Friday, July 26, 2013

Recipe Swap: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

If you've ever been to a Bonefish Grill you've probably had their famous Bang Bang Shrimp, delicious fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. I've always wanted to try making them at home but I'm not a big fan of frying - it's messy and leaves the whole house smelling for days. For the grilling recipe swap I received Caroline's recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, a grilled knockoff version of the dish that uses chicken instead of shrimp (although if I'd had shrimp I would have used them, too).

bangbang

In my opinion, the most important part of any make-at-home version of the Bang Bang Shrimp is the sauce. This was the perfect combination of creaminess from the mayo, sweetness from the chili sauce and spice from the sriracha. We both enjoyed the sauce mixed with smokiness from the grill.

bangbang2

We both love fried food as much as the next person, but this grilled version was pretty awesome. I think I may prefer it simply because of the fat and calories, not to mention the heaviness that comes with fried food. I felt like I could eat more of the chicken because it was grilled vs. fried. I can't wait to try this recipe with shrimp - I know it's going to be amazing.


To see what other grilling recipes were made for the swap scroll down past the recipe to the LinkUp. Thanks to everyone for participating, especially Caroline for submitting this recipe.

UPDATE June 2014: I don't make this recipe with red pepper anymore. I've been making it with grape tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, and mushrooms for awhile now, so I thought I'd update the recipe. Soon I'll get around to reblogging it, but for now I've simply updated the recipe below.

Bang bang chicken and veggies

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Modified from The Barbee Housewife, originally from Center Cut Cook

4 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks
2 zucchini, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 red onion, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 12-oz package of mushrooms, cut in half
1 pint grape tomatoes
Olive oil, a few tablespoons for drizzling
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons chile garlic sauce, or more to taste

Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before using. You can also use metal skewers.

Thread the chicken, zucchini, onion, mushrooms and tomatoes onto the skewers (keep each thing separate since they have different cooking times). Drizzle the chicken and veggies with oil, then season with salt and pepper.

Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chile garlic sauce. Set aside.

Pre-heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Add the skewers. Cook the veggies for 6-8 minutes, or until tender, and the chicken 10-12 minutes.

Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest a few minutes. Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers before eating. Toss the chicken with the sauce and serve alongside the veggies.





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7 comments:

  1. I am so glad you liked these. I am with you on the saving the calories for this dish; plus, I love grilling in the summer!

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  2. I love Bang Bang sauce, what a great way to enjoy it in the summer.

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  3. Hehe - every time I hear "bang bang" I think of that movie Couples Retreat. And I snicker.

    I might have to make this so I can indulge my juvenile sense of humor.

    Plus, they look good!

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  4. Grilling it is definitely a healthier way to go...I may have to try this.

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  5. I love anything skewered because dinner seems to come together much faster. My husband only really likes it if there is a sauce though, so these seem perfect for our household.

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  6. I have made the fried version but definitely need to try this!

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