Steamed Sweet Chilli Chicken – Quick Paleo Dish
Who doesn’t love the taste of Sweet Chilli Chicken? It’s one of those flavour combinations that hits all the right notes – sweet, spicy, savoury, and absolutely moreish. But if you’ve ever picked up a bottle of sweet chilli sauce from the supermarket, you’ll know that most are far from healthy. They’re often laden with sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavourings, making them completely unsuitable for a Paleo lifestyle.
Thankfully, it’s remarkably easy to make your own sweet chilli glaze that’s bursting with flavour and free from nasties. By using wholesome ingredients like fresh chillies, garlic, coconut aminos, and a touch of natural sweetness, you can create a glaze that rivals any store-bought version — without compromising your health goals.
Steamed Sweet Chilli Chicken
Equipment
- Two-tiered steamer
- Mortar and pestle
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2-3 red chillies finely chopped and deseeded
- A chunk of fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Mash:
- 2 cups butternut squash diced
- 6-8 medium-sized carrots chopped
- ½ can full-fat coconut milk
- Handful of desiccated coconut optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken & Vegetables:
- Set Up the Steamer: Heat water in the base of a two-tiered steamer. Line one of the steamer baskets with a little parchment paper and place the chicken breasts flat. Add the diced squash and carrots to the other basket. Place the vegetables on the first tier of the steamer and the chicken on the second tier. Cover and steam for 10 minutes.
- Heat the Coconut Milk: While the chicken and vegetables are steaming, place the coconut milk in a saucepan on a separate hob and heat gently.
Making the Sweet Chilli Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mortar and pestle, mash together the chilli and ginger. Muddle in the coconut aminos, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust to make it sweeter or spicier, depending on your preference.
Assembling the Dish:
- Mash the Vegetables: After 10 minutes, remove the vegetable basket from the steamer, leaving the chicken on the lower tier for a further 3-4 minutes. Tip the carrots and squash into a large bowl and mash well before adding the coconut milk. Continue mashing to achieve a creamy consistency, then season with salt and pepper and add the desiccated coconut if using.
- Finish the Chicken: Check that the chicken breasts are fully cooked through before removing them from the steamer. Glaze them with the sweet chilli mixture.
- Serve: Divide the mash between two bowls and place the glazed chicken on top. Serve immediately.
A Healthier Take on a Classic Favourite
This steamed sweet chilli chicken recipe offers all the bold, vibrant flavour you’d expect from your favourite takeaway dish — but with a nutritious twist. Instead of frying or grilling, the chicken is gently steamed, locking in moisture and keeping the dish light. Steaming is a great cooking method for those following a Paleo or clean eating plan, as it requires no added oils or fats and preserves the nutrients in the food.
To balance the spicy and sweet notes of the chicken, the recipe includes a rich and creamy mash made from carrot, squash, and coconut milk. This trio creates a smooth, velvety texture with natural sweetness that complements the heat of the chilli glaze perfectly. The result is a colourful, satisfying meal that feels indulgent while being entirely wholesome.
Why Make Your Own Sweet Chilli Glaze?
Making your own sweet chilli glaze not only allows you to avoid unhealthy additives, but also gives you complete control over the flavour. You can adjust the level of sweetness and heat to your personal taste, use high-quality ingredients, and ensure that everything you’re eating aligns with your Paleo values.
Homemade glazes are surprisingly simple to make and store well in the fridge for several days. This means you can prepare a batch in advance and use it to add flavour to other meals throughout the week, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables or even as a dipping sauce.
The Importance of Balanced Meals on Paleo
A well-constructed Paleo meal focuses on balance – healthy proteins, vegetables, and good fats. This recipe does exactly that. The steamed chicken provides lean protein, the mash delivers vitamins and fibre from the vegetables, and the coconut milk offers healthy fats that support brain function and satiety.
Many people assume that following a Paleo diet means giving up comforting, flavour-packed meals, but this dish proves otherwise. It’s warming, colourful, and layered with rich flavour. It also looks fantastic on the plate, making it a great option for a dinner party or a special weekend meal.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Result
- Use skinless chicken thighs: They remain moist during steaming and absorb the glaze beautifully. Chicken breast can be used, but thighs have more flavour and tenderness.
- Don’t rush the mash: Allow the carrot and squash to cook until soft. Blending with coconut milk gives it that dreamy texture. A stick blender or food processor works best for a smooth finish.
- Customise your glaze: Add fresh ginger, lime zest, or coriander if you want to elevate the flavours even further. If you prefer more heat, leave the chilli seeds in or add an extra one.
Meal Prep Friendly
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it fits into your weekly meal prep. Both the chicken and mash can be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and drizzle with extra glaze just before serving to refresh the dish.
The mash also pairs well with other proteins like grilled salmon, slow-cooked pork, or even leftover roast meat, making it a versatile staple to keep on hand.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
If you’re cooking for a family, this dish can easily be adjusted to suit younger taste buds. Simply reduce the chilli content in the glaze for a milder version that still delivers that signature sweet-savoury flavour. Most kids love the creamy mash, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables without complaints.
You could even serve this dish deconstructed for picky eaters — with the chicken, mash, and glaze on the side — letting everyone build their own plate to taste.
Serving Ideas and Variations
There are plenty of ways to change up this recipe to suit what you have on hand or to try something new:
- Make it into skewers: Cut chicken into chunks, glaze, and steam or grill on skewers for a party-friendly version.
- Add greens: Serve with a side of steamed broccolini, sautéed spinach, or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch and colour.
- Use pumpkin or sweet potato: If you’re out of carrot or squash, pumpkin or sweet potato can be great substitutes in the mash, still offering that sweet, creamy texture.
Reader Favourite
This recipe has become a standout favourite for readers looking for that ideal blend of comfort food and clean eating. It’s an easy midweek dinner that feels indulgent enough for a Friday night in, and the flavours only get better the next day. Here’s what some readers have said:
“This one’s a keeper! I didn’t even miss the old bottled sweet chilli sauce. It’s so easy to make your own!” – Sarah, Melbourne
“The mash was a surprise hit with my kids. I’ll definitely be making that again, even on its own.” – Kylie, Brisbane
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s:
- Full of flavour without relying on processed ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or sharing with family
- Completely Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Easy to adapt for different spice levels and preferences
- Visually appealing and satisfying
…then this steamed sweet chilli chicken is calling your name.
Wrap-Up
This steamed sweet chilli chicken with carrot, squash, and coconut mash is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy Paleo meals can be. The homemade sweet chilli glaze adds a unique flavour to the tender chicken, and the creamy vegetable mash provides a delightful contrast. Enjoy this nutritious and flavourful dinner!
Have you tried making your own sweet chilli glaze? Share your experiences and any tips you have in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious Paleo recipes and healthy eating tips. Enjoy your steamed sweet chilli chicken!
Can’t wait to try this!