Name: Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe: End Unhappy Meals
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? Between work, trying to squeeze in a workout, and just, you know, *life*, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a complicated dinner. That’s where this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe comes in to save the day (and my sanity!). It’s seriously the perfect quick and delicious solution when you’re staring blankly into the fridge wondering what to make.

I stumbled upon this recipe a few months ago when I was desperately searching for something fast and flavorful. I was so tired of the same old boring chicken dishes. Honestly? I was shocked at how easy it was! Now, it’s in my regular rotation. I’ve tweaked it here and there to make it my own, and trust me, you will too. It’s totally adaptable! I’m telling you, this bowl is a game-changer. You’ve GOT to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Okay, so why should you even bother making this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe? Let me tell you, it’s not just “another recipe.” It’s a LIFESAVER! Here’s why I’m obsessed:

Quick and Easy Meal

Seriously, from fridge to table in under 30 minutes! That’s faster than ordering takeout (and way healthier).

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like it too spicy? Tone down the chili sauce! Craving broccoli? Throw it in! It’s *your* bowl, make it how you like it!

Healthy and Balanced

We’re talking protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and veggies galore! It’s a complete meal in one delicious bowl.

Perfect for Weeknights

When you’re juggling a million things, this recipe is your best friend. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – exactly what you need after a long day!

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe:

1 lb chicken breast, cubed (I like to use boneless, skinless – makes life easier!)
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (adjust to your spice level, but trust me, it’s the magic ingredient!)
1 tbsp soy sauce (I usually grab the low sodium kind to keep things a little healthier)
1 tsp sesame oil (a little goes a long way, but it adds SO much flavor!)
1 cup cooked rice (I’m a jasmine rice kinda gal, but use whatever you like!)
1/2 cup shredded carrots (grab a bag from the store to save time!)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (adds a nice little zing!)
Sesame seeds for garnish (because presentation matters, even when it’s just for you!)

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How to Make This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe is seriously simple, I promise. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious bowl in no time!

Marinating the Chicken

First things first, grab a bowl and toss in your cubed chicken. Now, pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a good coating of that yummy marinade! I like to use my hands to really get in there (just wash ’em first, of course!). Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. But honestly? If you have time, let it marinate longer – the flavor just gets better and better! You could even prep this in the morning before work!

Cooking the Chicken

Alright, heat up a skillet over medium heat. I usually add a tiny bit of oil, just to make sure the chicken doesn’t stick. Once the skillet is hot, add your marinated chicken. Spread it out in a single layer so it cooks evenly. Now, just let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (if you’re fancy and have a thermometer!). Or, you can just look for the chicken to be white all the way through with no pink. Careful not to overcook it, or it’ll get dry!

Assembling the Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl

Time to build our masterpiece! Grab a bowl (or two, if you’re sharing!). Start with a base of cooked rice. Then, pile on that delicious sweet chili chicken. Next, add your shredded carrots and chopped green onions. I like to layer the ingredients so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Garnishing and Serving

Almost there! Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little extra flavor and a pretty look. And that’s it! Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe. Seriously, it’s so good, you might want to make extra!

Tips for the Best Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Want to take your Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

Adjusting the Sweetness and Spice

Okay, so not everyone loves the same level of sweet and spicy. If you’re not a fan of heat, start with less sweet chili sauce and add more to taste. Or, if you’re a spice fiend like me, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha! It’s all about making it *your* perfect bowl.

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Dry chicken is a crime against humanity! To avoid it, don’t overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on it, and don’t be afraid to pull it off the heat when it’s *just* cooked through. Also, marinating really helps keep it juicy!

Choosing the Right Rice

Rice might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference! I love jasmine rice for its slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture. But you could also use brown rice for a nuttier taste and extra fiber, or even sushi rice for a stickier bowl. Experiment and see what you like best!

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Ingredient Notes and Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe Substitutions

Let’s break down some of these ingredients, shall we? And hey, if you don’t have *exactly* what I listed, don’t sweat it! Here are some easy swaps you can make for this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe:

Sweet Chili Sauce

Okay, so sweet chili sauce can vary *a lot* in terms of heat. Some are super mild, others pack a serious punch! I usually go for a medium-heat version, but you do you! And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own! There are tons of recipes online – just search “homemade sweet chili sauce.”

Soy Sauce

I’m a big fan of low-sodium soy sauce, just to keep the salt levels in check. But regular soy sauce works great too! And if you’re gluten-free, tamari is your best friend. It tastes almost exactly the same!

Rice

Rice is a blank canvas, really! I love jasmine, but brown rice is a great healthy option. And if you’re trying to cut back on carbs, quinoa is a fantastic substitute. It’s packed with protein and fiber!

Vegetables

Carrots and green onions are my go-to’s for this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe, but feel free to get creative! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas… the possibilities are endless! Just throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Seriously, it’s hard to go wrong!

Variations on This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe, and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). Now what? Time to get creative and mix things up! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl

Want to kick up the heat? Easy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade, or drizzle some sriracha over the finished bowl. You could even use a spicier sweet chili sauce!

Vegetarian Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl

No chicken? No problem! Tofu or tempeh are amazing substitutes. Just press out any extra water from the tofu, cube it, and marinate it just like you would the chicken. Tempeh works great too! You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit, so keep an eye on it.

Adding More Vegetables

Seriously, the veggie possibilities are endless! Try adding steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or even some crunchy bean sprouts. Get creative and use whatever you have in the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people often ask me about this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe:

Can I make this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great meal prep option. Just cook the chicken and rice separately, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything and assemble your bowl! Easy peasy!

How long does the Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe last in the refrigerator?

If stored properly in an airtight container, the cooked chicken and rice will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to use your best judgement, and if anything seems off, toss it!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe?

Totally! Chicken thighs will give you a richer, more flavorful result, but they do take a little longer to cook. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I personally love the taste of chicken thighs in this recipe!

Is this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?

Good question! As written, it *can* be! Just make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is gluten-free. Also, double-check the label on your sweet chili sauce to make sure it doesn’t contain any sneaky gluten ingredients. Most brands are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to be sure!

Nutritional Information for Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info for this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe, right? Well, each bowl clocks in around 450 calories, but keep in mind, this is just an estimate! It really depends on the exact brands and amounts of ingredients you use. I’m not a nutritionist, so don’t take this as gospel!

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Enjoy Your Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe!

Okay, friends, that’s it! I seriously hope you give this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe a try. I just know you’re gonna love it as much as I do! And if you do make it, please, PLEASE leave a comment and rating below – I’d love to know what you think! Snap a pic and share it on social media too! Tag me so I can see your creations! Happy cooking!