Go Back
A full bowl of spicy honey ginger chicken with yum yum sauce.

Classic Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

Enjoy a delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with these Classic Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls. Tender chicken is coated in a rich glaze and served alongside fresh vegetables and a creamy Yum Yum Sauce over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger
  • 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • cayenne pepper optional, for an extra kick
For the Bowls:
  • Cooked rice jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice are great options
  • Your favorite cooked or raw vegetables steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, sautéed bell peppers, edamame are all fantastic

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • large skillet or wok
  • whisk

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Glaze Base
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth; set aside to create a thick, glossy sauce.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, cook for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, working in batches if necessary.
Glaze the Chicken
  1. Reduce heat to medium, re-whisk the honey-cornstarch mixture, and pour it over the cooked chicken. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken, then remove from heat.
Make the Yum Yum Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, water, rice vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then adjust seasonings to taste.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide cooked rice among serving bowls, top with the spicy honey ginger chicken, and arrange desired vegetables around it. Drizzle generously with the homemade Yum Yum Sauce.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 tsp of ground ginger instead. Serve with a variety of colorful vegetables for a balanced meal.