30-Minute Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

Name: 30-Minute Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1/2 cup light coconut milk; Juice of 1 lime; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 6 cups cauliflower rice fresh or frozen; 1/4 cup light coconut milk; Juice of 1/2 lime; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By anna Boncoeur On November 7, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are dreaming of a dinner that tastes like a vacation but comes together faster than your usual takeout order, then I’ve got the recipe for you today: the **Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl**. Wow, just saying that makes my mouth water!

I’m Anna, and I’m absolutely obsessed with finding simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel joyful instead of like a chore. We all have those nights where we need something exciting on the table in under 30 minutes, right? This bowl is my secret weapon for those evenings. It hits all the right notes—juicy grilled chicken coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, served over light, bright coconut lime cauliflower rice.

It’s packed with flavor, low on fuss, and seriously satisfying. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’s going to become a staple in your rotation. It’s just so fresh!

Table Of content

Why You Will Love This Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

This recipe is built for your busy life. It’s truly a weeknight hero because it delivers huge flavor without hours in the kitchen. You get high-quality results with minimal effort, which is exactly what I look for when planning meals.

Total time is only 30 minutes—we’re talking fast!
It’s a high-protein meal that feels light and fresh.
The flavor combo is bright, zesty, and addictive.
Using cauliflower rice keeps the base lighter than traditional rice.

Essential Equipment for Your Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets, but a few things make this super smooth. Make sure you have your grill or a good grill pan ready to go. You’ll need a large skillet for the rice, a whisk for the marinade, and of course, a reliable meat thermometer. Don’t skip that thermometer—it’s key for perfectly cooked chicken!

Ingredients for the Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

Okay, let’s talk about what you need to pull this incredible bowl together. The ingredients list looks long, but honestly, most of it is just combining liquids for that amazing marinade! We’re using simple pantry staples mixed with some fresh lime and cilantro to really make those flavors pop.

This recipe is scaled for four generous servings, which is perfect for dinner or packing lunches for the next day. Make sure your chicken breasts are trimmed, and don’t cheat on the fresh lime juice—it makes a huge difference against the sweetness of the chili sauce. Grab your measuring cups; here is exactly what you’ll need for the chicken and that zesty cauliflower rice base.

Ingredient Table for Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	1 1/2 pounds
Sweet chili sauce	1/2 cup
Light coconut milk (for marinade)	1/2 cup
Lime juice (for marinade)	Juice of 1 lime
Salt (for marinade)	3/4 teaspoon
Black pepper (for marinade)	1/2 teaspoon
Coconut oil	1 tablespoon
Cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)	6 cups
Light coconut milk (for rice)	1/4 cup
Lime juice (for rice)	Juice of 1/2 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped	1/4 cup
Salt (for rice)	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper (for rice)	1/4 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

This is where the magic happens, but don’t let the steps scare you! We’re breaking this down into three easy parts: getting the chicken flavored up, grilling it perfectly, and whipping up that amazing rice base while it rests. Timing is everything here to make sure everything is hot and ready at the same time.

Marinating the Chicken for the Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

First thing’s first: let’s get that chicken soaking up all that good flavor! In a medium bowl—use a whisk, it mixes much better than a spoon—combine the sweet chili sauce, the half cup of coconut milk, the juice from one whole lime, the 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and the half teaspoon of pepper. Whisk it until it looks totally uniform and delicious. Now, add your chicken breasts to that marinade. Give everything a good toss so every piece is coated. Cover that bowl up tight—plastic wrap works great—and tuck it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Seriously, don’t skip that half hour; it lets the lime juice start tenderizing the chicken just a bit!

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

While the chicken chills, get your grill or grill pan heating up over medium-high heat. You want it good and hot, and remember to lightly oil those grates so you don’t have any sticking drama! Once it’s hot, lay your marinated chicken pieces down. Grill them for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side. You’re looking for nice char marks, but the real test comes next: flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. You absolutely must check the thickest part with your meat thermometer—it needs to hit 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C). Once it’s done, pull it off the heat and let it rest on a clean plate for five minutes. Resting is crucial; it keeps all those juices locked inside!

Preparing the Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice Base

As soon as that chicken is resting, jump over to the stove. Heat up that tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your 6 cups of cauliflower rice, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook this for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring it constantly. You want the rice tender and for most of that initial moisture to cook off. Now, turn the heat down a tiny bit, and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of coconut milk, the juice from that half lime, and all that fresh, chopped cilantro. Let it cook just one more minute until everything smells super fragrant. That’s it! Slice up your rested chicken and serve it right over that zesty cauliflower rice base.

Tips for Success Making Your Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

Getting this bowl perfect is all about managing your heat and timing. First, when you’re grilling, make sure your chicken breasts are relatively uniform in thickness. If one is super thick, it will cook unevenly compared to the thinner parts. Also, don’t rush the rice step—letting that initial moisture evaporate from the cauliflower rice is what gives it that lovely, slightly chewy texture instead of just being mushy.

Finally, when you stir in the final lime juice and cilantro, do it right at the end and don’t overcook it. That fresh brightness is what cuts through the richness of the coconut milk. A little attention to those details makes a huge difference! If you want more quick dinner ideas like this, check out my one skillet fiesta chicken and rice.

Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

Since the main bowl is so bright and flavorful, you want sides that keep things simple. Steamed green beans tossed lightly with sesame oil are fantastic because they add a nice green crunch. Sliced avocado on the side brings a creamy texture that balances the lime beautifully.

If you want a little extra texture, some toasted, unsweetened coconut flakes sprinkled on top are amazing. Keep the sides easy; this bowl is the star! For more inspiration on easy weeknight meals, feel free to browse my Pinterest boards.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers of Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

This meal is genuinely fantastic as leftovers—the flavors actually seem to deepen overnight! When you box these up, try to keep the chicken and the rice separate if you can, just to maintain the texture best, but it’s not strictly necessary.

You can safely keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to eat them, forget the microwave if you can! The best way to reheat this is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Just toss the chicken and rice into a skillet with a tiny splash of water or extra lime juice to bring back the moisture. Heat slowly until warmed through. This keeps the grilled chicken from drying out on you! If you are looking for other ways to prepare chicken breasts, check out my tips for oven baked boneless skinless chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

I get so many questions about adapting this recipe, and that’s great! It means you’re making it your own. The flexibility of this **Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl** is one of the things I love most about it. Here are the most common things people ask me when they’re planning their weeknight dinner.

Can I make the Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is an excellent meal prep option. I usually prep the coconut lime cauliflower rice and the chicken separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, gently reheat both components on the stovetop as I mentioned before. It tastes almost as fresh the next day!

What if I cannot grill the chicken?

No grill? No problem at all! You can easily pan-sear this chicken. Just make sure your skillet is hot with the coconut oil, and cook the chicken pieces for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they reach that crucial 165°F internal temperature. Alternatively, you can bake the marinated chicken on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes, checking the temperature carefully before serving over your rice. For another great oven option, see my guide on baked barbecue chicken.

Nutritional Estimates for the Sweet Chili Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Bowl

I always want to give you an idea of what’s in this delicious meal, but remember these numbers are just estimates based on the ingredients I use. Different brands of coconut milk or sweet chili sauce can change the final count, so take these as a helpful guide!

This bowl is a great choice for hitting your protein goals while keeping things light. Here’s a quick look at the main numbers per serving: