Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken – Light & Refreshing Dinner

Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken with Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and health-conscious dinner perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor grilling. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty coconut milk and sweet chili sauce mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with fragrant, lightly coconut-infused cauliflower rice, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. If you’re searching for a light grilled chicken recipe, a dairy-free coconut-lime dinner, or a gluten-free weeknight meal, this Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken delivers bold tropical flavor, tender protein, and a bright, citrusy finish in every bite.

Introduction

This Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken brings together tropical flavors and wholesome ingredients for a fast, family-friendly meal. The combination of sweet chili sauce, coconut milk, and lime juice makes a tangy, slightly sweet marinade that keeps the chicken moist while grilling. Coconut-lime cauliflower rice adds a healthy, aromatic side, creating a complete meal that’s low in fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Perfect for a quick dinner, a weekend cookout, or meal prep for the week, this recipe is approachable and packed with flavor. It’s light, bright, and perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, protein-packed dinner without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep and Cook Time – Ready in just 45 minutes.
• Juicy Grilled Chicken – Marinated in coconut milk and sweet chili sauce for tenderness.
• Flavorful and Fresh – Lime juice and cilantro brighten the dish.
• Healthy & Light – Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and low fat.
• Family-Friendly – Bold flavor with mild spice suitable for all ages.
• Versatile Sides – Can be served with cauliflower rice or traditional rice.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Chicken Marinade

• 3/4 cup light coconut milk, divided – Keeps chicken moist and adds tropical richness.
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, plus more for dipping – Sweet and slightly spicy marinade base.
• Juice of 1/2 lime – Adds citrus brightness.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning.
• 4 chicken breasts (~2 lbs) – Lean protein that grills beautifully.

Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice

• 8 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or frozen – Low-carb, vegetable-based side.
• 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil – For sautéing and subtle flavor.
• Juice of remaining 1/2 lime – Adds citrus freshness.
• 3–4 tbsp coconut milk – Creamy texture, adjust for preferred coconut flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Bright herbal note.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Balance the flavors.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large Ziplock bag for marinating
• Grill or grill pan
• Large skillet
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional:

• Tongs for flipping chicken on the grill

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large Ziplock bag, combine 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, and juice of 1/2 lime. Season with salt and pepper. Add 4 chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Preheat the Grill
   Preheat grill to medium-high and grease grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken
   Grill chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes on the first side, then 3–4 minutes on the second side, adjusting for size and preferred doneness. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice
   Heat 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat. Add 8 cups cauliflower rice and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
5. Add Coconut and Lime
   Squeeze juice from the remaining 1/2 lime into the skillet. Add 3–4 tbsp coconut milk for creaminess, depending on preference. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
6. Plate and Serve
   Scoop cauliflower rice onto plates, top with grilled chicken, and serve with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Regular Rice Option: Serve with white or brown rice instead of cauliflower rice.
• Extra Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or cauliflower rice.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Grill extra chicken and store in the fridge for quick lunches.
• Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet for a colorful side.
• Coconut Flavor: Adjust coconut milk quantity for a stronger coconut aroma.

Flavor Profile

Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken balances sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Coconut milk adds tropical creaminess, while sweet chili sauce brings subtle heat and sweetness. Lime juice brightens the dish and fresh cilantro provides a herbal, citrusy finish. The cauliflower rice is tender, lightly creamy, and aromatic, complementing the chicken beautifully.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 376 kcal
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.02g
• Cholesterol: 109mg
• Sodium: 591mg
• Potassium: 1081mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin A: 127 IU
• Vitamin C: 76 mg
• Calcium: 46 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, low-fat.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate chicken in advance for maximum flavor.
• Prepare cauliflower rice ahead and store in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
• Grill chicken in batches for meal prep; store in airtight containers.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I cook this in an oven instead of a grill?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Thaw fully before marinating and grilling for even cooking.

Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?
It is mild by default, but you can adjust heat with extra chili or red pepper flakes.

Can I serve this with other sides?
Yes, white rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables are excellent options.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just double marinade ingredients and cook chicken in batches if needed.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
30 minutes	15 minutes	45 minutes	4

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coconut-lime cauliflower rice or regular rice. Garnish with extra cilantro and drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Ideal for light dinners, outdoor grilling, or meal prep.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Coconut-Lime Chicken – Add extra chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
2. Grilled Veggie Plate – Pair with grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
3. Tropical Rice Bowl – Serve chicken over brown rice with mango slices and avocado.
4. Coconut-Lime Chicken Skewers – Cut chicken into cubes and skewer for grilling.

Ingredient Spotlight

Coconut Milk

Light coconut milk provides subtle richness without heaviness, keeping this dish dairy-free and creamy.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Adds mild sweetness with gentle heat, complementing the tangy lime and rich coconut milk.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
• Ensure grill grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to retain juices.
• Adjust coconut milk in cauliflower rice based on desired creaminess.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store grilled chicken and cauliflower rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight. Cauliflower rice may lose texture when frozen.
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave with splash of coconut milk.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	376 kcal
Protein	39g
Carbs	26g
Fat	13g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	18g

Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and low-fat.

Expanded Conclusion

Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken is a light, tropical-inspired dinner that combines juicy marinated chicken with fragrant coconut-lime cauliflower rice. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknights, summer grilling, or healthy meal prep. Serve it with extra sweet chili sauce and fresh cilantro for a bright, satisfying meal your whole family will enjoy. Save this recipe, try it soon, and enjoy a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.

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