Name: Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or chicken breasts); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking); Salt and Pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp Honey; 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low-sodium recommended); 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar; 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (adjust to taste for spice level); 1 tbsp Sesame Oil; 1 tbsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 1 tbsp Water (to dissolve the cornstarch); 1/4 cup Mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Ketchup; 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar; 1 tsp Sugar; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Water (to thin, as needed); Pinch of Salt; 2 cups Cooked White or Brown Rice (for serving); 1/4 cup Sliced Green Onions (for garnish); 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots (for garnish); 1/4 cup Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional); 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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If you’re craving something bold, sweet, spicy, and totally satisfying, these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are about to become your new favorite dinner! Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a spicy-sweet honey-ginger glaze, served over a bed of fluffy rice, and topped with a rich and creamy Yum Yum sauce. Each bite is a flavor-packed adventure that balances heat, sweetness, and creaminess in the best way possible. Ready to spice things up? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

Flavor Explosion

The spicy honey-ginger glaze takes this chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness from the honey, warmth from the ginger, and a little kick from the heat. And when you drizzle that creamy Yum Yum sauce on top, it takes it over the top!

Quick & Easy

This is a great weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes. The marinade is simple, the chicken cooks quickly, and you’re left with a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

Customizable

Want to add some veggies or swap out rice for quinoa? Go for it! These bowls are totally customizable to your taste. Feel free to throw in some roasted veggies, use brown rice for an extra healthy boost, or even toss in some avocado for added richness.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to treat yourself, these bowls are sure to impress. The combination of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors is a guaranteed hit for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless, chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while soaking up all that delicious honey-ginger marinade.

Honey: The sweetness that balances out the spice, making the glaze sticky and irresistible.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that deepens the richness of the chicken.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds that zesty, aromatic kick that perfectly complements the sweetness.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives the marinade that savory punch and works beautifully with the honey and ginger.
Sriracha: A little heat from sriracha brings the spice, adding just the right amount of kick.
Rice Vinegar: Helps balance the sweetness and spice with a touch of acidity.

For the Rice Bowls:

Jasmine Rice: Light, fluffy, and fragrant rice that absorbs the delicious glaze and Yum Yum sauce. You could also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative.
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, giving the bowls that extra touch of texture.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, crisp element that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and chicken.

Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a cool and refreshing crunch, balancing out the heat from the chicken.

For the Yum Yum Sauce:

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that makes it rich and smooth.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce a little tang and sweetness, making it the perfect companion to the chicken.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.
Sugar: A touch of sugar helps to round out the flavors in the Yum Yum sauce.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder for an extra savory depth.
Water: To thin out the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, and rice vinegar until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Chicken:

Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (but keep the marinade for later) and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Glaze the chicken: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan once the chicken is cooked, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes a sticky glaze.

Make the Yum Yum Sauce:

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Assemble the Bowls:

Cook the rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your jasmine rice according to package instructions.

Slice the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and glazed, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice between bowls. Top with sliced chicken, a drizzle of Yum Yum sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cucumber slices.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Fat per serving: 22g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 36g
Sugar per serving: 15g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

With Roasted Vegetables:

Pair these bowls with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

On Their Own:

These bowls are perfectly satisfying on their own, but adding some crunchy snacks like edamame or miso soup could make it even better!

With a Side Salad:

A light, refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette would balance the richness of the chicken and Yum Yum sauce perfectly.

For Meal Prep:

These bowls make excellent meal prep! Store the rice, chicken, and sauce separately, and reheat everything when you’re ready to eat. The flavors hold up wonderfully!

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy:

If you like things hot, feel free to add extra sriracha to the marinade or even sprinkle some chili flakes over the top before serving.

Swap the Chicken:

You can easily swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. The marinade and Yum Yum sauce will still bring all the flavor!

Double the Yum Yum Sauce:

If you love Yum Yum sauce (and who doesn’t?), double the recipe to have extra sauce on hand for dipping or drizzling over other dishes.

Use Brown Rice for Extra Fiber:

For a healthier, more filling option, you can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice. It’s a great way to add some extra fiber to your meal.

Make it Gluten-Free:

To make this dish gluten-free, just swap out the soy sauce for tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, chicken breast works well too! Just be sure not to overcook it, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and rice reheat nicely, and you can drizzle a little more Yum Yum sauce when serving.

Q3: Can I make the Yum Yum sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the Yum Yum sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Q4: Can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Absolutely! Add extra sriracha or some chili paste to the marinade or Yum Yum sauce for a spicy boost.

Q5: Can I use cauliflower rice?
A5: Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option for these bowls, and it will still soak up all the delicious sauce.

Q6: Can I use another type of vinegar in the marinade or Yum Yum sauce?
A6: Rice vinegar is preferred for its mild flavor, but apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as alternatives.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: You can freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Q8: How can I make the chicken more tender?
A8: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even up to 2 hours for the most tender and flavorful results.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the bowls?
A9: Yes, feel free to add your favorite roasted or sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, for more flavor and color.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the chicken, rice, and sauce. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy, making them a true standout meal. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—ideal for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or treating yourself to a special meal, these bowls will hit the spot every time. Enjoy every sticky, saucy, savory bite!

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce