Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Meal You’ll Crave

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Have you ever craved a meal that’s both savory and sweet, tangy and spicy, all at once? If you’re anything like us, you know that the perfect bowl of food can completely turn your day around. That’s exactly what these Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce offer. A rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this meal will check all the boxes for deliciousness and ease. Ready to dive into this irresistible recipe? Let’s get started!

What Makes Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls So Irresistible?

There’s a reason why this dish has become a favorite in many households—it combines all the flavors you crave in one bowl. The crispy, tender chicken is coated in a thick, sticky orange sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and tangy. Add the richness of creamy avocado, the crunch of cucumber, and a little heat from chili paste, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s bursting with flavors and textures.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

But it doesn’t stop there! The Yum Yum sauce adds an extra layer of creamy goodness, elevating every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that you’ll want to recreate time and time again. The best part? This dish is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. It’s as simple as tossing ingredients together, baking, and assembling the perfect bowl. You can make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls

Before you can indulge in this deliciously sticky chicken bowl, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of them are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store. Ready to shop? Here’s your list:

Ingredients for Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs	1 1/2 pounds	Thinly sliced
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder	1 tablespoon	For coating the chicken
Tamari (or soy sauce)	1 tablespoon + 1/3 cup	For marinade and sauce
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons	For baking
Black pepper	To taste	For seasoning
Orange juice	2 tablespoons	For sauce and marinade
Honey	1/4 cup	For sweetness in sauce
Chili paste	2-3 tablespoons	For heat and flavor
Fresh ginger	1 tablespoon	Chopped, for fragrance
Garlic cloves	2 cloves, chopped	For depth of flavor
Cooked rice	3-4 cups	To serve as the base
Cucumber, avocado, kimchi, and fried wontons	As desired	For topping and serving

Ingredients for Yum Yum Sauce

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil mayo	1/3 cup	For creamy texture
Ketchup	2 tablespoons	Adds a touch of sweetness
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon	For depth and savory flavor
Seasoned salt	1 teaspoon	For seasoning
Cayenne pepper	1/4 teaspoon	For a mild heat kick

As you can see, these ingredients come together to form the backbone of a meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. The combination of fresh ingredients with pantry staples makes it a versatile option for any night of the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s walk through how to put everything together. From preparing the chicken to making the sticky sauce and assembling your bowls, each step is simple but crucial to achieving the perfect meal. Let’s break it down:

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get a nice, crispy finish.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of tamari (or soy sauce) and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Season with black pepper to your taste, and then sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken. Toss the chicken to coat it lightly in the cornstarch—this will help create that crispy texture we love.
3. Drizzle with olive oil: Add the olive oil to the chicken and toss again. The oil will help the chicken crisp up in the oven and ensure it doesn’t dry out.
4. Bake: Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and bake for 15 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken starts to cook through before we add the sauce.

Making the Sticky Orange Sauce

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the sticky orange sauce. This sauce is what makes this dish truly shine, so make sure you follow the steps closely.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining tamari (about 1/3 cup), orange juice (2 tablespoons), honey, chili paste, garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir until well combined, and set the sauce aside for later. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a kick of heat.

Adding the Sauce to Chicken

Once your chicken has baked for 15 minutes, it’s time to pour the sauce over it.

1. Pour the sauce: Take two-thirds of the prepared sauce and pour it over the chicken. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated in the sticky orange goodness.
2. Bake again: Put the chicken back in the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through.
3. Broil for crispy edges: Switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for 1-2 minutes. This step will give the chicken crispy, caramelized edges—perfect for a little extra texture.
4. Add extra sauce: If you want even more flavor, spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken just before serving.

Making the Yum Yum Sauce

No Sticky Orange Chicken Bowl is complete without the creamy Yum Yum sauce. Here’s how to make it:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust the seasoning: Taste your Yum Yum sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper; for extra flavor, a little more Worcestershire sauce might do the trick.

Assembling the Bowls

Now for the fun part—putting everything together into a bowl that looks (and tastes) like a gourmet meal.

1. Prepare the base: Start by adding a serving of cooked rice to the bottom of each bowl. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
2. Top with the chicken: Place the sticky orange chicken on top of the rice. Don’t forget to pour any leftover sauce over the chicken for that extra burst of flavor.
3. Add the toppings: Layer on fresh cucumber slices, creamy avocado, spicy kimchi, and crispy fried wontons. These toppings add not only texture but also fresh and flavorful contrasts to the rich chicken.
4. Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce: Finally, drizzle the Yum Yum sauce generously over the entire bowl. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls

Achieving the perfect Sticky Orange Chicken Bowl requires a little finesse, but don’t worry—these tips will help you nail it every time.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Chicken

• Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder: These ingredients create a light, crispy coating that gives the chicken that delightful texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t overcrowd the chicken: When baking, make sure the chicken pieces are spread out in a single layer on the sheet pan. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring crispiness.

Customizing the Sauce

• Adjust the heat: If you like things spicy, feel free to add more chili paste or even a bit of sriracha to the sauce. Just make sure to taste as you go!
• Sweetness levels: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey slightly. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Alternative grains: If you want to skip rice, try serving the chicken over quinoa, couscous, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
• Extra toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try adding sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or pickled onions for even more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before assembling your bowls. This makes for an excellent meal prep option.

Is there a substitute for tamari?

If you don’t have tamari, soy sauce works as an excellent substitute. Tamari is gluten-free, so if you need to avoid gluten, tamari is your best bet.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe. They’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, so they’re perfect for a dish like this.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls

You’ve made it to the end! By now, you know just how easy and delicious these Sticky Orange Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce can be. The balance of flavors and textures—from the tender chicken and rich sauce to the crunchy toppings—will have you craving this meal again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, these bowls will always be a hit.

Now, go ahead and try the recipe. Share it with your friends, family, or even on social media. We’d love to see how you make it your own! Ready to enjoy this flavor-packed dish? Let’s get cooking!

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