What goes well with sweet chili chicken?

Sweet chili chicken pairs well with a wide variety of sides, making it incredibly versatile. For sweet chili chicken rice bowls , fresh, crunchy veggies like cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red cabbage are perfect. You can also serve it with: Steamed or stir-fried broccoli Asian slaw with sesame dressing Pineapple cucumber salad Coconut jasmine rice Spring rolls or dumplings For a fresh contrast, don’t miss our Pineapple Cucumber Salad —a zesty, refreshing match to these bold bowls.

Are chicken and rice bowls healthy?

Yes, they can absolutely be healthy—especially when you make them at home. Sweet chili chicken rice bowls provide a balance of lean protein, complex carbs, and nutrient-dense veggies. Choose brown rice for more fiber, add plenty of greens, and use a lower-sugar sweet chili sauce for an even lighter version. With just a few smart swaps, you’ll have a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

What is sweet chili sauce made of?

Sweet chili sauce typically includes a combination of red chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and a thickener like cornstarch. It has a sweet base with mild heat, making it perfect for glazes and dipping sauces. In sweet chili chicken rice bowls , the sauce acts as a flavor bomb—clinging to the chicken and seeping into the rice to tie the whole dish together.

Is there a difference between chili sauce and sweet chili sauce?

Yes— sweet chili sauce is much milder and sweeter, while traditional chili sauce tends to be spicier and more tomato-based. Sweet chili sauce is great for glazing and dipping, whereas chili sauce often appears in stews or as a condiment. For the distinct flavor profile in sweet chili chicken rice bowls , sweet chili sauce is essential. Using regular chili sauce would change the balance completely.

What to serve with sweet chili chicken besides rice?

Not in the mood for rice? Try serving your sweet chili chicken with: Rice noodles or glass noodles Lettuce wraps Asian-style pasta salad Grilled or roasted vegetables Garlic quinoa or soba noodles These options still complement the bold flavors while giving your sweet chili chicken rice bowls a fresh twist.

What are the best uses for sweet chili sauce?

Sweet chili sauce is incredibly versatile. Beyond its starring role in sweet chili chicken rice bowls , try it with: Fried spring rolls or dumplings Grilled shrimp or fish Stir-fries and noodle dishes Chicken wings or tofu bites As a dip for French fries or sweet potato wedges It also makes a fantastic marinade or base for fusion-style tacos and sandwiches.

Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls – The Best 30-Minute Spicy Dinner Idea

Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; ½ cup chopped green onions; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Description

Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls are a fast, flavorful, and customizable meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With sweet and spicy chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh crunchy veggies, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavor in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
½ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1 cup shredded red cabbage
½ cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium and add sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
While the chicken cooks, warm the rice if needed and prep vegetables.
Assemble the bowls: add rice as the base, top with sweet chili chicken, then layer on fresh veggies.
Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sauce, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Sweet chili sauce can be homemade using honey, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in separate containers to maintain texture.
These bowls are meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: sweet chili chicken rice bowls, spicy chicken bowls, easy chicken dinner, rice bowls with chicken, meal prep chicken, Asian chicken rice bowl, healthy chicken bowl, 30 minute meals, sweet chili recipes