If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that packs a punch, promises big flavor, and looks as gorgeous as it tastes, Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce will absolutely hit the spot. Picture tender pieces of chicken coated in a fiery, tangy glaze, nestled atop fragrant jasmine rice, and crowned with vibrant veggies and a shower of sesame seeds. This bowl is everything: deeply satisfying, effortless to make, and easily customizable. Whether you’re a spice chaser or just love bold, craveable meals, you’ll find these chicken rice bowls are about to become a new favorite in your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce comes from using simple, totally approachable ingredients that play off each other in delicious ways. Each one adds its own signature note—think tenderness, crunch, color, or addictive heat—and together, they build a meal that’s both restaurant-worthy and weeknight-ready.
- Chicken thighs: Offer juicy, flavorful bites that stay tender even after quick pan-cooking.
- Soy sauce: Adds the perfect umami base to both the marinade and the sauce for rich depth.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash injects nutty, toasty undertones that make the dish sing.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light coating that helps brown the chicken and makes the sauce stick.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral and ideal for getting that golden sear on your chicken pieces.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy, aromatic, and the soft base that absorbs all those gorgeous sauces.
- Steamed broccoli florets: For bright color, freshness, and a gentle crunch.
- Shredded carrots: Add sweetness and vibrant orange flair without overpowering the bowl.
- Green onions: Lively and crisp, they give each bite a pop of freshness.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Lend irresistible crunch and a hint of nutty flavor—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Chili garlic sauce: The bold, spicy centerpiece of the dish that brings everything together.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce brightness and balances the heat with gentle acidity.
- Honey: Just a touch smooths out the spice and adds subtle sweetness to the sauce.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick marinade doesn’t just flavor the chicken—it helps create a gorgeous, glossy exterior once seared. Just ten minutes is all it takes.
Step 2: Mix the Chili Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together all the chili garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl: the chili garlic sauce itself, extra soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. This is the secret weapon that gives Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce their signature fiery, tangy kick.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until every piece is beautifully browned and fully cooked through. The searing step locks in the flavor and delivers delicious caramelization.
Step 4: Sauce It Up
Pour that homemade chili garlic sauce over the browned chicken. Stir everything together and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes—just until the sauce thickens and clings lusciously to every piece.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the steaming jasmine rice among your bowls, then layer on the spicy chicken. Top each with steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of green onions. Finish strong with a shower of toasted sesame seeds if you’re in the mood for extra crunch.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with your toppings! A flourish of green onions and toasted sesame seeds is classic, but you can also add thin slices of red chili for more fire, or even a quick drizzle of sriracha. For those who like an herby lift, a handful of cilantro or Thai basil would be sensational.
Side Dishes
These Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce are a meal in themselves, but a crisp Asian cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies on the side can bring extra crunch and balance the bold flavors. Miso soup, edamame, or even a simple green salad would work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to bowls! Try turning this into lettuce wraps for a lighter take, or serve family-style on a big platter so everyone can build their own. For meal prep, layer the ingredients in portable containers for grab-and-go lunches that stay fresh and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), keep the components separate when possible. Store chicken and sauce together in an airtight container, separate from the rice and veggies, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
The spicy chicken freezes wonderfully: just cool it completely and portion into freezer-safe bags. The rice and sauce hold up well too, but veggies are best freshly prepped. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce, a quick zap in the microwave works for busy nights. For best texture, reheat the chicken and rice separately and add the veggies and garnishes just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat is less forgiving than thighs and can dry out more quickly.
How spicy is the chili garlic sauce?
The heat level is bold but not overwhelming—you’ll get plenty of warmth, balanced by honey and vinegar. If you’re spice-averse, simply use a little less chili garlic sauce or add more honey to dial things back.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to make gluten-free: just substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and check that your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or even roasted chickpeas for a totally plant-based version. Cook them the same way—marinated and seared—before adding your chili garlic sauce.
What’s the best way to meal prep these rice bowls?
Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce are perfect for meal prep. Divide the cooked chicken and rice into containers, keep your veggies and garnishes separate to add just before eating, and you’ll have flavorful lunches or dinners ready for days.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce are my go-to for a fuss-free dinner that never feels boring. They bring together bold Asian-inspired flavors, textures, and colors in every bite—plus they’re so adaptable for all tastes. I hope you’ll give these a try the next time you need something quick, vibrant, and seriously delicious!
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Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls with Chili Garlic Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken pieces in a spicy, savory sauce with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and jasmine rice. Topped with green onions and sesame seeds, these bowls are a delicious and easy-to-make meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Chili Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Chili Garlic Sauce: Whisk together the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the chili garlic sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken, simmering for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked jasmine rice among four bowls. Top with spicy chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Enhance with sliced cucumbers or avocado for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
