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Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Chicken Thighs

Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Chicken Thighs
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Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Chicken Thighs feature juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce, served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice and fresh crunchy vegetables. This dish perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying meal prep, with versatility to customize according to dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, divided

Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
  • 2 cups water (or as per rice package instructions)

Vegetable Toppings

  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Garnishes & Extras

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Optional: additional sweet chili sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry for crispy skin. In a bowl, mix minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, and half of the sweet chili sauce. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
  2. Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and ready to soak up the sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush the remaining sweet chili sauce on the chicken towards the end and allow it to caramelize slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Distribute the cooked rice into bowls. Arrange the glazed chicken thighs on top. Add fresh cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and drizzle additional sweet chili sauce if desired. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten all the flavors.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
  • Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor penetration.
  • Cook chicken over high heat initially to achieve crispy skin.
  • Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to release their nutty aroma.
  • Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice by modifying sauce quantities and lime juice to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet chili chicken, rice bowls, chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, meal prep, gluten free, Asian inspired, spicy sweet chicken

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/sweet-chili-chicken-rice-bowls-with-chicken-thighs/