Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice combine tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce served over fragrant, creamy coconut-infused jasmine rice. This quick and satisfying dish balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors with vibrant vegetables and fresh garnishes, making it perfect for an easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped
Sauce & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive)
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, carrots, or edamame)
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Prepare the Coconut Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered to finish steaming.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Glaze the Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce: When the chicken is nearly cooked, pour in the sweet chili sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly and forms a sticky, glossy glaze on the chicken.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken simmers in the sauce, lightly sauté your chosen vegetables in a separate pan over medium heat until tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
- Assemble the Bowls: Fluff the coconut rice with a fork and spoon it into serving bowls. Top generously with the sweet chili chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for extra brightness.
Notes
- Rest the coconut rice covered after cooking to allow it to absorb moisture and become fluffy.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for a deeper, more vibrant flavor compared to powders.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a good sear.
- Simmer the sweet chili sauce gently so it thickens and sticks to the chicken well.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing sweet chili sauce or adding fresh chili flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, coconut rice, quick dinner, spicy chicken bowl, gluten free dinner, easy weeknight meal