I just made this Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe, and wow, my kitchen smells amazing! The mix of sweet honey, zesty ginger, and a touch of chili paste made the chicken irresistible. I loved how creamy avocado and crunchy wontons added texture.
Making the yum yum sauce at home was surprisingly easy and so rewarding. Honestly, every bite felt like a flavor-packed celebration in my mouth! You can also enjoy similar treats like Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Skewers Recipe for a sweet complement to this meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish shine. I’ve included tips to make each ingredient work its best. For dessert ideas after your meal, Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes Recipe is a perfect sweet finish.
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner.
- 1 tablespoon + ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce – tamari gives a richer flavor and is gluten-free.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – adds richness and helps crisp the chicken.
- Black pepper, to taste – freshly cracked works best.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice – adds bright, tangy notes that balance the honey.
- ¼ cup honey – choose raw or local for the best natural sweetness.
- 2-3 tablespoons chili paste – adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped – fresh ginger brings a fragrant warmth you can’t get from powder.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped – fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor that melds beautifully with ginger.
For Serving:
- 3-4 cups cooked rice – jasmine or basmati works well; keep it fluffy.
- Sliced cucumber – adds cool crunch.
- Sliced avocado – creamy texture balances the spice.
- Kimchi – optional, but adds tangy umami.
- Fried wontons – for a satisfying crunch.
Note: several servings
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- ⅓ cup olive oil mayo – creamy base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – gives umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – boosts flavor with a subtle seasoning mix.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – a little heat to elevate the sauce.
Variations
You can tweak this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan mayo in the yum yum sauce.
- Sugar-free: Substitute honey with a natural sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
- Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick glance at how long this recipe takes:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient portions.
- Mixing bowls with lids – for combining sauces and marinating.
- Garlic mincer – speeds up chopping garlic evenly.
- Mandolin slicer or food chopper – perfect for thin cucumber and avocado slices.
- Baking sheet – to roast the chicken evenly.
- Whisk – essential for blending the yum yum sauce smoothly.
How to Make Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce
Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the chicken get golden and slightly crispy. I love this step because it sets the stage for the perfect texture.
Prepare and Bake the Chicken
Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon tamari, 1 tablespoon orange juice, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Lightly dusting with cornstarch or arrowroot powder helps the chicken crisp up. Bake for 15 minutes until it starts turning golden.
Make the Honey-Ginger Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup tamari, 2 tablespoons orange juice, honey, chili paste, garlic, and ginger. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness. I like tasting at this stage—it’s the magic mix that makes the chicken pop.
Glaze the Chicken
Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Bake for another 5 minutes. For extra charred edges, broil for 1-2 minutes while keeping an eye on it.
Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce
Mix mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. Taste and tweak for more heat or saltiness. I find this sauce is the crowning glory—it ties the whole bowl together beautifully.
Assemble the Bowls
Scoop rice into bowls, top with chicken, cucumber, avocado, and a bit of kimchi. Sprinkle fried wontons on top and drizzle generously with yum yum sauce. I always pause here to admire the colors—it looks almost too good to eat!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I love adding a splash of lime over the top for extra brightness.
- If I have time, I marinate the chicken for 30 minutes; it makes the flavors even richer.
- For a smoky depth, I broil the chicken briefly at the end.
- I sometimes add a few chopped herbs like cilantro for a fresh pop.
How to Serve Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce
Serve these bowls straight from the counter or family-style on a platter. Layer the ingredients neatly for visual appeal. Garnish with a few fresh herbs or sesame seeds, and serve immediately to keep the rice fluffy and wontons crunchy. I love pairing this with a light Asian-style slaw for a refreshing crunch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 450-500 kcal – filling but balanced.
- Protein: 35 g – thanks to the chicken.
- Carbohydrates: 40 g – mainly from rice and honey.
- Fat: 18 g – from olive oil, avocado, and mayo.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Refrigerating: Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This keeps flavors fresh.
- Freezing: Chicken can be frozen without the avocado or fried toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave; add avocado and crispy toppings fresh to retain texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why I keep making this over and over:
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, spicy, and savory notes hit every craving in one bite.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: Switch proteins, toppings, or spice level to suit your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: It impresses guests and is loved by kids and adults alike.
- Balanced: Combines protein, healthy fats, and carbs in a single, delicious bowl.
These Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are a meal I can make any day and feel proud serving. Sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy all at once—it’s a flavor combination that never gets old.
