These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are a bold and balanced meal that I love making when I’m craving something flavorful, satisfying, and a little spicy. The sweet heat of the honey-ginger glazed chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy homemade Yum Yum Sauce, all served over a bed of rice with fresh veggies for a nourishing bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it hits every flavor note—sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy—all in one bowl. It’s an easy meal-prep option and super customizable based on what I have on hand. The honey-ginger sauce caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, and when I drizzle everything with that addictive Yum Yum Sauce, it turns a simple dish into something crave-worthy.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Sriracha or chili paste
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Water (to thin the sauce if needed)
For the Bowl:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded carrots
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Green onions, sesame seeds (for topping)
directions
- I start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha for at least 20 minutes—or overnight if I have time.
- While the chicken marinates, I whisk together all the Yum Yum Sauce ingredients in a small bowl and chill it in the fridge.
- In a hot skillet, I sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, letting the marinade reduce into a sticky glaze.
- I let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- I assemble my bowls by layering rice, veggies, and chicken, then drizzle generously with Yum Yum Sauce.
- I finish it with green onions and sesame seeds for a little crunch and extra flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 hearty bowls and takes about 40 minutes total, including marinating and cooking time. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like takeout but healthier and homemade.
Variations
I switch up the protein sometimes—using tofu, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version. The veggies are totally flexible too; I use whatever’s in the fridge like avocado, edamame, cabbage, or bell peppers. For a low-carb version, I swap out rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
storage/reheating
I store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add the cold toppings and Yum Yum Sauce after. The sauce keeps well in the fridge for about a week.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, I often bake it at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, then broil for the last few minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Is Yum Yum Sauce spicy?
Not really—it’s more creamy and tangy. If I want a kick, I stir in a little sriracha or cayenne pepper.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. I just make sure not to overcook the breast to keep it juicy.
What kind of rice works best?
I use jasmine or brown rice most often, but sushi rice or even quinoa are great choices too.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, the Yum Yum Sauce is already dairy-free if I use a plant-based mayo. The rest of the bowl is naturally dairy-free too.
Conclusion
These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are one of my go-to meals when I want something fast, flavorful, and customizable. The mix of heat, sweetness, and creamy sauce makes every bite exciting, and I love how easily I can prep it ahead for busy weeks. It’s the kind of bowl I never get tired of.
Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep, Bowl
- Method: Pan-fried / Sautéed
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Description
These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are a flavorful fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory goodness. Tender chicken is glazed in a sticky honey-ginger sauce, paired with fresh veggies over rice, and topped with a creamy homemade Yum Yum Sauce. Perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners, this bowl is customizable, nourishing, and better than takeout!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Water, to thin (as needed)
- Optional: dash of sriracha for heat
- For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or quinoa)
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha. Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
- Whisk together Yum Yum Sauce ingredients and chill in the fridge.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken with marinade until golden and cooked through, allowing sauce to thicken into a glaze.
- Let chicken rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble bowls with a base of rice, then top with veggies and chicken. Drizzle with Yum Yum Sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes if you prefer not to pan-fry.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or crispy chickpeas for variety.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Yum Yum Sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
- For extra spice, add chili flakes or hot sauce to either the marinade or sauce.
