Sweet Chili Rotisserie Chicken Bowls

This sweet chili rotisserie chicken bowl transforms store-bought chicken into a vibrant, Asian-inspired meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of sticky-sweet glazed chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant rice creates a perfectly balanced bowl that satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs.

I first created these bowls when I needed to feed unexpected guests with what I had on hand. The combination was so successful that it's become my go-to solution for transforming leftover rotisserie chicken into something that feels completely new and exciting.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: preferably white meat for its tender texture and ability to absorb the sweet chili sauce beautifully
• Sweet chili sauce: brings the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat while creating a glossy glaze on the chicken
• Persian cucumbers: offer a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that balances the sweet chicken perfectly
• Red radishes: add a peppery bite and vibrant color contrast to brighten the entire dish
• Chili crunch or chili oil: provides textural interest and a depth of flavor with its crispy garlic and subtle heat
• Tahini: creates a creamy element that ties the cucumber mixture together with nutty undertones
• Lime juice: brightens everything with essential acidity that cuts through the sweet elements
• Jasmine rice: offers fragrant floral notes and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the saucy chicken
• Cauliflower rice: sneaks in extra vegetables while lightening the carb load of the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Broiler:

Set your oven to high broil and position a rack in the center of the oven. This perfect distance allows the chicken to caramelize without burning while ensuring the sweet chili sauce reduces to a sticky glaze. Allow your oven at least 5 minutes to fully heat before proceeding.

Prepare The Chicken:

Pull your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces approximately 1-inch in size focusing on white meat for the best texture. Combine with sweet chili sauce in a large bowl ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer to a quarter sheet pan or oven-safe skillet spreading in an even layer to maximize surface area for caramelization.

Broil To Perfection:

Place the chicken under the hot broiler for 6-8 minutes watching carefully as broilers can vary in intensity. Look for slight browning around the edges which indicates the sugars in the sauce are caramelizing. Remove and stir to expose uncaramelized portions then return to broiler for another 4-6 minutes until the sauce has thickened substantially and clings to the chicken pieces.

Create The Cucumber Crunch:

While the chicken broils slice your cucumbers and radishes into thin rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick for the ideal texture. Roughly chop the cilantro including some of the tender stems for added flavor. Combine in a large bowl with chili crunch tahini and fresh lime juice tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating. The mixture should be vibrant colorful and glossy with dressing.

Prepare The Rice Blend:

Combine your pre-cooked jasmine rice with cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl. If using frozen cauliflower rice no need to thaw first. Heat for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway through until the entire mixture is hot and the cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy. The jasmine rice provides comforting substance while the cauliflower lightens the bowl.

Assemble Your Bowls:

Divide the rice blend among four bowls creating a base layer. Top each with approximately 4 ounces of the glazed chicken positioning it slightly off-center. Add a generous portion of the cucumber crunch mixture alongside the chicken creating a colorful composition. Serve immediately while the contrast between hot chicken and cool cucumber mixture is at its peak.

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The chili crunch is truly the secret ingredient that elevates this simple bowl to restaurant quality. I discovered it at an Asian market years ago and now keep multiple jars in my pantry at all times. The combination of crispy garlic shallots and chili-infused oil adds incredible depth to anything it touches especially these fresh vegetables.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken with another protein?

Yes! This dish works well with shredded chicken breast, grilled tofu, or even sautéed shrimp. Simply adjust the broiling time as needed - tofu might need longer while shrimp will cook more quickly.

→ What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup with 1/4 cup sriracha or other hot sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.

→ How can I make this dish lower in carbs?

For a lower-carb version, simply omit the jasmine rice and use only cauliflower rice. You could also increase the protein portion and cucumber crunch components while reducing the rice portion.

→ Can these bowls be meal prepped in advance?

Absolutely! These bowls make excellent meal prep. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cucumber crunch separate until ready to serve to maintain its texture.

→ What can I substitute for tahini in the cucumber crunch?

As noted in the recipe, peanut butter makes an excellent substitute for tahini. Other alternatives include almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a splash of sesame oil for that nutty flavor without the thickness.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate, coming primarily from the sweet chili sauce and chili crunch oil. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili crunch/oil or choose a mild sweet chili sauce. To increase heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.