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Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
Sweet chili chicken bowls are the ultimate game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet nutritious. These vibrant bowls combine tender rotisserie chicken glazed in tangy sweet chili sauce with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins, this meal delivers both satisfaction and nutrition in under 35 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick 35-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor or nutrition
- Budget-friendly recipe using rotisserie chicken that costs approximately $12-15 to feed four people
- Packed with lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamin-rich vegetables for balanced nutrition
- Completely customizable with your favorite vegetables, grains, and spice levels to suit everyone’s taste
- Great for meal prep – components can be prepared ahead and assembled when ready to eat
Why Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls Are the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
These bowls solve the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma by combining convenience with wholesome ingredients. The sweet chili sauce provides a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that appeals to both adults and children.
Each serving delivers approximately 28 grams of protein, supporting muscle health and keeping you satisfied for hours. The combination of jasmine rice and fresh vegetables provides sustained energy while the avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Perfect for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or meal prep sessions, these bowls adapt to any occasion. They’re also ideal for introducing international flavors to picky eaters without overwhelming spice levels.
What You’ll Need for Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 3 cups | Main protein source, saves cooking time |
| Sweet chili sauce | ½ cup | Flavor base, provides sweet-tangy glaze |
| Jasmine or brown rice | 1 cup uncooked | Carbohydrate base, absorbs flavors |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup diced | Adds crunch and vitamin C |
| Green onions | ¼ cup chopped | Fresh flavor and color contrast |
| Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup | Aromatic herb, brightens overall taste |
| Avocado | 1 large, sliced | Healthy fats and creamy texture |
| Lime wedges | 1 lime | Acidic balance and fresh finish |
| Sliced jalapeños | Optional | Extra heat for spice lovers |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining chicken with sweet chili sauce |
| Medium saucepan | Cooking rice to perfect texture |
| Sharp knife | Dicing vegetables and slicing avocado |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Serving bowls | Individual portion presentation |
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prepare Rice | Cook jasmine or brown rice according to package directions. For jasmine rice, use 1:1.5 rice to water ratio and simmer for 18 minutes. |
| Step 2: Prepare Chicken | Remove skin from rotisserie chicken and shred meat until you have 3 cups. Discard bones and cartilage. |
| Step 3: Create Chicken Mixture | In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with sweet chili sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly. |
| Step 4: Prepare Vegetables | Dice bell peppers into small pieces, chop green onions, slice avocado, and roughly chop cilantro. |
| Step 5: Assemble Bowls | Place cooked rice as base, top with sweet chili chicken mixture, then add bell peppers and green onions. |
| Step 6: Final Touches | Finish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and optional jalapeños. Serve immediately. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Warm the sweet chili chicken mixture in a skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavors and create a more cohesive dish
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture and appearance
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains
- Prep all vegetables while rice cooks to maximize efficiency and reduce total preparation time
- Taste and adjust sweet chili sauce quantity based on your preferred flavor intensity and spice level
Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
Serving Tips
Serve these bowls immediately after assembly for the best texture contrast between warm rice and chicken with cool, crisp vegetables. Provide extra lime wedges and sweet chili sauce on the side for customization.
For entertaining, set up a build-your-own bowl station with all components in separate dishes. This approach accommodates different dietary preferences and allows guests to control portion sizes.
Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep avocado and cilantro separate until serving to maintain freshness. Reheat rice and chicken mixture before reassembling.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
Don’t add avocado too early, as it will brown and lose its appealing appearance. Cut and add it just before serving for the best visual impact and taste.
Avoid oversaucing the chicken mixture initially. You can always add more sweet chili sauce, but removing excess is impossible once mixed.
Don’t skip rinsing the rice, as this removes surface starch that can make your rice gummy rather than fluffy and separate.
Resist the urge to skip the lime juice, as the acidity balances the sweetness and brings all flavors together harmoniously.
You Must Know
- Sweet chili sauce varies in heat level between brands, so taste-test before adding the full amount to avoid overwhelming spice
- Rotisserie chicken skin should be removed as it doesn’t shred well and can make the dish greasy
- Brown rice takes longer to cook than jasmine rice, so plan accordingly or use quick-cooking varieties
- This recipe scales easily for larger groups – simply multiply ingredients proportionally for crowd-pleasing results
Suggestions for Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
Transform these bowls by substituting jasmine rice with rice noodles for a different texture experience. Quinoa or cauliflower rice work excellently for lower-carb alternatives.
Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color. Consider incorporating edamame or sliced cucumber for additional crunch and freshness.
For protein variety, try this concept with our ultimate chicken casserole techniques or explore slow cooker variations for different cooking methods.
Create themed variations like Thai-inspired bowls with basil and peanuts, or Mexican-style with black beans and corn. The versatile base accommodates countless flavor profiles.
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare components up to 3 days ahead. Store rice, chicken mixture, and chopped vegetables separately in the refrigerator. Add fresh avocado and cilantro just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
You can make homemade sweet chili sauce using rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Alternatively, try teriyaki sauce mixed with sriracha, or honey mixed with soy sauce and ginger for different flavor profiles.
Add avocado just before serving and squeeze fresh lime juice over the slices. The citric acid prevents oxidation. For meal prep, store avocado separately and add when ready to eat.
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works well. Grilled, baked, or poached chicken can be shredded and mixed with sweet chili sauce. You’ll need about 1 pound of cooked chicken breast to yield 3 cups shredded.
The chicken and rice components freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze them separately in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh vegetables and avocado when serving.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls: A Versatile Meal Worth Making Again
These sweet chili chicken bowls represent the perfect intersection of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. They prove that healthy eating doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or expensive ingredients.
The recipe’s adaptability makes it a valuable addition to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, these bowls deliver consistent satisfaction.
With their balanced macronutrients, vibrant colors, and crowd-pleasing flavors, sweet chili chicken bowls will quickly become a household favorite. Try pairing them with our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for variety, or explore our keto cloud cake for a light dessert to complete your meal.
More Easy Lunch Recipes:
- Irresistible Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Fresh Cranberry Walnut Salad: Perfect Holiday Side Dish
- Crunchy Baked Sweet Potato: Perfect Crispy Recipe Guide
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Perfect Side Dish Recipe
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 days ahead. store rice, chicken mixture, and chopped vegetables separately in the refrigerator. add fresh avocado and cilantro just before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for sweet chili chicken bowls featuring tender rotisserie chicken glazed in sweet chili sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 lime
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Rice – Cook jasmine or brown rice according to package directions. For jasmine rice, use 1:1.5 rice to water ratio and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare Chicken – Remove skin from rotisserie chicken and shred meat until you have 3 cups. Discard bones and cartilage.
- Step 3: Create Chicken Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with sweet chili sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Prepare Vegetables – Dice bell peppers into small pieces, chop green onions, slice avocado, and roughly chop cilantro.
- Step 5: Assemble Bowls – Place cooked rice as base, top with sweet chili chicken mixture, then add bell peppers and green onions.
- Step 6: Final Touches – Finish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and optional jalapeños. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Warm the sweet chili chicken mixture in a skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavors and create a more cohesive dish
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture and appearance
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains
- For meal prep, store rice, chicken mixture, and chopped vegetables separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: sweet chili chicken bowls, chicken bowl recipe, easy dinner, meal prep, Asian-inspired, rotisserie chicken
