Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
A Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is more than just a meal—it’s a bold and refreshing bowl of comfort. Imagine spicy chili-rubbed chicken over fluffy rice, paired with crisp veggies and crowned with a creamy, zesty coconut lime drizzle. Each forkful balances warmth, brightness, and texture, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.
This dish plays with contrasts. You get heat from the chili, mellowed by the cooling coconut milk, with lime lifting everything into something vibrant and tropical. It’s a dish that satisfies your craving for something savory, spicy, and surprisingly light all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
This bowl is a meal prep dream. The ingredients can be made ahead and assembled in minutes, making it easy to grab and go. It’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free too. The drizzle adds a gourmet touch with almost no effort, and the whole dish packs in nutrients from protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, it’s a customizable, wholesome option you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and take on bold flavors beautifully. But chicken breast works too if you prefer a leaner option. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just season it with the chili blend and warm it in a skillet before serving.
Ingredients for the Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
This bowl is built on simple, nourishing components that come together to create something extraordinary. Freshness is key here, so choose good-quality chicken, crisp vegetables, and full-fat coconut milk for the drizzle to truly elevate the flavors.
- Chicken thighs
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Red cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Canned coconut milk (full-fat)
- Maple syrup
- Fresh ginger
- Sriracha (optional)
Each ingredient plays a role: the chicken brings protein and richness, the vegetables add crunch and color, and the drizzle ties it all together with creaminess and citrus zing.


How To Make the Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt. Let them marinate for 10–15 minutes if you have time.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a hot skillet, sear the chicken thighs on both sides until fully cooked and golden brown. Let them rest before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Lime Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, maple syrup, grated ginger, and sriracha if using. Taste and adjust the lime or sweetness to your liking.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer cooked jasmine rice at the base, followed by shredded carrots, red cabbage, and the sliced chili chicken. Drizzle generously with the coconut lime sauce and finish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges.
How to Serve and Store Your Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
This bowl is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It feeds about four people generously, especially if you offer it alongside an extra side or two. You can serve it warm with freshly cooked chicken, or enjoy it cold for a quick, crisp lunch. Either way, the drizzle should be added just before eating to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
To store, keep the components separate. The chicken, rice, and vegetables should be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The coconut lime drizzle will last in the fridge for about a week, just give it a good shake or stir before using again.
What to Serve With Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle?
Fresh Mango Slices
The natural sweetness of ripe mango balances the heat from the chili chicken and brightens the bowl.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A side of roasted sweet potato wedges adds heartiness and complements the coconut-lime flavors.
Cucumber Mint Salad
Light and cooling, this simple salad offers a crisp contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.
Avocado Halves
Sliced or mashed avocado brings richness and healthy fats that pair beautifully with the bowl.
Grilled Pineapple Rings
Caramelized pineapple adds a smoky sweetness that plays well with the spice and citrus.
Steamed Broccoli
For something more wholesome, lightly steamed broccoli rounds out the meal with fiber and color.
Toasted Coconut Flakes
A sprinkle on top of your bowl adds texture and a nutty depth that enhances the drizzle.
Want More Bowl Recipe Ideas?
If this Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle has won you over, you’ll love diving into these other vibrant, filling bowl-style meals from the site:
- Try the creamy comfort of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you want something cozy yet light.
- Go for global flavor with Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat – it’s fast, simple, and protein-rich.
- Brighten your week with the fresh and zingy Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
- Spice up dinner with Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for a comforting twist on tropical flavors.
- Or stick to veggie power with the nutritious Mediterranean White Beans & Greens.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always within reach when you’re craving a flavorful, nourishing meal.
And if you put your own spin on it—maybe extra chili, or some grilled corn—drop a comment below. I love seeing your creations and swaps!
Explore more of my daily recipe ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest for a steady stream of inspiration.
Conclusion
The Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle delivers satisfying flavor and nutrition in one fresh and fiery package. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner, beautiful enough for a meal with friends, and flexible enough to become a regular in your rotation. Whether you go bold with spice or mellow with drizzle, every bowl is a win.
Print
Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner recipe featuring spicy chili-seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy coconut lime sauce. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s a gluten-free, dairy-free bowl of bold flavor.
Ingredients
400g chicken thighs
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
1. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Sear chicken thighs in a hot skillet until golden and fully cooked. Let rest and slice.
3. Whisk coconut milk, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, and optional sriracha to make the drizzle.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, vegetables, sliced chicken, and drizzle. Garnish with cilantro and lime.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
For extra spice, double the chili powder or drizzle with extra sriracha.
Use pre-shredded veggies and pre-cooked rice for quicker assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg