Description

Brighten dinner with a sweet chili chicken bowl topped with a zesty coconut lime drizzle—a fresh and flavorful dish combining sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy sauce that elevates weeknight meals into something truly special.

Ingredients

Protein

Chicken breast or thighs: 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sweet chili sauce: 1/4 cup

Sauce

Coconut milk: 1/3 cup (full-fat or light)
Fresh lime juice: 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
Salt: pinch

Aromatics

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated

Vegetables

Bell peppers: 1 cup, sliced
Red cabbage: 1 cup, shredded
Snap peas: 1 cup

Base

Rice or quinoa: 2 cups cooked

Fresh herbs

Cilantro or basil: 1/4 cup chopped

Optional toppings

Chopped peanuts: 2 tablespoons
Green onions: 2, sliced
Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, toasted

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it briefly in a mixture of sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to infuse flavor before cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside once done to keep warm.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, chop your colorful vegetables. Quickly sauté or steam them just until tender but still crisp to maintain freshness and vibrant color.
Make the Coconut Lime Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, fresh lime juice, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This drizzle should be creamy and tangy, ready to bring the bowl together.
Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice or quinoa, add the sautéed vegetables, then the sweet chili chicken on top. Drizzle generously with the coconut lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional toppings for texture.

Notes

Marinate briefly: Even a short 15-minute marinade enhances the chicken’s flavor dramatically.
Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them crisp to add freshness and contrast to tender chicken.
Use fresh lime juice: Bottled juice can lack the vibrant tang needed for the drizzle.
Add toppings last: Toppings like peanuts and herbs should be added just before serving to maintain their crunch and aroma.
Adjust sweetness/spice: Tailor the sweet chili sauce to your taste by mixing in a little more honey or chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: sweet chili chicken, coconut lime drizzle, chicken bowl, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, Asian chicken bowl, vibrant vegetables, easy weeknight meal