If you are craving a meal that bursts with flavor and color while being wonderfully satisfying, the Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe has you covered. This dish brings together tender, marinated chicken tossed in a perfectly balanced spicy and sweet sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice and fresh, crisp veggies. A creamy, tangy yum yum sauce drizzled on top ties all elements together, creating a bowl that is both comforting and vibrant. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weekday dinner that feels special without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients combine effortlessly to deliver a melody of textures and tastes. From the juicy chicken thighs to the crunchy veggies and flavorful sauce, every item is key to making this dish shine.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salinity and depth to the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings the spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a lovely nutty aroma to the marinade and cooking process.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic that punches up the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Brightens the marinade with a zesty warmth.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: Soft, fragrant base for building your bowl.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds crunch and a splash of fresh color.
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced: Cool and crisp element to balance the spice.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy texture that enriches every bite.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Sharp freshness to finish the bowl.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A toasty sprinkle that gives subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
For the yum yum sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base to build a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds tang and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce with mild acidity.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: Continues the spicy theme in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the tanginess and spice.
- 1–2 tablespoons water: Used to thin the sauce to your desired drizzling consistency.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, imparting a balance of heat, sweetness, and aromatic tones that will make your chicken irresistibly flavorful. Toss the bite-sized chicken thighs into the mixture, ensuring every piece is coated well. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes — this time lets the chicken soak up all those beautiful flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce
While the chicken marinates, take a moment to mix the yum yum sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic powder, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, and gradually add water to achieve a pourable consistency. This homemade sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of zing that perfectly complements the spicy chicken and fresh veggies.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken pieces. Sear them for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. The pan’s heat caramelizes the marinade slightly, giving each bite a lovely texture contrast and intense flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the fluffy jasmine rice evenly across four bowls as the foundation. Top each with the sizzling chicken, then arrange shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, avocado, and green onions around the protein. Drizzle generously with your homemade yum yum sauce and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Each bowl is a colorful, mouthwatering masterpiece ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you can add that extra personal touch. Fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lime, or a few red pepper flakes can enhance flavor and brighten the presentation. Don’t underestimate the visual and flavor boost that comes from fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of yum yum sauce on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty bowl pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed edamame, a simple Asian cucumber salad, or crispy vegetable spring rolls. These sides provide refreshing contrasts to the rich, spicy chicken and creamy sauce, rounding out a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prepping, serve the components separately: chicken, rice, veggies, and sauce. Guests can then customize their bowls to their liking. Alternatively, present the bowls in pretty glass jars layered for a grab-and-go lunch or picnic option that looks as enticing as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they might disappear quickly), store the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain the freshness of each component for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The cooked chicken can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. However, the fresh vegetables and avocado do not freeze well, so it’s best to add them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.
Reheating
When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. Add fresh veggies and avocado after reheating, then drizzle with yum yum sauce for that signature flavor and texture that makes the Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster, so keep a close eye when cooking to retain juiciness.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of sriracha in both the marinade and the yum yum sauce. You can always add more spice later if desired.
Is there a dairy-free version of the yum yum sauce?
Yes, substituting mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative works perfectly without compromising the creamy texture.
Can I substitute brown rice or quinoa?
Certainly! Brown rice or quinoa makes a nutritious and hearty base, and they pair beautifully with the flavors in this recipe.
What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
Store the yum yum sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week; give it a quick stir before using as it may separate slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals, combining ease, flavor, and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe promises satisfaction and smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite too!
Print
Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls feature tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served over fluffy jasmine rice with fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy yum yum sauce. This flavorful Asian-inspired main course is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, combining spicy, sweet, and savory elements in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Yum Yum Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons water, to thin sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic powder, and sugar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Rice Bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, avocado slices, and green onions. Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared yum yum sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the bowls immediately while warm, enjoying a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of sriracha in the marinade and sauce.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for jasmine rice for a different texture and added nutrition.
- For meal prep, store the chicken, veggies, rice, and sauce separately to maintain freshness and texture.
- Can be made dairy-free and gluten-free by ensuring the soy sauce is gluten-free and using a vegan mayonnaise if desired.
