Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice

These honey garlic chicken bites over creamy rice are the ultimate weeknight comfort dish. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are pan-seared to golden perfection, then glazed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce and served over a rich, velvety bed of creamy rice. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together savory and sweet in the most delicious way. The chicken bites are juicy and flavorful, thanks to a simple seasoning and that garlicky, glossy honey sauce. Paired with creamy rice, it’s a complete meal that feels indulgent without requiring much effort. It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something cozy and crowd-pleasing in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Bites:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Garlic, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Water
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Creamy Rice:

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth or water
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Butter
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the rice
I start by cooking the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. Once it’s cooked and fluffy, I stir in a bit of butter, heavy cream, salt, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese if I’m using it. I keep it warm while I cook the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken
I cut the chicken into small, even pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Sear the chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I add olive oil and cook the chicken pieces in a single layer until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the honey garlic sauce
In the same pan, I sauté the minced garlic for about a minute, then add honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water. I simmer the mixture until slightly thickened. If I want it extra glossy, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (just a little cornstarch mixed with water).

Step 5: Combine and serve
I return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until well coated. I serve the saucy bites over a generous scoop of creamy rice and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if I have them on hand.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if I want a different protein. I’ve also used jasmine or basmati rice for more fragrance. If I’m feeling spicy, I add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. And for a lighter version, I use milk instead of cream in the rice and reduce the amount of honey in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave the rice and chicken separately or together in short intervals, stirring between each. If the rice gets too thick, I stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. I don’t freeze this dish, as the texture of the sauce and creamy rice changes too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless, skinless thighs because they stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I avoid overcooking it. I sear it just until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through, then pull it from the pan to rest before tossing it in the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely. I swap the cream in the rice with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, and skip the parmesan cheese.

Is the sauce very sweet?

It has a sweet note from the honey, but the soy sauce and garlic help balance it out. If I want it less sweet, I reduce the honey a bit or add a splash of vinegar for contrast.

Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the rice a day in advance and just reheat it with a splash of cream or broth before serving.

Conclusion

This honey garlic chicken bites over creamy rice recipe is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when I just want something warm and homemade. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit with the family. From the sticky glazed chicken to the rich, creamy rice, every bite is packed with goodness.

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