Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about building a bowl that hits every note—sweet, spicy, savory, creamy, and crunchy. That’s exactly what you get with my Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction in every bite. This is the kind of bowl that wakes up your taste buds and still feels clean and nourishing.

You start with juicy marinated chicken that gets caramelized to perfection with a fiery blend of honey, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sriracha. Add that over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, toss in crisp veggies like shredded cabbage, cucumbers, or edamame, then finish it off with a generous drizzle of cool, creamy Yum Yum Sauce. The contrast of heat and cool, crunch and tender, sweet and savory—it’s a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back.

What I love most is how customizable and weeknight-friendly this Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce is. You can meal-prep it, double it for a crowd, or throw it together on a whim. And even though it tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Asian-fusion spot, it’s totally doable in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and make something spicy, saucy, and downright irresistible.

Perfect For:

Meal prep lunches or dinners that don’t get boring
Weeknight dinners with a spicy kick
Healthy bowls with bold flavor
Impressing guests without stress
High-protein, low-fuss meal plans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Flavor-Packed: Sweet honey, spicy sriracha, fresh ginger, and tangy rice vinegar bring huge flavor.
Perfect Texture: Crispy-tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce come together beautifully.
Easy to Customize: Use your favorite grain base and swap in whatever veggies you love.
Meal Prep Dream: Stores and reheats well for leftovers or make-ahead lunches.
Balanced and Nourishing: High protein, full of fiber and color, and satisfying without being heavy.

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 per bowl (varies with toppings and rice choice)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
1/2 tsp salt

For the Yum Yum Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp paprika
1–2 tbsp water (to thin)

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
1/2 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/2 cup shelled edamame
Sesame seeds and chopped scallions, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights:

Honey: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
Ginger & Garlic: Bring fresh aromatics and deep flavor.
Sriracha: Gives the chicken a spicy kick without overpowering.
Yum Yum Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect contrast to the heat.
Veggies: Add crunch, color, and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and salt.
Marinate the chicken: Add chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, mix to coat, and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
Make the Yum Yum Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and paprika. Thin with water to desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 6–8 minutes per side, or until deeply caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Assemble the bowls: Start with a scoop of rice, then layer on the sliced chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and edamame. Drizzle generously with Yum Yum Sauce. Top with sesame seeds and scallions.

Serving Suggestions:

Swap the Base
- Instead of white rice, switch things up with quinoa for added protein, brown rice for a nutty, wholesome flavor, or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb. Each option offers a fresh spin on the bowl’s texture and nutrition.
Add Creaminess & Tang
- Sliced avocado brings buttery richness, while a spoonful of pickled red onions adds a tangy, bright contrast that cuts through the savory-sweet glaze. These toppings balance the bowl beautifully.
Pair with Sides
- Turn this into a complete meal by adding a small bowl of miso soup, edamame, or crispy vegetable spring rolls on the side. They complement the bowl’s flavors and bring some restaurant-style flair to the table.
Heat Things Up
- For spice lovers, don’t hold back—drizzle with extra sriracha, hot chili oil, or even a spoonful of gochujang. It adds another dimension of flavor and a vibrant kick to every bite.
Finish with Crunch
- A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews adds the perfect finishing texture—nutty, crunchy, and a little unexpected. Toast them lightly for extra aroma before serving.

Additional Tips:

Slice chicken thinly for better texture and easier bowl assembly
Let chicken rest after cooking so it stays juicy when sliced
Prep all your veggies while the chicken marinates to save time
Make extra Yum Yum Sauce—it keeps in the fridge and works on everything
Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for smoky flavor

Recipe Variations:

Vegetarian
- Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and marinate the same way. Choose extra-firm tofu and press it well to soak up all the bold, savory-sweet flavors. Tempeh offers a nutty texture that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Spicier Bowl
- If you’re craving more heat, kick it up a notch with an extra spoonful of chili paste or double the sriracha in the marinade. You’ll get a bold, fiery punch that balances out the honey and soy base.
Low-Carb Version
- Ditch the rice and serve this over steamed cauliflower rice, sautéed cabbage, or a big bed of mixed greens. The flavors still shine, and the bowl stays satisfying without the extra carbs.
Miso-Ginger Chicken
- Add a tablespoon of white or yellow miso paste to the marinade for a deeper umami flavor. Pair it with freshly grated ginger for an earthy, slightly sweet layer that enhances the glaze beautifully.
Korean-Inspired
- Swap sriracha for gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to bring a rich, fermented heat that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions to finish it off with traditional flair.

Storage & Freezing:

Refrigerator

Store cooked chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers to help preserve their textures. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keep homemade or store-bought Yum Yum Sauce tightly sealed and chilled. It will last up to 1 week without losing its flavor. Stir before using if any separation occurs.

Freezer

You can freeze the cooked chicken only—avoid freezing veggies or the sauce, as they don’t reheat well. Freeze chicken in a labeled, airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Yum Yum Sauce should not be frozen, as it may split or develop an unpleasant texture when thawed.

Reheat

Reheat chicken in a microwave (covered, with a splash of water) or sauté it in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
For the best bowl experience, rebuild the bowl fresh using cold or reheated chicken, freshly sautéed or chilled veggies, and a drizzle of Yum Yum Sauce.
Avoid microwaving preassembled bowls, as this can lead to soggy vegetables and uneven texture.

Equipment Needed:

Skillet or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

FAQs (From People Also Ask):

What is honey ginger chicken made of?
Honey ginger chicken is made from boneless chicken marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sometimes sriracha for heat. It’s then grilled or pan-cooked until caramelized and tender.

Can I make spicy honey-ginger chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and cook when ready. Leftovers also store well for meal prep.

What is Yum Yum Sauce made from?
Yum Yum Sauce typically includes mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, paprika, and water. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and often served with grilled or stir-fried dishes.

Is spicy honey-ginger chicken healthy?
It can be! When made with lean chicken and paired with fresh veggies and healthy grains like brown rice or quinoa, it’s a balanced meal high in protein and nutrients.

What veggies go best in a honey-ginger chicken bowl?
Great options include shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado. Anything crunchy and fresh will work well.

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Spicy Honey-Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

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Mark Anthony

A flavor-packed bowl featuring sweet and spicy honey-ginger chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of creamy homemade Yum Yum Sauce. It’s fast, customizable, and meal-prep friendly—perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches with a bold Asian-inspired twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Breakfast

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal