Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken with Coconut Jasmine Rice

Introduction

Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken with Coconut Jasmine Rice is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy yet is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting but still vibrant and flavorful. The balance between the sticky-sweet chili glaze and the gentle richness of coconut-infused rice instantly won me over. What I especially love is how the sauce clings to the chicken, creating layers of flavor with every bite, while the jasmine rice soaks up just enough coconut milk to feel indulgent without being heavy. This dish also adapts beautifully to personal taste. I once swapped regular soy sauce for a low-sodium version and added a squeeze of lime at the end, and it elevated the flavors even more. Whether you are cooking for family or preparing a relaxed dinner for guests, this recipe delivers warmth, aroma, and satisfaction in a single plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors in perfect harmony. It is straightforward to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and results in a visually appealing and deeply satisfying meal. The coconut jasmine rice adds a luxurious touch that transforms simple chicken into a complete and comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken works best here because it cooks evenly and absorbs the glaze beautifully. Thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts provide a leaner option.

Sweet chili sauce
This sauce forms the heart of the glaze, bringing sweetness with a gentle heat. It caramelizes slightly as it cooks, coating the chicken in a glossy finish.

Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds depth and umami, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce. It also enhances the savory profile of the chicken.

Garlic cloves
Fresh garlic provides aromatic warmth and sharpness, cutting through the sweetness of the glaze.

Fresh ginger
Ginger adds brightness and a subtle heat that complements both the chicken and the coconut rice.

Honey or brown sugar
A small amount deepens the sweetness and helps the glaze thicken and cling to the chicken.

Lime juice
Lime juice adds acidity, keeping the dish from feeling overly rich and lifting the overall flavor.

Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is fragrant and slightly sticky, making it ideal for absorbing the coconut milk.

Coconut milk
Coconut milk gives the rice a creamy texture and a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with the glazed chicken.

Water or chicken broth
This helps cook the rice evenly while allowing the coconut flavor to shine.

Salt
Salt balances all components and enhances the natural flavors of both the chicken and rice.

Green onions
Green onions add freshness and a mild bite, making them an ideal finishing touch.

Directions

Begin by preparing the coconut jasmine rice. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. In a saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest covered.

While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt. In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides. Pour the glaze over the chicken and let it simmer, turning occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

Serve the glazed chicken over the coconut jasmine rice, spooning extra sauce on top and finishing with sliced green onions.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people comfortably. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is about 30 minutes. The total time from start to finish is around 45 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to keep the rice moist.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a spoon of sriracha to the glaze. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the honey and add more lime juice for brightness.

You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the sweet chili glaze, while tofu absorbs the sauce and provides a satisfying plant-based option. For tofu, press it well before cooking to achieve better texture.

Vegetables can also be incorporated to make this a one-pan meal. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work particularly well and add color and crunch. Simply add them to the skillet during the final minutes of cooking.

For the rice, you can replace half the coconut milk with water if you prefer a subtler coconut flavor. Brown jasmine rice is another option, though it will require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while the coconut milk contributes healthy fats. Using jasmine rice supplies energy, and incorporating vegetables can further enhance fiber and micronutrient content.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfect glaze consistency
Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens naturally rather than rushing with high heat.

Juicier chicken
Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture.

Balanced flavor
Always taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is mild and can be adjusted easily.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, both the chicken and rice can be prepared in advance.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

You can use regular milk or a plant-based alternative, though the flavor will change.

Is jasmine rice necessary?

It is recommended for aroma, but long-grain rice can be used.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is possible, though the rice texture may change slightly.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, the chicken can be baked and glazed near the end.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure it is gluten-free.

What garnish works best?

Green onions or fresh cilantro complement the dish well.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken with Coconut Jasmine Rice is a comforting yet vibrant dish that brings bold flavors to the table without complexity. Its flexibility, balanced taste, and elegant presentation make it a reliable recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

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