Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

This honey garlic chicken bites over creamy rice creates a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The balance of sweet and savory chicken combined with rich, cheesy rice makes it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my house because it feels indulgent without being complicated to make.

I first made this on a chilled evening when I wanted something warm and satisfying. Now my family asks for it regularly, especially the rice which is incredibly creamy and cheesy.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed for tender bites
• Olive oil: For searing chicken to golden perfection
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic note without overpowering
• Fresh minced garlic: Boosts aroma and deep garlic flavor
• Honey: Gives a sweet sticky glaze that complements the soy sauce beautifully
• Soy sauce: Brings salty umami to the sauce
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances out the sweetness
• Butter: Enriches both the chicken sauce and the creamy rice
• Jasmine or white rice: Use good quality rice for the best texture
• Chicken broth: Cooks the rice with more flavor than water
• Heavy cream: Creates luxurious creaminess in the rice
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild cheesy taste
• Cream cheese: Makes the rice extra creamy and comforting
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the creamy rice
• Italian seasoning: Herbs that round out the creamy rice with savory notes
• Fresh parsley: For fresh color and a slight herbal note as garnish

Instructions

Simmer the rice in broth:

In a large pot combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook gently for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. This slow cooking approach infuses flavor into every grain.

Create the creamy rice base:

Once the rice is cooked stir in butter heavy cream cream cheese mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring over low heat until all the cheeses melt fully and the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt pepper and Italian seasoning. Keep this warm while you prepare the chicken.

Sear the chicken bites:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Season the chicken bites thoroughly with salt pepper and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook without overcrowding for 12 to 15 minutes until the pieces are a rich golden brown and fully cooked inside. This step is key for texture.

Build the honey garlic sauce:

Push the cooked chicken to the edges of the skillet creating space in the center. Add butter and minced garlic to the middle and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in honey soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together letting the sauce simmer and thicken for about 4 minutes until it clings to each chicken piece.

Assemble and garnish:

Serve a generous spoonful of the creamy cheeseinfused rice onto plates and top it with the sticky honey garlic chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a bright pop of color and herbal freshness.

This creamy rice is one of my favorite parts of the dish. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when we’d sit around the table sharing stories. The warmth of the rice combined with the garlic chicken makes for a memorable comfort food experience every time.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the creamy rice. Chicken can become a bit firmer after cooling so reheating slowly helps keep it juicy.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap jasmine rice for basmati or even long grain white rice depending on your preference. If you want to lighten the dish use half and half instead of heavy cream or swap the butter for olive oil in the rice. For a gluten-free version double-check the soy sauce or use tamari.

Serving suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the rice and chicken. Garlic roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also work well as fresh crunchy sides.

Serve the sticky honey garlic chicken over the creamy cheeseinfused rice and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish. It’s a comforting weeknight meal that feels special with minimal fuss.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred as they cook evenly and absorb the honey garlic glaze beautifully.

→ Can I substitute the rice used in this dish?

Yes, jasmine or white rice is ideal for its tender texture, but basmati or long grain rice can be used based on preference.

→ How do I get the sticky glaze on the chicken bites?

After searing, simmer chicken with honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic until the sauce thickens and clings to each piece.

→ What cheeses are included in the creamy rice?

The rice is enriched with mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan, which melt together for a smooth, indulgent texture.

→ Is chicken broth necessary for cooking the rice?

Using chicken broth adds depth and savory flavor to the rice, though water can be used for a milder taste.