🍗 Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls with Chicken Thighs, Sesame Slaw & Quick Pickled Cucumber 🌶️✨
🌟 This Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful medley of bold flavors and textures. Tender chicken thighs glazed with sweet chili sauce, crunchy sesame slaw, and tangy quick-pickled cucumbers come together over fluffy rice for a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing! 🥢🍚
Ingredients
For the Sweet Chili Chicken:
🍗 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
🌶️ 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
🥄 1 tbsp soy sauce
🍯 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
🍋 1 tbsp lime juice
🥄 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sesame Slaw:
🥬 2 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
🥕 1/2 cup shredded carrots
🌿 1 tbsp sesame oil
🍋 1 tbsp rice vinegar
🥄 1 tsp soy sauce
🌿 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Quick Pickled Cucumber:
🥒 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
🍋 2 tbsp rice vinegar
🍯 1 tsp honey or sugar
🧂 Pinch of salt
For the Bowl:
🍚 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
🌿 1 tbsp sliced green onions (for garnish)
🌿 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate and Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (if using), lime juice, and olive oil.
Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sesame Slaw:
In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage and carrots with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Mix well and set aside.
3️⃣ Quick Pickle the Cucumbers:
In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, honey, and salt. Add sliced cucumbers and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to pickle lightly.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
Top each bowl with sliced sweet chili chicken, sesame slaw, and pickled cucumbers.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!
🌟 Sweet, tangy, and full of fresh textures, this Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect meal for any occasion. Easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at your table! 🍲💛