Amazing bang bang chicken skewers 12 tomatoes

April 6, 2026
Written By Carla Peterson

Carla Mae Peterson is an experienced home cook, former teacher, and the heart behind "Cooking by Carla." With over 40 years of experience creating delicious, family-friendly meals, Carla specializes in simple, reliable recipes that use everyday ingredients. Her passion is helping home cooks of all skill levels find joy and confidence in the kitchen. She believes the best memories are made around the dinner table, and her goal is to help you create them, one simple recipe at a time.

When summer finally hits, you know I reach straight for the grill! There’s just something about that smoky flavor that takes simple food to a whole new level. Lately, I’ve been playing around with our usual grilled chicken kabobs, and wow, did I land on a winner. These bang bang chicken skewers 12 tomatoes are everything you want in a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. They have tender chicken coated in this absolutely dreamy, creamy, spicy sauce, and we thread exactly twelve fresh tomatoes right onto the skewer for juiciness and color. After thirty years of teaching kids how to follow directions, I promise you this recipe is incredibly clear. You won’t get lost, and you absolutely will nail that perfect sweet heat every single time.

Why You Will Love These bang bang chicken skewers 12 tomatoes

Honestly, I think this recipe is going straight into our permanent rotation. If you need reliable, flavorful meals that cook up fast, this is your answer. Here’s why they are so wonderful:

  • They are the ultimate party appetizer chicken skewers—super easy to eat standing up!
  • The marinade gives you that perfect creamy spicy chicken flavor we all crave.
  • Cooking is flexible; they work beautifully as Grilled Chicken Skewers with Sauce or baked.
  • Including the twelve tomatoes means you get your veggies right on the stick!

Ingredients for Your Chicken and Tomato Skewers recipe

When you’re baking or grilling, having everything ready to go is half the battle won! I learned this teaching third grade—you need all your supplies lined up before you start the lesson. Here is exactly what you’ll need to make these flavor-packed skewers. Don’t forget, if you’re using wooden skewers, get them soaking in water right now! It keeps them from burning up on the grill.

For the Seasoned Chicken and Twelve Tomatoes

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (Nice, uniform pieces cook evenly!)
  • 12 small Roma or cherry tomatoes (These are the stars for adding that burst of freshness!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Wooden or metal skewers (Remember to soak those wooden ones for at least 30 minutes.)

For the Creamy Spicy Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is what makes the magic happen! It’s creamy, sweet, and has a lovely kick. Keep these measurements handy; you’ll want to remember this for other appetizers, too.

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (You can dial this up or down, sweetie!)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Expert Tips for Perfect bang bang chicken skewers

Making great skewers isn’t just about tossing things on a stick; it’s a little bit of strategy! Over the years, I’ve figured out a few tricks that stop the chicken from drying out and keep that wonderful sauce happy on the grill. Trust me on these, they are born from experience!

First, when you’re seasoning, focus on a really good rub. Even before the wet sauce goes on, using simple spices like garlic powder and paprika—which makes up the core of the Best homemade chicken skewers seasoning—gets flavor deep into the meat.

Next, the tomatoes! Don’t just pile them on one end. Alternate chicken and tomato chunks evenly. The tomatoes steam the chicken slightly as they cook, keeping it nice and moist inside. They break down just enough to be tender without turning to complete mush.

The biggest flavor tip? Never, ever sauce too early. The sauce has sugar and mayo, and if you brush it on right away, it just burns before the chicken is cooked through. You wait until the very end—the last two minutes—to glaze those hot skewers. This gives you that beautiful sticky finish without any charcoal taste.

How to Prepare Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Okay, let’s get this show on the road! I always tell my grandkids, organization is the key to staying calm in the kitchen. Since you already soaked your wooden skewers (I hope!), we just need to move through these steps smoothly. Don’t feel rushed! We want these quick weeknight chicken dinners to be relaxing, not frantic.

Seasoning and Assembling the Chicken and Tomato Skewers

First up, we toss that cubed chicken in a bowl with just a splash of olive oil—not too much, we don’t want it greasy! Then, go ahead and sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Get everything nice and evenly coated. Now for the fun part: assembly! Take your skewers and start threading. I like to do Chicken, Tomato, Chicken, Tomato, finishing with a piece of chicken. Make sure you use all twelve of those beautiful tomatoes evenly across your skewers. We want color and flavor in every bite!

Making the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is sitting there soaking up those lovely spices, we whip up the sauce. Grab a small bowl. You’re just whisking everything together: the mayo, the sweet chili sauce for sweetness, the sriracha for the heat, honey, rice vinegar, and that tiny touch of sesame oil. Whisk it till it’s perfectly smooth. Seriously, this makes a fantastic Easy Bang Bang Chicken dipping sauce all on its own, too!

Cooking Methods: Grilling or Baking Instructions for bang bang chicken skewers

Time to cook! Have your grill heated up to medium-high, or if you are using the oven, get it humming at 400°F (200°C). If you grill, place those skewers right on the oiled grates and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll need to turn them a few times so they brown up nicely on all sides. If you bake, lay them out on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. No matter which way you choose, make sure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Safety first, always!

Glazing and Finishing the Skewers

This is where we add the glaze, and timing is everything here, sweetheart. You wait until there are only about two minutes left on the clock for either grilling or baking. Take your prepared sauce and brush it generously over every single side of the skewers. Since the sauce has sugar, if you put it on too early, it will just turn dark and taste bitter. A quick kiss of heat is all we need to make that sauce sticky and delicious. Once they come off the heat, drizzle that remaining sauce right over them before serving!

Make Ahead Chicken Skewers and Storage Instructions

I know you busy folks—and trust me, I know busy! That’s why I always try to offer ways to get ahead in the kitchen. The good news is that these make ahead chicken skewers are fantastic candidates for prep-work!

You can absolutely assemble the chicken and tomatoes right onto the skewers up to four hours before you plan to grill or bake them. Just thread everything, cover the sheet pan tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them snug in the refrigerator. Make sure they stay cold!

Now, here’s the essential tip if you assemble them early: Since the chicken is sitting with the raw tomatoes, I usually wait to do the final glaze until *right* before they go on the heat, like I mentioned before. Doing the initial seasoning ahead of time is fine, but save that sugary Bang Bang Sauce glaze for the last two minutes of cooking.

What about leftovers? Oh, these taste great the next day, too! Store any cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat them—and I prefer the oven or toaster oven over the microwave to keep the texture better—slice the chicken off the stick and warm it through quickly. You might want to save a little extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side for dipping when you reheat them, just to bring back that fresh, saucy flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Chicken Skewers with Sauce

We all know those spicy, saucy skewers are the star of the show, but a good supporting cast makes the performance even better, right? Since these have such a big, bold flavor—sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once—you need sides that are light and refreshing to balance it out. Think simple, fresh flavors to cut through the richness of that Bang Bang Sauce.

For a perfect Summer BBQ Chicken Ideas spread, I always serve mine over plain, fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up any extra sauce that drips off the stick, and it acts as a lovely, mild buffer between your mouth and the heat of the sriracha. It’s such a simple pairing, but it’s incredibly satisfying!

If you need something green on the plate, skip the heavy dressings. A simple cucumber and mint salad is just heavenly alongside this. All you need is thinly sliced cucumbers, a little fresh mint, a drizzle of rice vinegar, and maybe a tiny pinch of salt. The cool, crisp snap of that cucumber really cleanses the palate after a bite of that creamy chicken.

And honestly? Sometimes the best side dish is just eating them cold the next day straight out of the fridge! Just kidding—mostly! But seriously, these skewers are so flavorful, you don’t need much else to make a complete, wonderful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about bang bang chicken skewers 12 tomatoes

I always get questions when I post something unique, and that’s perfectly fine! It means you’re thinking about how to make the recipe fit *your* kitchen and *your* family’s taste. I’ve gathered a few of the things people usually ask me about these spicy skewers right here.

Can I use a different type of tomato or omit them from the bang bang chicken skewers?

That’s a great question, especially since we called out exactly twelve tomatoes in the title! If you don’t have Roma tomatoes, absolutely switch to cherry or grape tomatoes. They tend to hold their shape a bit better on the grill, which is nice. Just watch your threading so they don’t fall apart. If you decide you just aren’t feeling the tomatoes, you can certainly omit them. The chicken will still be delicious with that creamy spicy chicken marinade base, but you’ll miss out on that juicy little burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. You might just need an extra piece of chicken or onion to fill the space on the skewer!

How do I adjust the spice level in the Bang Bang Sauce?

Spice is so personal, isn’t it? I put in two tablespoons of Sriracha because that’s what my husband likes, but when my grandkids are visiting, I cut that way back! If you want it milder, use just one teaspoon of Sriracha, or even just a dash of cayenne pepper instead. On the flip side, if you want a real kick that makes your ears tingle, try tossing in a tablespoon of finely minced jalapeño along with the Sriracha. Remember, you can always add more heat, but if you put too much in at once, it’s hard to pull back!

What is the best way to cook these if I don’t have a grill?

Oh, bless your heart, you do not need a grill to make these amazing skewers! I gave instructions for baking them in the oven at 400°F, and that works wonderfully, turning them into a great baked chicken skewers healthy alternative. But if you have an air fryer, those are marvelous for small batches! Just arrange the skewers in a single layer—you might need to work in batches—and cook them around 380°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer gets them beautifully browned and cooks the chicken super fast. Either way, save that final sauce glazing for the last few minutes of cooking!

Nutritional Estimates for Saucy Glazed Chicken Kebabs

Now, I know many of you watching your macros or just keeping an eye on what your family eats want a little peek at the numbers. Knowing what goes into a meal can be just as important as knowing how to make it taste good! Please remember that these figures are just estimates for the Saucy Glazed Chicken Kebabs based on the ingredients I listed—your exact measurements and choices of Sriracha or honey can certainly shift things a bit.

This breakdown is based on serving two skewers, which feels just about right for a satisfying meal. We are getting great protein from the chicken, balanced out with the fats from the mayonnaise in that delicious sauce.

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 24g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 14g

We’ve got a little sugar in there because of the sweet chili sauce and honey in the Bang Bang Sauce, but that’s what makes it so craveable! It’s a fantastic way to get a satisfying, flavorful meal on the table, especially when you’re looking for those great quick weeknight chicken dinners. Enjoy digging in!

Share Your Experience Making These Skewers

Well, that’s it! We’ve gone from raw chicken and twelve beautiful tomatoes to a finished platter of spicy, saucy goodness. I truly hope these bang bang chicken skewers 12 tomatoes make it onto your dinner table soon because they are just too fun and flavorful to keep secret!

Now, my favorite part of having this little kitchen community together is hearing what you think! I put a lot of heart into developing recipes that are dependable, and I need your feedback to know if I nailed it.

Once you’ve tried these, please take a moment to pop down to the comments section. Give me a star rating—did you love the ease? Was the spice level just right? I really, really want to know what you thought about threading those tomatoes on the skewer with the chicken. Did they stay on the stick? Did your family like that little burst of tomato flavor?

If you run into any trouble while you’re cooking or if you have a substitution you loved, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly over on my contact page. Happy cooking, friends. I hope this recipe brings something delicious and easy to your week!

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Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Fresh Tomatoes

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Make simple, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Skewers perfect for grilling or baking. This recipe includes a creamy, spicy sauce and incorporates twelve fresh tomatoes for a complete meal.

  • Author: cookingbycarla
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 small Roma or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them for 30 minutes)
  • For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Assemble the skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with the twelve tomatoes. Aim for 3-4 pieces of chicken and 2-3 tomatoes per skewer.
  3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. This is your creamy spicy chicken marinade base.
  4. Cook the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. If grilling: Place skewers on the oiled grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. If baking: Arrange skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked.
  7. Glaze the skewers: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously on all sides with half of the prepared Bang Bang Sauce.
  8. Serve: Remove the chicken and tomato skewers from the heat. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the hot skewers before serving. These party appetizer chicken skewers are best served immediately.

Notes

  • For make ahead chicken skewers, you can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer an air fryer chicken skewers recipe, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 12-15 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through.
  • You can use the remaining sauce as a dipping sauce for your saucy glazed chicken kebabs.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 14
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 75

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