Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Chicken Thighs

Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls combine tender chicken thighs glazed with sweet chili sauce, paired with sesame slaw and tangy quick-pickled cucumbers for a refreshing and flavorful meal!

Ingredients:

•Sweet Chili Chicken:

•1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

•½ cup sweet chili sauce

•2 tbsp soy sauce

•1 tbsp rice vinegar

•1 tbsp honey

1 tsp garlic, minced

•1 tsp ginger, minced

•Rice:

•1 cup jasmine rice

•1½ cups water

•Pinch of salt

•Sesame Slaw:

•2 cups shredded cabbage (green or red)

•1 large carrot, julienned

•2 tbsp sesame oil

•1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp honey

•1 tbsp sesame seeds

•Quick Pickled Cucumber:

•1 cucumber, thinly sliced

•2 tbsp rice vinegar

•1 tbsp sugar

•½ tsp salt

this RECIPE

Instructions:

1.Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

2.Pickle the Cucumber: In a bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add cucumber slices and toss to coat. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.

3.Prepare Sesame Slaw: In a bowl, whisk sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Add shredded cabbage, carrot, and sesame seeds. Toss well to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

4.Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. In a bowl, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

5.Assemble Bowls: In each bowl, layer jasmine rice, sesame slaw, and sweet chili chicken. Top with quick-pickled cucumber slices and garnish with extra sesame seeds or scallions, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

•For extra spice, add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle of red chili flakes on the chicken.

•Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

•Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Helpful Tips:

•Crispy Chicken Thighs: To achieve crispy edges, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before cooking.

•Quick Pickling: Slice cucumbers thinly for faster pickling. Let them sit longer if you prefer a more intense tang.

•Perfect Rice: Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy grains.

•Make Ahead: Prep the slaw and pickled cucumber a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.

Substitutions and Variations:

Chicken Alternatives: Use chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.

Sweet Chili Sauce: Substitute with a mix of sriracha, honey, and a splash of vinegar for a homemade version.

Rice Options: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Extra Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame for added crunch and nutrition.

Dressing Twist: Add a dash of sesame oil or lime juice to the pickled cucumber for extra flavor.

Custom Topping Ideas

Elevate your Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with these creative and flavorful toppings:

Crunchy Texture: Add roasted peanuts, crispy fried shallots, or crushed wonton strips for extra crunch.

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh mint, Thai basil, or additional cilantro for a vibrant herbal touch.

Spicy Kick: Drizzle sriracha or chili oil for a fiery finish.

Zesty Citrus: Add a squeeze of fresh orange or mandarin juice to enhance the sweet and tangy flavors.

Creamy Element: A dollop of spicy mayo, yogurt, or a drizzle of tahini can add creaminess to balance the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

•Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes! Bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then toss in the sweet chili sauce.

•How long can I store leftovers?

Store all components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice before assembling.

•Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensuring your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

•Can I make it spicier?

Add extra sriracha to the sweet chili sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes on the bowl for a heat boost.

•What if I don’t have jasmine rice?

Any type of rice works well, though jasmine rice offers a fragrant, slightly sticky texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Here are some recipes similar to Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Slaw and Quick Pickled Cucumber that you might enjoy:

1.Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls

This recipe features tender chicken thighs glazed with sweet chili sauce, served over jasmine rice, and complemented by a fresh slaw and pickled cucumber.

2.Sweet Chili Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

A meal prep-friendly dish that includes crispy chicken tossed in sweet chili sauce, served with rice and sautéed vegetables.

3.Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowl

This bowl combines crispy chicken pieces coated in sweet chili sauce with rice and a variety of fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

These recipes offer a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors, paired with fresh vegetables and rice, making them perfect for a flavorful meal.

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