Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
Base
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, quinoa, or preferred grain
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Chopped green onions
- Roasted peanuts or sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, coconut milk, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and lime zest. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and mix until thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, glazing the chicken beautifully.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, sauté the sliced bell peppers and shredded carrots briefly in another pan or steam them until just tender but still crisp, preserving their bright color and natural crunch.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a bed of warm jasmine rice or chosen grain in each bowl. Arrange the cooked chicken and vegetables neatly on top. Drizzle extra coconut lime sauce from the pan over the dish for an appetizing glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor intensity.
- Don’t skip the lime zest; it adds a fragrant citrus punch that lime juice alone can’t provide.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking vegetables to keep their vibrant color and fresh crunch.
- Adjust sweetness and heat by tasting and tweaking the sweet chili sauce amount according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, coconut lime, chicken bowl, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, Asian-inspired bowl, spicy chicken recipe