Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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); 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; 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, avocado

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to meal: the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle. Imagine tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly fluffy rice and crowned with a creamy, zesty coconut drizzle. Each bite is a lively dance of flavors—sweet, spicy, sharp, and cool—creating the kind of dinner you’ll crave again before you’ve finished your first bowl. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight yet feels fancy enough for friends, making this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle one recipe you’ll happily revisit again and again.

Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is thoughtfully chosen. From the richness of coconut milk to the brightness of fresh lime, these ingredients work together to deliver vibrant color, bold taste, and that delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for speedy cooking and juicy results—thighs give extra flavor, but breasts work wonderfully for a leaner bite.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the sweet and spicy backbone—you can find it in the Asian aisle, and it’s worth every drop.
Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle brings that inviting, nutty aroma to the marinade.
Garlic (minced): Fresh is best, and just two cloves power up the aroma and flavor.
Fresh Ginger (grated): One teaspoon is enough for a lively zing—grate directly into the marinade.
Lime Juice: Found twice in the recipe for bright, tangy notes both in the marinade and the drizzle.
Chili Flakes (optional): Crank up the heat to suit your spice preferences!
Canned Coconut Milk (full fat): Rich and velvety, it creates the creamy base for the drizzle—don’t skimp here.
Mayonnaise: Just a little lends body and silkiness to the coconut lime drizzle.
Lime Zest: It’s all about the oils—zest before you juice for max flavor.
Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: A hit of spice for the drizzle—adjust to your taste.
Pinch of Salt: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The aromatic, fluffy foundation for all the toppings.
Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of green right before serving.
Lime Wedges: For that final lively squeeze right at the table.
Optional Toppings: Sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, and avocado are all welcome for crunch, creaminess, and color.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, a tablespoon of lime juice, and optional chili flakes in a bowl. This marinade is the secret to building deep flavor in the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle. Add chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer) and make sure every piece is generously coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you want maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Lime Drizzle

In a fresh bowl, swiftly mix together the full-fat coconut milk, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, and a pinch of salt. This sauce is essentially a tropical, zesty blanket that ties the whole Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle together, providing a creamy yet lively contrast to the chicken. Cover and chill until it’s time to assemble.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or your outdoor grill to medium-high and give it a quick oil to prevent sticking. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully charred and cooked through. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes to lock in those juices, then slice into pieces perfect for topping your bowl.

Step 4: Cook and Fluff the Rice

While the chicken is grilling, cook your jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork to keep it light and airy—the perfect base for the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle. Divide the rice among your bowls as the starting layer.

Step 5: Build Your Bowls

Arrange the sliced, grilled chicken over the beds of rice. Now comes the magic: generously drizzle with the chilled coconut lime sauce, letting it cascade over the chicken and seep into the rice below.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Pile on chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and any optional toppings you love—crunchy cucumber, colorful carrots, vibrant green onions, or indulgent slices of avocado. Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle while it’s warm and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges are non-negotiable—the cilantro brightens each bite, while a squeeze of lime juice brings everything together with fresh acidity. For an extra pop of color and crunch, don’t shy away from sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or a handful of sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

While this Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle really stands on its own, you can pair it with a simple Asian-style slaw or a light miso soup. Steamed edamame or even crisp veggie spring rolls work beautifully on the side, especially if you’re planning to share with friends or family.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to make dinner feel special, try serving your Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle in wide, shallow bowls for maximum impact. Arrange toppings in organized lanes for a “rainbow bowl” vibe, or serve the coconut lime drizzle in a little pitcher so everyone can add as much as they like. Add colorful napkins and fun chopsticks to complete the scene.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the coconut lime drizzle in a separate small container—this helps maintain the lovely contrasting textures when you reheat and rebuild your Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle.

Freezing

Both the grilled chicken and the cooked rice can be frozen for up to two months in tightly sealed bags or containers (just be sure they’ve cooled first). The coconut lime drizzle isn’t freezer-friendly due to the mayonnaise, so plan to whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to enjoy your next bowl.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a sprinkle of water to keep things moist. Once hot, transfer to bowls and top with fresh drizzle and garnishes for a just-made taste and feel. The coconut lime drizzle should always be added cold or at room temperature for the creamiest experience.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe weeknight-easy. Simply slice, warm, and toss it with the sweet chili marinade before adding it to your bowls for that signature flavor in record time.

Is there a dairy-free option for the coconut lime drizzle?

Yes—just use your favorite dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise. Coconut milk is already non-dairy, and this swap keeps the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle completely dairy-free.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken if I don’t have a grill?

A stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even a broiler works well. The goal is to lock in those flavors and get a bit of char, so use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I meal prep these bowls for lunch?

Definitely! Prepare the elements in advance and cool before assembling into meal prep containers. Keep the coconut lime drizzle in a separate small container and add just before eating for the freshest taste and texture.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?

The beauty of the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is how easy it is to tailor the spice level. Skip the chili flakes and go light on sriracha for kid-friendly mild, or double up for extra heat if that’s your thing!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect dinner that feels both exciting and effortless, let the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle be your answer. Every element is thoughtfully balanced, bringing both comfort and a wow-factor to your table. Give it a try, and get ready for this vibrant bowl to become a staple in your kitchen!

Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a creamy coconut lime sauce, served over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice. Topped with fresh cilantro and optional crunchy veggies, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Instructions

Marinate 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 Coconut Lime Drizzle: In a separate bowl, combine coconut milk, mayo, lime juice, zest, sriracha, and salt to make the drizzle. Chill until ready to serve.
Grill Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Oil lightly, then grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Cook Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions and fluff with a fork. Divide into serving bowls.
Assemble Bowls: Top rice with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with coconut lime sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or green onions.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes and sriracha to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Asian