These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are packed with bold flavor, vibrant ingredients, and the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. I combine tender chicken glazed in a honey-ginger sauce with fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy sauce to tie it all together. It’s a crave-worthy meal I keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The sweet-spicy glaze is irresistible, the Yum Yum sauce adds a creamy richness, and the whole bowl is as comforting as it is exciting. It’s great for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
Honey
Fresh ginger, grated
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Sriracha or hot chili sauce
Rice vinegar
Olive oil or sesame oil
Cooked white or brown rice
Shredded carrots
Cucumber, sliced
Red cabbage, thinly sliced
Green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds (optional)

For the Yum Yum Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Ketchup or tomato paste
Rice vinegar
Garlic powder
Sugar
Paprika
Water (to thin the sauce if needed)

Directions

I start by mixing the honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl to create the marinade.
I pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, but it’s even better if I can marinate it for a few hours.
In a skillet over medium heat, I add oil and cook the marinated chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side.
While the chicken cooks, I whisk together the Yum Yum sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
I assemble each bowl by layering a scoop of rice, then topping it with sliced chicken, carrots, cucumber, red cabbage, and a drizzle of the Yum Yum sauce.
I finish it off with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. From start to finish, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Variations

I like to switch things up by using tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. Sometimes I add avocado slices, edamame, or even swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. For an extra punch, I might throw in some pickled red onions or jalapeños.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or a skillet, and I add the fresh toppings and Yum Yum sauce after reheating to keep things crisp and fresh.

FAQs

What’s the best type of chicken to use for this bowl?

I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work just as well if that’s what I have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep all the components separately and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, I just reheat the chicken and rice and assemble my bowl fresh.

Is Yum Yum sauce spicy?

Not really. It’s more tangy and creamy than spicy. If I want a little heat, I sometimes mix in a tiny bit of sriracha or cayenne pepper.

Can I make the Yum Yum sauce dairy-free?

Absolutely. I use a dairy-free or vegan mayo when I want to keep the sauce dairy-free, and it tastes just as good.

What’s a good side dish for this meal?

I usually keep it simple with miso soup or a small green salad with sesame dressing. It’s also great with steamed edamame or crispy wontons.

Conclusion

These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to make. The flavors are bold, the textures are satisfying, and I can easily adapt it to whatever I have on hand. It’s a dish that never disappoints.

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce offer a flavorful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and a creamy tangy sauce.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar to make the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to a few hours.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, paprika, and water to create the Yum Yum sauce.
Assemble each bowl by placing a scoop of rice, followed by sliced cooked chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber, and red cabbage.
Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce and top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.