Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts (Easy Dinner)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a cozy bowl that’s sweet, spicy, and wonderfully crisp?

Some dinners just feel right in a bowl—warm rice, juicy chicken, and a colorful pile of vegetables that makes the whole meal look (and taste) like a celebration. These Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts bring that comforting, traditional “home kitchen” energy, where the goal is simple: feed people well with ingredients that are easy to find and flavors that keep everyone coming back for another bite. 😊

Sweet chili sauce is a modern pantry favorite, but the idea behind it is timeless: balancing sweetness, gentle heat, and a little tang to wake up the taste buds. In many family kitchens, sauces like this become the “secret weapon” for quick dinners—something you whisk together while the pan heats, then pour over chicken as it sizzles and turns golden. The Brussels sprouts add a beautiful contrast: crisp edges, tender centers, and that nutty roasted flavor that feels extra special when you get it just right.

This recipe is made for real life: quick steps, minimal fuss, and a satisfying result. You can keep it simple with rice, or dress it up with sesame seeds, herbs, and crunchy toppings. Either way, you’ll end up with a dinner that’s bright, filling, and happily shareable—perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty without spending all evening in the kitchen. 🍚🌶️✨

Ingredients 🛒

For the Bowls

• 1½ cups jasmine rice (or brown rice), uncooked
• 3 cups water (or follow your rice package instructions)

For the Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Sweet Chili Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp edges)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but lovely)

Sweet Chili Sauce

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

For Serving (Optional but Delicious)

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges
• Sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Cook the rice
   Rinse rice if you like. Cook according to package directions. Keep warm while you prepare everything else.
2. Crisp the Brussels sprouts
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (or use the oven at 425°F / 220°C if you prefer). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Skillet method: Place sprouts cut-side down and cook 5–7 minutes until deeply browned. Stir and cook 3–4 minutes more until tender-crisp.
   • Oven method: Roast 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned and crisp.
3. Mix the sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime), honey (if using), and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
4. Prepare the chicken
   Pat chicken pieces dry. Toss with a pinch of salt and (optional) cornstarch for a lightly crisp coating.
5. Sear the chicken
   In the same skillet (wipe out if needed), heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
6. Add garlic and ginger
   Lower heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
7. Sauce it up
   Pour in the sweet chili sauce mixture and toss until the chicken is glossy and coated. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes so it thickens slightly and clings beautifully.
8. Assemble the bowls
   Spoon rice into bowls. Top with sweet chili chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts. Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if you like.

Nutritional Information 🥗

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~520 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️