Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls With Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

The Best Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls With Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Sweet and zesty spicy honey-ginger chicken bowls dance with incredible flavor combinations that spark culinary excitement.

Fragrant ginger and golden honey create a magical marinade coating tender chicken pieces.

Succulent protein gets a delightful kick from warm spices and bright aromatics.

Rich umami notes emerge through careful ingredient selection and balanced seasoning techniques.

Homemade yum yum sauce adds a creamy, tangy dimension that complements the chicken’s robust profile.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary when unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly on your plate.

You’ll savor every bite of this restaurant-quality dish crafted right in your kitchen.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can produce such spectacular results.

Chicken Bowls With Honey-Ginger Spice and Yum Yum Sauce

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this restaurant-quality chicken dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy honey-ginger glaze and creamy Yum Yum sauce creates a mouthwatering taste experience that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or modifying toppings to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time and quickly assemble bowls, making it an ideal option for quick lunches, work-from-home meals, or stress-free dinner solutions.

Sweet and Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Ingredient Guide

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat base of the dish, boneless and skinless works best.
  • Tamari: Adds umami and salty depth, gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener with rich flavor.
  • Orange Juice: Provides bright citrus notes and helps tenderize chicken.
  • Chili Paste: Brings heat and complex spicy flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and robust taste.
  • Ginger: Provides warm, zingy undertone to the sauce.
Yum Yum Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the sauce, smooth texture.
  • Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and color.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex savory undertones.
  • Seasoned Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat.
Additional Bowl Ingredients:
  • Rice: Neutral base for serving the chicken.
  • Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp element for texture.
  • Avocado: Creamy, rich addition.
  • Kimchi: Tangy, spicy fermented component.
  • Fried Wontons: Provides crunchy texture contrast.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with chicken roasting and prevents sticking.
  • Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior on chicken.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and flavor.
  • Chili Paste: Introduces additional heat layer.

Sautéing Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, getting ready for some serious chicken magic.

Step 2: Prep and Prime the Chicken

Grab a large baking sheet and transform your chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece:
  • Tamari
  • Orange juice
  • Black pepper
  • Cornstarch

Splash on the ingredients, give everything a good toss to ensure each piece is perfectly coated.

Drizzle with olive oil and send it into the oven for a 15-minute flavor expedition.

Step 3: Craft the Spicy Honey-Ginger Sauce

While the chicken is getting its roast on, whip up a sauce that’ll make taste buds dance:
  • Tamari
  • Orange juice
  • Honey
  • Chili paste
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger

Blend these ingredients into a harmonious, lip-smacking concoction.

Step 4: Glaze and Char the Chicken

After the initial 15-minute bake, pour two-thirds of your tantalizing sauce over the chicken.

Give it a quick toss to ensure maximum flavor coverage.

Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until perfectly cooked.

For an extra flavor punch, broil for 1-2 minutes to create those irresistible charred edges.

Optional: Drizzle the remaining sauce for an extra flavor explosion.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Yum Yum Sauce

In a small bowl, blend these creamy, zesty ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Seasoned salt
  • Cayenne pepper

Mix until smooth and ready to add a flavor kick.

Step 6: Build Your Dream Bowl

Layer your culinary creation:
  • Warm cooked rice as the base
  • Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Creamy avocado
  • Tangy kimchi
  • Crispy fried wontons for that satisfying crunch

Drizzle with the Yum Yum Sauce and prepare for a taste adventure!

Chicken Bowl Tips for Honey-Ginger Kick & Yum Yum Sauce

  • Toss chicken in cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates irresistible texture.
  • Adjust chili paste quantity to control spiciness, making the dish perfect for mild or bold flavor preferences.
  • Reserve some sauce for drizzling after cooking to intensify the honey-ginger flavor and add a glossy finish to the chicken.
  • Add crispy fried wontons or toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch that contrasts with tender chicken and soft rice.
  • Marinate chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to reduce cooking time and enhance flavor absorption.

Save Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping sauce and chicken separate to maintain crispiness.
  • Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, spreading pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to restore crispy texture.
  • If using microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, drizzling a little extra sauce to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce Sides

  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the spicy honey-ginger flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken and balancing the heat.
  • Create Refreshing Side Cocktail: Mix a ginger mojito with fresh mint, rum, lime juice, and a splash of sparkling water to echo the recipe's ginger notes while providing a cooling contrast.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Add quick-pickled radishes or carrots to introduce tangy acidity that brightens the dish and provides textural complexity alongside the creamy Yum Yum sauce.
  • Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a Japanese-style rice lager or a light wheat beer that won't overpower the chicken's delicate spice profile, offering a clean and crisp drinking experience.

Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Spice Twists

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or seitan, pressing and marinating in the same spicy honey-ginger sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute tamari with coconut aminos, use gluten-free cornstarch, and swap traditional wontons for rice crackers to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Bowl Option: Trade rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the same vibrant flavors while reducing carbohydrate content for keto followers.
  • Allergen-Friendly Modification: Create a nut-free, dairy-free recipe by using vegan mayo in Yum Yum Sauce, ensuring those with common food allergies can enjoy this delicious meal.

FAQs

  • What makes the honey-ginger sauce unique?

The combination of tamari, orange juice, honey, and chili paste creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that coat the chicken with an irresistible glaze.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate the chili paste and cayenne pepper to lower the heat level. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding less of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and allows the sauce to stick better. It also helps thicken the glaze and gives the chicken a more appealing texture and golden-brown color.

  • What can I substitute if I don't have tamari?

You can use soy sauce as a direct substitute for tamari. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, coconut aminos work well and provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.

Print
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Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls With Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls With Yum Yum Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy honey-ginger chicken bowls with yum yum sauce deliver a flavor explosion that tantalizes taste buds with sweet, zesty, and fiery notes. Crispy chicken drizzled in golden honey-ginger glaze and creamy sauce promises a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon + 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce (divided)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2/3 tablespoons chili paste
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oil and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For Yum Yum Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil mayo
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Serving:

  • 3/4 cups cooked rice
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Sliced avocado
  • Kimchi
  • Crispy fried wontons

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C), preparing for roasting the chicken.
  2. Arrange chicken pieces on a baking sheet, coating them with a blend of tamari and orange juice. Generously sprinkle black pepper and dust with cornstarch, ensuring an even, light coverage. Drizzle olive oil to help create a crispy exterior.
  3. Roast the chicken for 15 minutes until the initial cooking phase is complete.
  4. Simultaneously, craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together tamari, orange juice, honey, chili paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger, creating a complex flavor profile.
  5. After initial roasting, generously coat the chicken with two-thirds of the prepared sauce, thoroughly mixing to ensure complete coverage.
  6. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, confirming it’s fully cooked through.
  7. Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken edges to caramelize and develop a slightly charred, intense flavor.
  8. For the complementary Yum Yum Sauce, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper until smooth and creamy.
  9. Construct the bowls by laying a foundation of fluffy rice, then artfully arranging the spicy honey-ginger chicken on top.
  10. Garnish with crisp cucumber slices, creamy avocado chunks, tangy kimchi, and crunchy fried wontons for textural contrast.
  11. Finish by drizzling the prepared Yum Yum Sauce over the bowl, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili paste to suit your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same bold flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium tamari and reduce honey for a more diet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
  • Consider marinating chicken beforehand to enhance deeper flavor penetration and tenderness, ideally for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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