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Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice

Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice

Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice offer a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal combining tender chicken in a sticky sweet chili sauce with creamy, fragrant coconut jasmine rice and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors with easy one-bowl convenience and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Coconut Rice

  • 1 cup long grain jasmine rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup snap peas
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds or chopped peanuts
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Additional sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coconut Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Add the rice, coconut milk, and water to a saucepan, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in the sweet chili sauce along with a splash of lime juice, stirring to coat the chicken evenly in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Simmer for a couple more minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken simmers, quickly sauté or steam your chosen vegetables until tender-crisp to preserve their bright color and crunch, adding freshness to your bowl.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: In bowls, layer the fragrant coconut rice, then top with the glazed sweet chili chicken and vibrant vegetables. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts and garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger as they provide a noticeable difference in flavor compared to powders.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice; it balances the sweetness and keeps the dish lively.
  • Prepare the coconut rice ahead of time to save time during dinner prep.
  • If the sauce is too thick, thin with a little water or broth; if too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in sweet chili sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet chili chicken, coconut rice, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, one bowl meal, Asian chicken bowl, gluten free dinner