiery kick or a drizzle of extra honey for sweetness.
Creamy Yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter sauce that’s still rich and satisfying.
Veggie Mix: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to your skewers for a colorful and nutritious twist!
Grill Marks: For added texture, grill skewers on a cast-iron grill pan, creating those beautiful char marks indoors.
Smoky Flavor Boost: For an even smokier flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika into the marinade for a delightful twist.
Citrus Zing: Add orange juice to the marinade for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the overall flavor.

Get creative and make these skewers your own – the sky’s the limit!

What to Serve with Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

To create a delightful and satisfying meal, consider these flavorful pairings that will elevate your dining experience.

Coconut Rice: A fragrant, creamy rice that complements the smoky heat of the skewers, providing a soothing base. Its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the spicy chipotle flavors.
Fresh Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, enhancing each bite with vibrant texture and flavor.
Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers or zucchini drizzled with olive oil and grilled to perfection add a delightful char that complements the skewers without overshadowing them.
Corn on the Cob: Simple and sweet, grilled corn brushed with butter offers a classic side that balances the spice while adding a nostalgic touch to your meal.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens up the plate, providing acidity and crunch that cuts through the rich sauce.
Margaritas: A light and refreshing cocktail, the zesty lime and sweetness work in harmony with the spicy chipotle skewers, making dinner feel like a festive occasion.
Churros: For dessert, these crispy, sugary delights offer a sweet ending to your meal. The cinnamon sugar complements the smokiness of the skewers, creating a round, comforting experience.

These pairings will transform your Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers into an unforgettable feast that will leave everyone asking for more!

Spicy Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for the skewers?
Absolutely! I recommend using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. If you choose breasts, be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I suggest placing them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to warm them through while preventing dryness.

Can I freeze these skewers?
Very! To freeze, allow the cooked skewers to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the smoky goodness whenever you’d like!

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?
No worries! You can substitute chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to add heat, but do start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste. For a milder option, consider using roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor without the heat.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure perfect results, grill the skewers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be opaque and no longer pink inside. It often takes about 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat, turning frequently.

Can I make these skewers without the creamy sauce?
Absolutely! You can skip the sauce entirely or replace it with a simple squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and zesty flavor. Alternatively, a light vinaigrette or yogurt dip could make a delightful accompaniment as well.

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