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Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls

Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky sweet and spicy glaze served over fluffy jasmine rice with fresh vegetables. Ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice yields 3 cups cooked
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables edamame, carrots, cucumber, or snap peas - raw or lightly steamed
  • 2 whole green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grater for ginger

Method
 

  1. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions and set aside (start this first as it takes 15-20 minutes). While rice cooks, pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
  3. Flip each chicken piece and cook another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a clean plate and reduce heat to medium.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the same pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  5. Pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  6. Return chicken to the pan, keeping heat at medium, and toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until every piece gets coated in the sticky glaze.
  7. Divide cooked rice among four bowls and top with glazed chicken. Arrange vegetables around the chicken (use raw cucumber and carrots or steamed edamame and snap peas). Drizzle with any remaining sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep rice, chicken, and vegetables separate for best texture. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture. For meal prep, prepare chicken and rice ahead but keep fresh vegetables separate until serving.