Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

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When you need a dinner that feels like a hug and tastes like a tropical getaway, this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle delivers. Tender chicken glazed with sweet chili sauce, laid over warm rice, paired with crunchy vegetables and drizzled in a creamy coconut lime sauce — it’s the ultimate balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.

This bowl comes together beautifully for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch. It hits all the right notes with minimal effort, and the layering of textures makes every bite feel exciting. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever fresh toppings you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

This dish brings together bold Thai-inspired flavors with easy pantry staples. The sweetness of the chili sauce balances the zest of lime and creaminess of coconut, while the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. It’s naturally gluten-free, quick to make, and great for meal prep. You’ll also love how well it pairs with rice, quinoa, or even noodles.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well here. If you like a leaner, firmer bite, go for chicken breast. Prefer a juicier, richer texture? Chicken thighs are your best bet. Either way, make sure to slice the chicken thin so it cooks quickly and absorbs all that flavorful sweet chili glaze.

Ingredients for the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

Each ingredient in this vibrant bowl plays a special role in building its layers of flavor and texture. From the heat and sweetness in the sauce to the refreshing lime-kissed drizzle, every component matters. Use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant results.

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Coconut milk
• Lime juice and zest
• Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• Cooked white or jasmine rice
• Cucumber slices
• Shredded carrots
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

These ingredients come together to deliver that perfect sweet-heat combo, made extra creamy and zesty thanks to the coconut lime drizzle.

How To Make the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken slices and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. This takes about 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Lime Drizzle

In a bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the fridge to chill.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of warm cooked rice. Top with the sweet chili chicken, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and green onions. Drizzle generously with the coconut lime sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch and nuttiness. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the veggies are crisp.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s easy to get carried away with bold flavors, but balancing sweet, salty, and tangy is the key here. Avoid adding extra soy sauce without tasting — it can quickly overpower the other ingredients. Also, don’t skip marinating the chicken. It might be tempting to cook it right away, but that 20-minute soak is essential for locking in flavor. Lastly, keep an eye on the coconut lime drizzle. If it gets too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken or vegetables like it should.

Serving and Storing This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people. Serve it warm, freshly drizzled with the coconut lime sauce and loaded with crisp vegetables. If you’re prepping in advance, store the components separately: rice in one container, cooked chicken in another, and drizzle in a small jar. That way, you can reheat without compromising texture or freshness.

It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The drizzle might thicken slightly when chilled, so give it a quick stir before serving again.

What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl?

Roasted Edamame

Crunchy, salty, and packed with protein, roasted edamame makes an excellent side that adds even more texture.

Thai Mango Salad

A light, tangy mango salad brings a sweet contrast that enhances the chili and lime flavors.

Garlic Butter Naan

Not traditional but so good for scooping up any extra drizzle or rice.

Spring Rolls

Fresh vegetable spring rolls work beautifully as a light appetizer or even part of the main dish.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a cooling counterpoint to the chili heat.

Pineapple Salsa

For a tropical twist, serve with a vibrant pineapple salsa that echoes the sweet elements in the chicken.

Sesame Slaw

A crunchy cabbage slaw with a sesame vinaigrette offers a refreshing bite with a little tang.

Crispy Wonton Strips

Toss a few over the bowl for extra crunch if you want something playful and snacky.

Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?

If you love this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle, here are a few other satisfying bowl recipes that might hit the spot too:

• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe with a creamy spicy twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich and savory comfort meal.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re craving something baked and cheesy.
• One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you’re short on time but still want bold flavor.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken if you’re looking for a dump-and-go dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can make it again any time you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and totally comforting.

Tried this dish? I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add avocado? Extra drizzle? Snap a pic and drop your twist in the comments below.

Explore even more delicious bowl ideas and healthful meal inspiration over at Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish.

Conclusion

Sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh — this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is the weeknight upgrade you’ve been waiting for. It comes together fast, keeps well, and feels like a tropical vacation in a bowl. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a casual dinner, it’s the kind of recipe that hits every note and leaves you wanting just one more bite.

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