Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle Recipe
The Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings together succulent grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a zingy coconut lime sauce, all rounded out with fresh garnishes and crisp, colorful veggies. This bowl is the perfect canvas for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep hero that refuses to compromise on taste. Each bite offers a symphony of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy notes, making it truly irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component adds a vital element—whether it’s flavor, color, or texture—to transform simple staples into a show-stopping meal. Here’s what you’ll need and a tip for each ingredient to guide your grocery run:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 1/2 lbs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat—both work wonderfully here.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1/3 cup): This sauce is the secret to the bowl’s signature sweet heat; go for a good-quality brand for best flavor.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Provides a salty, umami backbone that balances the sweetness.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Just a splash adds nutty aroma and depth.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (2): Fresh garlic infuses loads of flavor—skip the jarred kind for best results.
- Fresh Ginger, Grated (1 tsp): Brightens the marinade and gives a gentle heat that’s unmistakable.
- Lime Juice (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Used in both marinade and drizzle, lime brings mouthwatering brightness.
- Chili Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who love an extra kick, these add customizable heat.
- Canned Coconut Milk, Full Fat (1/2 cup): The rich base for your drizzle sauce—look for creamy coconut milk, not coconut cream.
- Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and helps the drizzle cling to every bite.
- Lime Zest (1 tsp): The zest packs in citrus perfume and deeper lime flavor—don’t skip it!
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (1 tbsp): A touch for a gentle heat and to amp up flavor.
- Salt (Pinch): Just a little brings the drizzle together.
- Jasmine or Basmati Rice, Cooked (2 cups): The fluffy, fragrant foundation of your bowl; both varieties soak up the sauces beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Aromatic and fresh, cilantro lifts the whole dish—add as much as you like.
- Lime Wedges: Extra zing! Squeeze over your bowl for more wheel-spinning lime flavor.
- Optional Toppings (sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, avocado): Mix and match for crunch, color, and creamy contrast—each topping turns your bowl into an edible masterpiece.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle journey by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, lime juice, and chili flakes in a large bowl. Toss in your chicken and make sure each piece is coated and gleaming with marinade. Let the chicken chill for at least 30 minutes—this is where the magic happens and flavor gets locked in. If you have time, marinating up to 2 hours is even better!
Step 2: Make the Coconut Lime Drizzle
Combine the coconut milk, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, sriracha, and a pinch of salt in a separate small bowl. Whisk it until the mixture is silky and smooth. Pop the sauce in the fridge. Chilling lets the flavors marry and keeps the drizzle refreshingly cool when spooned over the hot chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Fire up a grill pan or your outdoor grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grate so the chicken doesn’t stick (and gets those gorgeous grill marks!). Lay your marinated chicken on the hot surface and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until just cooked through and slightly charred around the edges. Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this traps in those tempting juices—and then slice it into bite-sized strips.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Base
While the chicken is grilling, cook your jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork so every grain stays light and separate. Divide the rice among your serving bowls to create a cozy nest for your other ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble and Drizzle
Top each rice bowl with your juicy, sliced chicken. Now comes the showstopper: spoon over a generous helping of that coconut lime drizzle, letting it flow into every nook and cranny of the chicken and rice. This is the moment when the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle transforms from a tasty meal to a culinary masterpiece!
Step 6: Add Garnishes and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro, tuck in a few lime wedges, and let everyone add their favorite toppings like crunchy cucumber, crisp carrots, green onion, or creamy avocado. Each garnish adds personality and fresh bite to the bowl. Serve warm and watch smiles appear!
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
Garnishes
Pile on the vibrance with classic garnishes: chopped cilantro for freshness, lime wedges for extra zest, and any of your chosen toppings like sliced cucumber, carrots, green onions, or avocado for beautiful color and crunch. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts is also fantastic if you want a little nutty texture!
Side Dishes
While the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a heartfelt, complete meal all on its own, it also pairs brilliantly with simple steamed greens, a crisp side salad, or even a quick Asian-style slaw. If you’re feeling indulgent, some oven-baked spring rolls or dumplings are a lovely way to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by layering the ingredients in glass jars for a fun portable lunch, or serve smaller versions in mini bowls at your next gathering for an appetizer that will wow your guests. You can arrange the toppings in rows, poke bowl-style, for a rainbow effect that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken, rice, and toppings will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the coconut lime drizzle keeps well for about 5 days. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken (already grilled and cooled) and rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. The coconut lime drizzle is best made fresh, but if you do freeze it, give it a good stir after thawing as the texture can separate slightly.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them from drying out. The drizzle and fresh toppings are best added after reheating to preserve their creamy and crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully for Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle. Thighs are juicier and a bit richer, while breasts offer a leaner bite—choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is this bowl spicy?
The base recipe is mild with a gentle kick from the sweet chili sauce and sriracha, but you can always amp up the heat by adding more chili flakes or sriracha to your marinade and drizzle if you’re craving extra spice.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! The drizzle is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk and mayo (just use a dairy-free or vegan mayo if avoiding all dairy), so this recipe fits most dietary preferences with simple swaps.
What is the best way to cook the rice?
Jasmine or basmati rice cooked with a little extra water for softness or using a rice cooker for perfectly fluffy, separated grains is ideal for this bowl. If you’re pressed for time, pre-cooked or microwaveable rice works in a pinch too!
Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep all the components in advance: marinate and grill the chicken, cook the rice, whisk up the drizzle, and store separately. When ready to serve, simply assemble and garnish for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal on demand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magnetic about this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle—it’s colorful, crave-worthy, and infinitely customizable to your tastes. It’s exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and let the flavors do the talking!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken with a creamy coconut lime sauce, served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Coconut Lime Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, avocado
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and chili flakes. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coconut Lime Drizzle: In a separate bowl, combine coconut milk, mayo, lime juice, zest, sriracha, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- Cook the Rice: Cook rice and fluff with a fork. Divide into bowls.
- Assemble the Bowls: Top rice with sliced chicken. Drizzle with coconut lime sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize this bowl with your favorite veggies or toppings.
- Adjust the level of chili sauce and sriracha to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl, Coconut Lime Drizzle, Grilled Chicken Bowl, Asian Rice Bowl
