What is Yum Yum Chicken? The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Dish

Have you ever heard someone rave about Yum Yum Chicken and wondered what all the fuss is about? Well you’re in the right place! As a food enthusiast who’s tried more chicken recipes than I can count I’m excited to break down everything you need to know about this mouthwatering dish.

The Basics: What Exactly is Yum Yum Chicken?

Yum Yum Chicken is actually a versatile dish with several interpretations depending on where you’re eating it. Based on my research and personal experience, there are primarily two main versions of this delicious dish:

Version 1: Japanese-American Fusion Dish

According to some sources, Yum Yum Chicken is a Japanese-American fusion dish characterized by its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors This version features fried chicken drenched in the famous creamy “Yum Yum sauce” that gives the dish its addictive taste The dish likely evolved from Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken that became popular in the United States in the 1970s.

Version 2: American Dish with Crispy Coating

Another popular version is described as an American dish with chicken pieces (usually breasts) coated in a crispy batter or Panko breadcrumb mixture and served with Yum Yum sauce. This version often includes Parmesan cheese and garlic powder in the breading for extra flavor.

Regardless of which version you encounter, the star of the show is undoubtedly the Yum Yum sauce!

The Famous Yum Yum Sauce

If you’ve ever been to a Japanese hibachi steakhouse, you’ve probably tried Yum Yum sauce. This creamy, tangy sauce is what makes Yum Yum Chicken so special. Here’s what typically goes into it:

• Mayonnaise (the creamy base)
• Ketchup (for sweetness and tanginess)
• Rice vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
• Soy sauce (for depth of flavor)
• Garlic powder (for aroma)
• Paprika (for color and flavor)
• Sugar or honey (to balance the tanginess)
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

Some recipes also include extras like sesame oil, sriracha, or even a dash of curry powder for added flavor complexity.

If you’re in a pinch, you can make a simple version with just ½ cup of mayo, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, ½ tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

The Origins of Yum Yum Chicken

The exact origins of Yum Yum Chicken aren’t entirely clear, but most food historians believe it evolved as a Japanese-American hybrid dish. Traditional Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, which came to the United States in the 1970s, likely served as the foundation.

Over time, chefs began experimenting with the simple flavors of teriyaki by adding mayonnaise, ketchup, and various spices to create what we now know as Yum Yum sauce. The dish gained popularity in hibachi restaurants and Japanese steakhouses across America, becoming a staple menu item loved by many.

Regional Variations of Yum Yum Chicken

One of the coolest things about Yum Yum Chicken is how adaptable it is. There are several regional variations:

• Japanese-Style: Features a teriyaki glaze and is often topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
• Korean-Style: Uses gochujang in the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick, sometimes with kimchi on the side.
• Chinese Takeout-Style: Tosses chicken in a thickened sauce with soy, oyster sauce, and aromatics.
• Hawaiian-Style: Marinates chicken in a pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger blend for tropical flavor.
• Nashville Hot Chicken-Style: A spicy cayenne variation with buttery, garlicky heat.
• American Bar Food-Style: Uses a straightforward mayo-ketchup based sauce, perfect for casual dining.

How to Make Yum Yum Chicken at Home

Ready to try making Yum Yum Chicken yourself? Here’s a simple recipe that combines elements from both popular versions:

Ingredients:

• 1-1¼ pounds chicken breasts (3-4 pieces)
• ½ cup Yum Yum sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep the coating: Mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.

2. Coat the chicken: Cover the chicken breasts thoroughly in Yum Yum sauce. You can do this in a bowl or use a zip-top bag for less mess. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a couple of hours.

3. Apply the breading: Take each piece of chicken, shake off excess sauce, then place it in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press to help the crumbs adhere, then flip and repeat. Make sure all sides are coated.

4. Cook the chicken: You have several options:

   • Air fryer: Preheat to 390°F and cook for 15 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
   • Oven: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
   • Frying: Heat oil to 350-375°F and fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Check for doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a golden, crispy exterior.

6. Serve: Plate your Yum Yum Chicken with additional sauce on the side for dipping.

Is Yum Yum Chicken Spicy?

Generally, Yum Yum Chicken is considered mildly spicy. The sauce does contain some chili peppers, garlic, and other aromatics that contribute to its flavor, but the heat level is well-balanced, making it accessible to a wide range of palates. If you’re concerned about the spice level, you can always adjust the amount of chili or cayenne pepper in your homemade sauce.

What to Serve with Yum Yum Chicken

Yum Yum Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Steamed rice or fried rice
• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw or macaroni salad
• Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Daikon pickles for a refreshing crunch

Common Questions About Yum Yum Chicken

Can Yum Yum Chicken be made with boneless chicken?

Absolutely! In fact, most recipes call for boneless chicken pieces, especially chicken breasts or tenders, which cook quickly and evenly.

Is Yum Yum Chicken gluten-free?

Traditional Yum Yum Chicken is not gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs and some ingredients in the sauce. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

Is Yum Yum Chicken suitable for vegetarians?

Standard Yum Yum Chicken contains chicken, so it’s not vegetarian. However, you could create a vegetarian version using tofu, tempeh, or seitan as a protein substitute.

What makes Yum Yum Chicken crispy?

The secret to achieving that irresistible crunch lies in several factors:

• Using Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs
• Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture
• Ensuring the cooking oil is at the right temperature
• Using the double-dredge technique (flour, liquid, breadcrumbs)

My Final Thoughts

Yum Yum Chicken has earned its fun name for good reason – it’s downright delicious! Whether you prefer the Japanese-American fusion style or the American crispy coated version, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction.

What I love most about Yum Yum Chicken is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level, experiment with different coatings, or even try different cooking methods depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

Next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing chicken dish that’s relatively simple to make but packed with flavor, give Yum Yum Chicken a try. I’m confident it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!