Tanya Rivers
This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a bold, flavor-packed meal that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy elements in every mouthful. Juicy chicken coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze rests on a bed of steamed rice, and a creamy coconut-lime drizzle brings the whole dish to life.
The vibrant pops of color from sliced red chilies, green onions, and fresh lime make this bowl as eye-catching as it is delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but special enough to serve when you want to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
This dish hits all the right notes for flavor lovers. It’s:
- Sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy all at once.
- Quick and easy to prepare on a weeknight.
- A one-bowl meal that needs minimal cleanup.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or vegetables.
What Type of Chicken Works Best for This Bowl?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ultimate choice because they stay juicy and caramelize beautifully with the sweet chili glaze. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work well too. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken as a shortcut—just coat it in the glaze before serving.
Ingredients for the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
Each ingredient in this bowl brings something essential to the table:
- Chicken thighs or breasts – The star of the dish, providing juicy protein and rich flavor.
- Sweet chili sauce – Adds that iconic sticky-sweet, mildly spicy flavor.
- Soy sauce – Enhances the umami depth of the glaze.
- Garlic and ginger – Bring warmth and aromatics to the sauce.
- Coconut milk – For the creamy, tropical drizzle.
- Fresh lime – Balances the sweetness with a bright citrusy kick.
- Cooked rice – A neutral base that soaks up all the sauces.
- Fresh chilies and green onions – Add heat, crunch, and color.
How to Make the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook your rice according to the package instructions. Keep warm while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture will coat your chicken with an irresistible glaze.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Brush on the sweet chili glaze and let it caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Make the Coconut Lime Drizzle
In a small saucepan, whisk coconut milk with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until warm and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon rice into each bowl, top with the glazed chicken, drizzle with the coconut-lime sauce, and garnish with fresh chili slices, green onions, and lime wedges.
Serving and Storing Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for family meals or meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, and add a splash of coconut milk to refresh the drizzle if needed.
What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl?
1. Steamed Broccoli
A light veggie that soaks up extra sauce perfectly.
2. Cucumber Salad
Its cool crunch balances the heat of the sweet chili glaze.
3. Garlic Edamame
Adds protein and a garlicky twist for a side snack.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness complements the spicy glaze.
5. Spring Rolls
Crispy vegetable or shrimp rolls make a fun appetizer.
6. Mango Salad
Tropical sweetness pairs beautifully with the coconut drizzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Coat shredded rotisserie chicken in the sweet chili glaze and heat it in a pan for a quick shortcut.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based version.
3. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes. Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet chili glaze.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
The chicken and rice freeze well for up to 2 months, but add the coconut drizzle fresh for the best texture.
5. What type of rice is best?
Jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly, but brown rice is a great whole-grain option.
Save This Pin For Later
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild?
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Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
Equipment
- Skillet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 lime, juiced
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 red chili, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
- Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to make the glaze.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Brush with glaze and caramelize.
- Whisk coconut milk with lime juice and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat until slightly thickened.
- Assemble bowls with rice, glazed chicken, drizzle with coconut-lime sauce, and garnish with chili and green onions.