Craving the irresistible flavors of takeout but not the wait or the cost? This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl is your answer. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 35 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. We combine tender chunks of chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy, addictive sweet and spicy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal routine. Forget bland, boring meals. This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl delivers a powerhouse of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s completely customizable to what you have in your fridge!
Why This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl is a Weeknight Winner
You’re going to absolutely love how simple and delicious this recipe is. It’s designed for real life, where time is short but the desire for good food is high.
- Faster Than Takeout: From prep to plate in just 35 minutes, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal on the table faster than you can get delivery.
- Bursting with Flavor: The homemade sweet chili sauce is perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and spicy notes that coat every single bite.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving to your family.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream. The components store beautifully, allowing you to assemble fresh and delicious bowls all week long. If you love meal prep bowls, try our Korean Beef Meal Prep bowls! (coming soon)
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bowl
The magic of this dish comes from simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this incredible bowl to life.
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes are perfect. Chicken thighs also work wonderfully.
- Cornstarch: This gives the chicken a light, crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for stir-frying.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand as the base.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is best to control the saltiness.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced for the most aromatic and potent flavor.
- Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but recommended for a little extra kick of heat.
For the Bowl Assembly:
- Jasmine Rice: The perfect fluffy base. You can also use basmati, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a wonderful crunch and essential nutrients.
- Red Bell Pepper & Carrots: For sweetness, color, and texture.
- Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro.
How to Make a Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a stunning and delicious meal. We’ll build the flavors from the ground up for a perfect result every time.
- Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your jasmine rice according to the package instructions. This ensures your base is ready when the chicken and veggies are done.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until it’s evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the broccoli, sliced bell pepper, and carrots to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a bit of a bite!
- Make the Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet chili sauce over everything and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is well-coated.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Spoon the fluffy jasmine rice into four bowls. Top with the sweet chili chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Pro Tips for Recipe Success
A few simple tricks can take your sweet chili chicken bowl from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer. If needed, cook it in two batches. This ensures the chicken gets golden and crispy rather than steaming.
- Prep Your Ingredients: This recipe moves fast! Have all your vegetables chopped and your sauce ingredients measured and mixed before you start cooking.
- Adjust the Heat: The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit it entirely.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Protein Swaps: Try this recipe with shrimp, lean steak, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like edamame, snap peas, bok choy, or sliced mushrooms.
- Switch Up the Base: Serve this over quinoa, brown rice, or even rice noodles for a different texture.
For more make-ahead lunch and dinner ideas, check out our guide to making perfect Mason Jar Salads (coming soon).
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
This Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl is fantastic for meal prep. To ensure everything stays fresh, store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the rice, the chicken and vegetable mixture, and any fresh garnishes separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice and assemble your bowl.
If you enjoy this sweet and savory flavor profile, you’ll also love our Coconut Shrimp Recipe which pairs wonderfully with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! To increase the heat, simply add more sriracha to the sauce to your preferred spice level. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you are stir-frying the vegetables for an extra kick.
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for convenience and uses store-bought Thai sweet chili sauce as a base, which we then enhance with fresh garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a more dynamic flavor.
For the best results, store the cooked rice, the chicken and vegetable mixture, and fresh garnishes in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowl just before eating to keep the veggies crisp.
Yes, this bowl is a balanced and healthy meal. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables. You can make it even healthier by using brown rice or quinoa and low-sodium soy sauce.
This bowl is a complete meal on its own! However, you can enhance it with garnishes like toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad would also be a great addition.
Enjoy Your Homemade Creation!
There you have it—a stunningly delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl that’s healthier, faster, and more flavorful than takeout. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl (Quick & Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook jasmine rice according to package directions.
- In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and stir to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- To serve, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the sweet chili chicken and vegetables, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Tip 2: For best meal prep results, store the rice, chicken mixture, and garnishes in separate containers.
