If you’re looking to wow your friends and family this holiday season with a dish bursting with flavor, you have to try this Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of savory Asian-inspired ingredients then grilled to perfection make the perfect canvas for a luscious, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that adds the ultimate festive flair. It’s an irresistible appetizer that balances smoky char with creamy, zesty sauce—guaranteed to brighten any gathering and become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients chosen to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and eye-catching color. Each component brings something unique, from the tender chicken thighs to the tangy marinade and the bold bang bang sauce with just the right kick.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They’re juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling and soaking up marinade.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth and saltiness to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to balance the savory notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a punch of flavor essential in Asian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings warmth and zing to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water: Prevents burning and makes grilling easier.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime juice—these ingredients mix into a creamy, sweet, spicy sauce with a citrusy brightness.
How to Make Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is where the magic happens—each ingredient infuses the chicken with layers of bold flavor and tenderizes it for grilling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though letting it sit up to 4 hours will deepen the taste and give the chicken an irresistible punch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe, blending creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the smoky grilled chicken.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Make sure your wooden skewers have soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them comfortably without squeezing, so they cook evenly and retain juiciness.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve a uniform golden char and ensure they’re cooked through. The aroma at this stage is truly mouthwatering and signals that these skewers are almost ready to steal the show at your holiday party.
Step 5: Serve with Bang Bang Sauce
Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top or serve it on the side as a dip. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds adds a pop of color and texture. These final touches turn your Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
How to Serve Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding vibrant garnishes like chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro instantly livens up the presentation and flavor profile. These small accents provide a fresh crunch and aromatic lift that perfectly balances the creamy bang bang sauce and smoky chicken.
Side Dishes
The versatility of this recipe shines when paired with simple yet satisfying sides. Serve your Christmas Bang Bang Skewers over fluffy jasmine rice, alongside crisp lettuce wraps, or with a colorful Asian slaw. Each side brings complementary texture and freshness to the dish for a well-rounded holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the skewers as individual appetizers laid out on a festive platter, or build mini lettuce wraps with chicken and sauce for a hand-friendly party treat. For a more substantial meal, plate the skewers atop a bed of rice or noodles and drizzle with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Presentation is part of the fun—feel free to get creative and impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover skewers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken holds up well and the flavors deepen overnight, making for delicious next-day bites. Just keep the bang bang sauce separate if you haven’t drizzled it on yet.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months of freezing. To maintain sauce freshness, store the bang bang sauce separately and add it after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat skewers gently in the oven or on a grill pan to preserve the chicken’s moisture and smoky char. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. Once warmed through, add fresh bang bang sauce or reapply any reserved sauce before serving to keep every bite deliciously saucy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner and can work well for this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. Adjust grilling time accordingly for tender, juicy results.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium kick thanks to the sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha depending on your personal spice tolerance. The sweetness from the honey and sweet chili sauce helps balance the heat nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe is designed for chicken, you can swap in firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure you press the tofu well to remove excess water and marinate it longer for good flavor absorption.
Do I need to soak the skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from catching fire on the grill and helps keep your chicken skewers safe and intact while cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! The chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours ahead or even the night before to boost flavor. The bang bang sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes party day stress-free and lets you focus on enjoying the festivities.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about gathering around and sharing flavorful, vibrant dishes like this Christmas Bang Bang Skewers Recipe. With its tender grilled chicken and creamy, zesty sauce, it’s an appetizer that effortlessly impresses without requiring complicated prep. Trust me, once you serve these at your holiday table, they will quickly become your go-to festive favorite. So fire up your grill and get ready to make some delicious memories!
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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 a flavorful marinade with a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy dipping sauce, making it a festive and delicious dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
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 the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- 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 the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are packed evenly but not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked, reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and has slightly charred edges for flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
- For convenience, prepare the bang bang sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead of time to save on meal prep during busy occasions.
- These skewers are delicious served over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal.
