Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to caramelized perfection, served over fragrant jasmine rice infused with creamy coconut lime sauce, fresh tomatoes, and green onions, making a delightful and well-balanced meal.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
Sauce and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- Optional: sesame seeds, lime wedges
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to develop flavor.
- Cook the Jasmine Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, usually by simmering with water or a rice cooker, until tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Place the marinated chicken thighs into the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until nicely caramelized and cooked through. Pour in any leftover marinade and allow it to bubble and thicken to form a glaze coating the chicken.
- Prepare the Coconut Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the lime juice to your preference for acidity.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice, then add the caramelized chicken thighs. Top with diced fresh tomatoes and sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the top. Drizzle the coconut lime sauce generously across the bowls.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the bowls by garnishing with sesame seeds and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor but do not exceed 2 hours to prevent meat becoming mushy.
- Rinsing the rice helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky grains.
- If coconut milk is too thick, thin it slightly with water for drizzling.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade or sauce.
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, chicken bowl recipe, jasmine rice bowl, coconut lime sauce, quick chicken dinner