Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl

Sweet chili chicken bowl always reminds me of a busy weekday evening when I wanted something quick, satisfying, and a little bit special so I grabbed some chicken breasts, a bottle of sweet chili sauce, and fluffy rice and started experimenting. As the chicken caramelized beautifully in the pan and the sauce turned sticky and glossy, I knew dinner was about to be a total win. When I finally drizzled it over the rice and topped it with green onions and sesame seeds, I couldn’t wait to dig in and it turned out even better than I hoped.

Since that day this sweet chili chicken bowl has been one of my go-to meals whenever I need something comforting and full of flavor so it’s perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or even a cozy lunch and I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your own weekly rotation.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Juicy and lean, perfect for slicing.
• Sweet chili sauce – Adds that sticky, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze.
• Soy sauce – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Garlic – Brings warm, savory notes to the sauce.
• Ginger – Fresh and zesty, adds brightness.
• Cooked white rice – The fluffy, comforting base of the bowl.
• Green onions – For a fresh, crisp finish.
• Sesame seeds – Add a nutty crunch on top.
• Lime juice – Optional, for an extra zippy finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or nonstick pan – To sear and glaze the chicken perfectly.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping the chicken and toppings.
• Measuring spoons – To get the sauce just right.
• Rice cooker or pot – To make fluffy rice.
• Tongs or spatula – For flipping and coating the chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

I start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets, which helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. I season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

I heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken, searing on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Step 3: Make the sauce

I lower the heat and add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking until fragrant. Then I pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, stirring to coat the chicken and letting it simmer until glossy and sticky.

Step 4: Slice the chicken

I remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into strips, then return it to the pan to coat each piece in the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the bowl

I spoon a generous amount of rice into a bowl, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Step 6: Garnish

I finish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend adding steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or edamame for extra color and nutrition. You can also swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option. For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or crispy shallots.

Ways to Serve

I love serving sweet chili chicken bowl as a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad. It’s great for meal prepping too—just store in airtight containers and reheat when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sweet chili chicken bowl ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble just before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! They’ll be even juicier and flavorful.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild to medium spicy, depending on the sweet chili sauce you use. You can adjust by adding more or less sauce.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this sweet chili chicken bowl a try! It’s such a fun and easy way to enjoy bold flavors at home, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out and share your favorite toppings below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next busy weeknight dinner or meal prep day.

Happy Cooking!

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