Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling truly satisfied? Look no further than these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce! This versatile dish is perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. If you enjoy flavorful bowls, consider our delicious recipe on Teriyaki Salmon Bowls which is just as exciting and delicious. This isn’t just another chicken bowl recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in perfect harmony.

Gathering Your Ingredients: The Flavor Building Blocks for the Best Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls

To create this symphony of flavors, you’ll need a collection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a detailed list with measurements. Selecting chicken and making sure that you are following safe handling procedures are one of the most important things you can do to ensure quality Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls. Here is more information from the USDA about selecting chicken [USDA Safe Chicken Handling].

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts in this recipe, and the delicious juicy bites provide a great textural experience for these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Forms the base of the marinade, adding a salty umami flavor that is essential for our Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Honey: 3 tablespoons. Provides sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize during cooking. The honey adds a richness that makes each bite burst with flavour.
Fresh Ginger: 2 tablespoons, grated. Adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic flavor. Using fresh ginger ensures that the Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls are the most delicious.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Provides a pungent and savory element.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and spice and helps tenderize the chicken for the perfect Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds heat to the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If spice is not your thing, you may consider reducing the flakes amount.
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the marinade and complements all the other flavours in the Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish. Cornstarch helps ensure that you have the perfect sauce for your next chicken dinner.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. For cooking the chicken, you can use many forms of oil.
Cooked Rice: 4 cups, cooked according to package directions. Choose your favorite type of rice – white, brown, or jasmine rice all work well in creating amazing Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish. Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish. Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor, and a nice aroma.

Yum Yum Sauce:

Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup. Forms the creamy base of the sauce. This is the most critical component of the Yum Yum sauce.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the mayonnaise. The addition of acidity is a great way to balance a recipe.
Ketchup: 1 tablespoon. Provides sweetness and a subtle tomato flavor.
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a savory element to the creamy, dreamy Yum Yum sauce.
Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
Water: 1-2 tablespoons, to adjust consistency.

Creating the Flavor Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

Now, let’s bring all these delicious ingredients together and create our Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce! Follow these directions step by step to have the best bowl for dinner.

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for maximum flavor. Marinating for longer is key!
Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Yum Yum Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and water. Add water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use so that the flavors have time to mix and mesh.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. An internal thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Check the internal temperature to be sure!
Make the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan and make sure the sauce is simmering to cook the cornstarch thoroughly. The residual moisture can impact the flavor and texture.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken and drizzle generously with Yum Yum Sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Culinary Success: Taking Your Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls to the Next Level

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are a resounding success:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to prevent the pan from cooling down, which can result in the chicken steaming instead of browning. Cooking in batches helps lock in the chicken’s moisture and improves caramelization.
Use a Thermometer: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Nobody likes raw chicken!
Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade. Feel free to add more for extra spice, just make sure it is in line with your and your family’s preferences!
Make the Yum Yum Sauce in Advance: The Yum Yum Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste, and is the best way to optimize your workflow for these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic provide the best flavor.
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, to enhance their flavor for this dish.
Marinate Over Night: The longer the better when it comes to letting your chicken set to get the most flavour.

Conservation and Storage: Preserving the Deliciousness of Your Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls

If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store them properly:

Cool Completely: Allow the chicken, rice, and Yum Yum Sauce to cool completely before storing. Let the bowls cool before refrigerating them, because you do not want to create a greenhouse for germs in your refrigerator.
Store Separately: Store the chicken, rice, and Yum Yum Sauce in separate airtight containers. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy and the chicken from absorbing the sauce. If you have different dishes, consider keeping the wettest ingredient in a separate dish.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through. Reheat the rice in the microwave with a tablespoon of water to prevent it from drying out. Do not microwave the Yum Yum Sauce; instead, add it to the bowl after reheating the chicken and rice. In particular, be wary of how you reheat the chicken in order to prevent burning.

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the chicken and rice. The Yum Yum Sauce will also separate upon thawing. You should aim to finish eating these bowls within three days for best results. If you are looking for more details about food handling and preservation, see this great information from the FDA [Safe Food Handling].

Variations: Customize Your Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls to Perfection

This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some delicious variations to try, whether you like spice, texture, or anything in between:

Use Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. If you use tofu, note that it will have a longer marinade time.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas into the bowls for that healthy texture and flavor. These veggies are rich in many key vitamins, too!
Make it Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh as the protein source and add extra vegetables. If you need to add something for texture, consider rice or rice noodles!
Use a Different Sauce: Substitute the Yum Yum Sauce with teriyaki sauce, sriracha mayo, or peanut sauce. Keep in mind that this will impact the overall flavour of the dish!
Add a Fried Egg: Top each bowl with a fried egg for added richness and protein. Sunny side up or over easy will work great!
Make it a Salad: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of lettuce instead of rice for a lighter option.
Use Cauliflower Rice: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Spicy it Up: Add a dash of sriracha sauce to the Yum Yum Sauce to further the heat. This will add another level of spice!

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Culinary Experience of Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are a complete meal on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few complementary side dishes:

Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a healthy and delicious appetizer. For a deeper flavour, add some salt.
Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and vermicelli noodles. This will further add to the flavors and textures!
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.
Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad adds a briny and slightly sweet element. This compliments all of the other ingredients, including rice and honey ginger.
Kimchi: A small serving of kimchi provides a spicy and fermented kick. Not for the faint of heart, this has both flavor and texture!
Asian Slaw: A crunchy Asian slaw with a sesame-ginger dressing complements the flavors of the chicken bowls perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Your Culinary Inquiries About Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls?

A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as chicken thighs. If using chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them.

Q: Can I make this Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I use pre-made Yum Yum Sauce for these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls?

A: Yes, you can use pre-made Yum Yum Sauce, but homemade Yum Yum Sauce is much more flavorful and customizable. Experiment with it to create some depth!

Q: How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot when I make the rice for the Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls?

A: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Use the correct ratio of water to rice and cook over low heat. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

Q: Can I use a different type of rice for these Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls?

A: Yes, you can use your favorite type of rice, such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. Adjust the cooking time and water amount according to the package directions.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight for the Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls?

A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor, but be careful not to marinate it for too long, as the acid in the marinade can break down the chicken and make it mushy.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chicken Bowl Recipe Awaits – It’s Time to Make Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls!

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce are more than just a recipe; they’re a flavor experience that will transport you to culinary paradise. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. You will have lots of ways to make this great dish, so you can try Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls over and over. This recipe is so simple, quick, and easy.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer it spicier, sweeter, or packed with extra vegetables. These bowls are also fun for meal prep, and will have your friends and family coming back for more. So, unleash your inner chef, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Enjoy!

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

Print Recipe

A sweet, spicy, and savory chicken bowl drizzled with creamy Yum Yum Sauce, served over rice for the perfect quick and flavorful meal.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Yum Yum Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp ketchup
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sugar
1–2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and water to make the Yum Yum Sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If needed, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry and stir into the sauce to thicken.
Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with spicy honey-ginger chicken, drizzle with Yum Yum Sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of sriracha to the Yum Yum Sauce. Learn more about chicken nutrition from the USDA.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Honey ginger chicken, spicy chicken bowls, Yum Yum Sauce, easy chicken recipe