Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls Recipe

Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls are the ultimate weeknight dinner—bold, vibrant, and packed with layers of flavor in every bite! Tender chunks of marinated chicken, a crisp medley of veggies, fluffy rice, and the knockout homemade yum yum sauce all come together for a restaurant-style experience right at your kitchen table. Whether you crave a little heat or just want a fresh and satisfying meal, this bowl brings the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy every single time. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes everyone asks for after the very first forkful.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls lies in how each ingredient makes its mark—whether it adds heat, crunch, creaminess, or umami depth, these simple staples truly work magic together. Even if you’re a pantry minimalist, every item here counts for flavor and color.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they hold up wonderfully to marinating and high-heat cooking.
• Soy sauce: Brings the essential salty, savory backbone to the marinade.
• Sriracha: Offers up a lively kick of heat and a hint of tang; adjust to your spice preference!
• Honey: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances all the spices perfectly.
• Sesame oil: Adds irresistible nuttiness and aroma—just a little goes a long way.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with bold, savory flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a bright, zippy undertone; don’t skip it if you can help it.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and crisping those edges beautifully.
• Cooked jasmine or white rice: The cozy base that soaks up all those saucy flavors—choose your favorite.
• Shredded carrots: For that satisfying crunch and pop of color.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced for a refreshing, cool contrast to the warm chicken.
• Avocado: Sliced for creamy richness and a touch of indulgence.
• Green onions: Chopped for a mild oniony bite and brightness.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on for nutty flavor and visual flair at the finish.
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the yum yum sauce.
• Ketchup: Lends tang and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Adds gentle acidity, balancing that rich sauce beautifully.
• Garlic powder: Infuses another savory layer to the sauce.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness tames the heat for ultimate harmony.
• Extra Sriracha (for the sauce): Tune the spice to your preferred level.
• Water: Just enough to make that yum yum sauce perfectly drizzly.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Then toss in those bite-sized pieces of chicken until every piece is coated in the gorgeous marinade. Give it at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavor magic—longer is even better if you have the time.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grab your largest skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high fire. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, letting them sizzle undisturbed for those wonderful caramelized edges. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is glossy, juicy, and cooked through. The aroma will have everyone drifting into the kitchen!

Step 3: Make the Yum Yum Sauce

While the chicken’s browning, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, sriracha, and water in a small bowl. The sauce should be creamy but easily drizzled—just add water a spoonful at a time until you have that dreamy, pourable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Grab your favorite bowls and start by adding a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine or white rice. Layer on the spicy chicken, then arrange the shredded carrots, cucumber slices, avocado, and green onions over the top. The variety of colors and textures already looks stunning!

Step 5: Add Sauce and Finishing Touches

Drizzle your homemade yum yum sauce liberally over each bowl, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This is the step where Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls truly come alive—a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Top each bowl with a little extra green onion, a few more sesame seeds, and maybe even a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. For those who like a little extra spice, a light drizzle of chili oil or a few thinly sliced red chiles will dial up the thrill.

Side Dishes

Pair Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls with simple sides that let the main flavors shine. Steamed edamame, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or miso soup are all fantastic options. A light slaw of shredded cabbage tossed in rice vinegar makes for a refreshing contrast, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with presentation! Serve the bowls in wide shallow dishes for a modern vibe, or try layering everything in glass meal-prep containers for a colorful work lunch. You can even set out all the toppings family-style and let everyone build their own dream Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls—kids especially love creating their masterpieces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls are a treat the next day. Store chicken, rice, vegetables, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and helps the veggies stay crisp instead of soggy.

Freezing

The chicken and rice freeze quite well! Let them cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and add fresh veggies and sauce when you’re ready to serve. Avoid freezing the avocado and cucumbers, as they won’t hold their texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep things moist. Assemble fresh veggies and sauce after reheating for that just-made taste and texture. If you love meal prepping, try building bowls with everything except the avocado and sauce, adding those just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a great leaner alternative for Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as breasts may cook a bit faster and you don’t want them to get dry.

What can I substitute for sriracha?

If you don’t have sriracha, go for sambal oelek, gochujang, or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. The flavor will vary a bit, but anything with a good balance of chili and tang will work in these bowls.

Is there a way to make these bowls vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh, marinate and cook as you would the chicken, and everything else stays the same. The bowls are just as hearty, spicy, and satisfying.

Can I make the yum yum sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Most mayonnaise brands are naturally dairy-free, but double-check the label if needed. You can also use vegan mayo to keep things completely plant-based without losing that creamy yum yum goodness.

How do I adjust the spiciness?

The great thing about Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls is how customizable they are. Use less sriracha or skip the chili oil if you prefer things milder, or add extra sriracha in the sauce or marinade for a bigger kick. It’s all about building your perfect bowl!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a colorful, flavorful, and truly satisfying meal, don’t wait to try these Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls. They’re an absolute crowd-pleaser, unbelievably easy to make, and loaded with crave-worthy texture and flavor. From weeknight dinners to meal prep, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—so get ready to make it a new favorite!

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