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If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that bursts with bold flavors and a touch of spice, the Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe is an absolute must-try. These grilled chicken skewers are marinated to tender perfection, then coated with a luscious, creamy bang bang sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Bright, colorful, and irresistibly tasty, this dish will undoubtedly become a weekly favorite during the holiday season and beyond!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe lies in its simple and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in layering flavors—from tender chicken thighs soaking up a savory marinade to the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that brings everything together. Here’s what you’ll gather before you fire up the grill:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy and tender bites, perfect for grilling and soaking up flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty umami foundation that deepens the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and a rich, toasty note to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity to balance richness and brighten the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punchy, savory spice that pairs well with ginger.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a fresh zing that lifts the marinade.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the other flavors naturally.
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water: Keeps your skewers from burning on the grill and makes turning easier.
- Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime juice – blended into a sweet, spicy, creamy topping that’s the star of the show.
How to Make Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The marinade is where the magic begins, infusing every bite with layers of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up all these tastes in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate up to 4 hours makes the dish even more flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and harmonious. This sauce is where the “bang bang” comes alive — balancing heat, sweetness, and creaminess that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto water-soaked wooden skewers. This helps prevent them from burning and makes flipping the chicken on the grill effortless and even, ensuring every side gets that perfect char.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Watch for a beautiful char on the edges and juicy, fully cooked chicken through the center. The tempting aroma itself will have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 5: Serve with Bang Bang Sauce
Transfer the grilled skewers to a platter and either drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for that extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds add a bright, crunchy contrast to the creamy bang bang sauce and juicy chicken. They bring an inviting texture and color pop that makes this dish truly festive and visually stunning.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, refreshing bite. For a holiday feast, consider serving alongside grilled vegetables or a tangy Asian slaw to complement the skewer’s zingy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try presenting the Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe on a large platter over a bed of fresh greens with extra sauce artistically drizzled on top. Alternatively, serve each skewer individually on small plates with dipping bowls, making it perfect for a festive appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover chicken skewers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the skewers reheat well while retaining their juiciness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen skewers last for 1 to 2 months and make a convenient, flavorful quick meal after a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the chicken’s texture and keep the bang bang sauce fresh by adding it after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine but tend to be drier than thighs. Marinate a bit longer and watch the grilling time closely to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a gentle kick thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, balanced by honey and mayo. You can always adjust the sriracha amount to suit your heat preference, making it milder or spicier.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a broiler works great. Just keep an eye on the chicken to get that nice char and avoid burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Otherwise, the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free and safe for most dietary needs.
How far ahead can I prepare this dish?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the bang bang sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble before grilling for fresh, flavorful skewers.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration in every bite. Its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and inviting presentation make it a perfect addition to holiday parties or any get-together. I can’t wait for you to try this and share it with your loved ones—nothing brings people together quite like food this good!
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Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Christmas Bang Bang Skewers feature tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This Asian-inspired appetizer combines bold flavors like ginger, garlic, and sriracha for a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delicious grilled chicken treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat and cover the bowl. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to create a nice sear on the chicken skewers.
- Thread the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and has slightly charred edges.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dip. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred for a leaner option.
- To save time, prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a day in advance; this enhances the flavor.
- These skewers are excellent served over rice or wrapped in lettuce for a light meal.
