why make this recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls recipe is quick, tasty, and easy. It uses simple ingredients and little prep. You get sweet and spicy chicken over warm rice in one bowl. It works for a weekday meal or a small dinner with friends.
introduction
This recipe makes a warm, filling bowl with juicy chicken and sticky sweet chili sauce. The dish is easy to change to your taste. If you like a stickier finish, you can compare ideas in the sticky chicken rice bowls guide.
how to make Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Cook the rice first. Cook the chicken and add the sauce. Toss to coat and serve. If you want help on rich, saucy chicken techniques, see these creamy smothered chicken and rice tips. Keep the chicken pieces bite-size so they heat fast and stay juicy.
Ingredients :
- Chicken thighs
- Rice
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Directions :
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Pour sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat.
- Serve chicken over fluffy rice, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
how to serve Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Serve in a bowl with rice on the bottom and chicken on top. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds. You can add steamed vegetables or a side salad. Serve hot for best flavor.
how to store Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Put leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warm, or heat in the microwave until hot. If you freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
- Pat chicken dry for a better sear.
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
- Taste the sauce and add a little more soy if you want salt.
- If sauce is thin, simmer it a bit to thicken. You can read more sauce tips in this simple chicken and rice notes.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for bright flavor.
variation (if any)
- Make it crispy: coat chicken in a light flour or cornstarch mix and fry until crisp.
- Add vegetables: bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work well.
- Use chicken breast if you prefer lean meat.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works. Watch the time so it does not dry out.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice needs more cook time. Cook it first, then add chicken.
Q: Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy and sweet. You can add hot sauce if you want more heat.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix sweet chili and soy ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
For a stir-fry style version of sweet chili chicken over rice, check this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry Bowls Recipe – Budget Bytes for simple steps and ideas. If you prefer a crispy take, see the Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowl – Food Duchess for a crunchy finish. For a Buddha bowl style with more veggies, try the Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Buddha Bowls – Closet Cooking for inspiration.
Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken thighs You can also use chicken breast.
- 2 cups Rice Cook according to package instructions.
- 1/2 cup Sweet chili sauce This will give the dish its sweet and spicy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Adjust for saltiness to taste.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
- 1 inch Ginger Fresh ginger, minced.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil For sautéing.
- 2 stalks Green onions Sliced for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Pour sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat.
- Serve chicken over fluffy rice, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
