Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle features tender, caramelized chicken thighs marinated in sweet chili and soy sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for a rich, aromatic base. Fresh diced tomatoes and green onions add brightness and crunch, while a zesty coconut lime sauce drizzled on top provides a refreshing, tangy finish. Garnished with optional sesame seeds and lime wedges, this bowl offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrus flavors, making it an easy and flavorful meal for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
Coconut Lime Drizzle
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup coconut milk (separate from rice cooking)
- Pinch of salt
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- Optional: sesame seeds
- Optional: lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and combine them with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well-coated, then cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Jasmine Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions using coconut milk instead of water to infuse it with rich, creamy flavor. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade) and cook the chicken thighs for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and cooked through. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and allow it to simmer and bubble until thickened, coating the chicken.
- Prepare Coconut Lime Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the lime juice as needed for desired tanginess.
- Assemble Bowls: Distribute the coconut-infused jasmine rice into serving bowls. Top with the caramelized chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions or chives.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared coconut lime sauce over each bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, balanced flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Rinsing the jasmine rice helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Using coconut milk for cooking rice adds a subtle creaminess that complements the coconut lime drizzle.
- Be sure to cook the marinade after removing the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Customize the heat by choosing a sweet chili sauce that matches your preferred spice level.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, coconut lime drizzle, jasmine rice, easy dinner bowl, caramelized chicken, coconut rice, quick meal
