If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and comforting flavors all in one bowl, then you absolutely need to try this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe. It’s a total game changer—juicy, golden chicken bites glazed with a luscious honey garlic sauce, paired perfectly with a dreamy, cheesy rice base that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite melts in your mouth and the blend of textures and flavors makes this a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the tender chicken to the rich, creamy cheeses, everything comes together beautifully without any fuss.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): Choose fresh chicken breasts for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a nice sear and subtle fruitiness when cooking the chicken.
- Honey (0.25 cup): Provides the perfect gentle sweetness that balances the savory garlic and soy flavors.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Brings umami depth and enhances the overall color and taste of the sauce.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Creates a flavorful base for cooking the rice, infusing each grain with savory goodness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the rice irresistibly rich and silky smooth.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into the rice for gooey, cheesy delight.
- Cream cheese (0.5 cup): Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang to the rice.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Optional garnish (parsley): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook flavorful rice
Start by combining your rice with chicken broth in a large pot. Bringing this to a boil before reducing the heat ensures the rice absorbs all that savory broth goodness. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes—this step sets the foundation for the creamy rice your chicken bites will sit on.
Step 2: Prepare the creamy rice mixture
Once the rice is tender and the broth absorbed, stir in the butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella while the rice is still warm. These ingredients melt together into an unbelievably smooth and luscious mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this creamy rice base is what makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe extra special.
Step 3: Sear the chicken bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before cooking. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until each bite is golden brown and cooked through. The sear locks in the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Create that irresistible honey garlic sauce
After the chicken is cooked, toss in fresh minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for just a bit until fragrant—this step releases that wonderful garlicky aroma. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar to give the sauce brightness and a perfect balance of flavors. Let it bubble gently until glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken bites.
Step 5: Bring it all together and serve
Plate a generous scoop of your creamy, cheesy rice and pile on the honey garlic chicken bites right on top. For the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dive into this dish that’s a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy textures!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is a classic choice to brighten this dish visually and flavor-wise, you could also sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an extra bite of texture and a subtle crunch. These little touches take your plate from simple to stunning in seconds.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe is filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli with lemon zest makes wonderful companions. They offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and creamy rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or just to surprise your family, serve the chicken bites and creamy rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or atop grilled portobello mushrooms for an elegant twist. You can also plate the chicken bites alongside the rice on a long platter and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover honey garlic chicken bites and creamy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comfort meal again without cooking from scratch.
Freezing
While the creamy rice is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can quickly re-create the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe whenever you want!
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep them tender and avoid drying out. For the creamy rice, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chewiness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a slight tang, though the texture may be a little less creamy. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing any of that rich, savory flavor in the honey garlic sauce.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs work great and are often juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the honey and soy sauce, or serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha on the side for those who like a kick.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, delicious hug every time you eat it. The combination of the sweet, sticky honey garlic chicken with that rich, dreamy rice is just pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Bites served over a rich and creamy cheesy rice, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Creamy Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook rice: In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
- Prepare creamy mixture: Once the rice is cooked, stir in butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is melted and combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper and keep warm.
- Sear chicken: While rice simmers, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Remove chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and is well combined.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat evenly in the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cheesy rice onto plates, top with honey garlic chicken bites, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for best texture in the creamy rice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce quantities to taste for sweetness and saltiness.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer after adding honey and soy sauce.
- Make sure to cook garlic briefly to avoid bitterness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra brightness.
