Description
These Irresistible Spicy Chicken Yum Yum Rice Bowls combine tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh cucumber, creamy avocado, tangy kimchi, and crunchy fried wontons. The homemade Yum Yum sauce adds a creamy, zesty finishing touch, making this dish a delightful, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade and Cooking
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Bowl Toppings and Sides
- 3-4 cups cooked rice
- Cucumber, sliced
- Avocado, sliced
- Kimchi, for serving
- Fried wontons, for serving
Yum Yum Sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce until smooth. Add the sliced chicken and toss thoroughly to evenly coat each piece, allowing the flavors to absorb.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, orange juice, honey, chili paste, chopped ginger, and garlic. Stir to blend all ingredients into a flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top with the saucy chicken, then garnish with sliced cucumber, avocado, kimchi, and crispy fried wontons to add fresh and crunchy textures.
- Make Yum Yum Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and cayenne until creamy and well combined. Serve alongside or drizzle over the bowls as a zesty finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch if preferred.
- Adjust chili paste amount to control spiciness level according to taste.
- Chicken thighs provide more juiciness, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure tamari and Worcestershire sauce used are gluten-free.
- Cooked rice can be made ahead and reheated for quicker assembly.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
