Description: This vibrant and flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, all brought together with a creamy coconut lime drizzle. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sticky sweet chili sauce and served over fluffy rice with an array of colorful vegetables, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. The addition of the coconut lime drizzle elevates the dish, providing a cooling and refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and spicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, and it’s easy to customize to your liking.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Coconut Lime Drizzle:
- ½ cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1½ cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside. This mixture will be used to coat the chicken, creating the signature sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Add the Sweet Chili Sauce
Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, coating the chicken evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Coconut Lime Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and lime zest until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference. If you prefer a thinner drizzle, you can add a tablespoon or two of water.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Assemble your bowls by starting with a scoop of cooked jasmine or basmati rice as the base. Top with the sweet chili chicken, steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Drizzle generously with the coconut lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is incredibly satisfying and exciting to the palate.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting vegetables, adjusting the level of spice, or using different types of rice.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables, this bowl is a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
- Versatile: It’s great for meal prepping, lunch boxes, or a light dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with additional lime wedges for extra zest.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pair with a side of edamame or a small salad for a more complete meal.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sweet chili sauce.
Tips:
- For best results, use full-fat coconut milk for the coconut lime drizzle to achieve a rich and creamy texture.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice and pre-cut vegetables.
- If you don’t have fresh lime zest, you can use a pinch of dried lime zest, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- The coconut lime drizzle can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to add some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bowl.
- You can grill or bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 35g
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg (depending on the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce used)
Conclusion
The Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is incredibly satisfying, and the recipe is versatile enough to be customized to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, this bowl is a perfect choice. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other protein sources such as shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. For tofu, press it before cooking to remove excess moisture and ensure it gets crispy.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Also, ensure that the sweet chili sauce you are using is vegan-friendly, as some may contain fish sauce. For the coconut lime drizzle, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken, rice, and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. The coconut lime drizzle can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply assemble the bowls and drizzle with the sauce. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.
- What if I don’t have jasmine or basmati rice? You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa. Each type of grain will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, so experiment to find your favorite.
- How can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe? The spiciness of the dish primarily comes from the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a milder sweet chili sauce or reduce the amount used. If you want to increase the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bowl. You can also add some finely chopped chili peppers to the chicken while it’s cooking.
