This dish brings together tender, golden-seared chicken bites coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze and served over rich, creamy rice. It’s one of those quick-to-make meals that feel indulgent without being complicated, perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with the warmth of garlic and the silkiness of the creamy rice. It’s a family-friendly meal that doesn’t take much effort yet always delivers on flavor. The chicken bites cook fast and absorb the sauce beautifully, while the rice adds that luxurious creamy base that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it's an easy one-pan dish that saves me cleanup time.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper
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Cornstarch
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Olive oil or vegetable oil
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Chicken broth
For the creamy rice:
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Long grain white rice
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Chicken broth
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Milk or heavy cream
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Butter
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Salt
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of cornstarch. This helps create a crisp outer coating when they’re pan-fried.
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In a hot skillet with a bit of oil, I sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, then set it aside.
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Using the same skillet, I add butter and garlic, sautéing just until fragrant. I stir in honey, soy sauce, and a splash of chicken broth to make a sticky, flavorful glaze.
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I return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until everything’s coated and glossy.
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For the creamy rice, I cook the rice in chicken broth until tender, then stir in butter and milk (or cream) for that rich, smooth texture.
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I serve the glazed chicken bites over a warm bed of the creamy rice, spooning extra sauce on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
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For a bit of heat, I add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce.
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Coconut milk can replace cream in the rice for a subtle tropical twist.
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If I’m in a rush, I’ll serve it over plain white rice or jasmine rice instead of creamy rice.
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Adding steamed broccoli or snap peas brings a fresh crunch and makes this a full meal.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. The rice may thicken in the fridge, so I add a bit of milk or water when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken bites crispy in the sauce?
I lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch and sear it until crisp. To keep it from getting soggy, I add the sauce just before serving and don’t let it simmer too long.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often cook the chicken and rice separately, then combine and reheat when I’m ready to serve. I keep the sauce separate and warm it fresh to preserve the texture.
What’s the best substitute for soy sauce?
I use tamari or coconut aminos when I want a gluten-free or lower-sodium option. Both still give that salty-sweet balance.
Can I use leftover rice?
Definitely. I reheat leftover rice with a bit of broth and stir in cream and butter to make it creamy again before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I don’t usually freeze it because the creamy rice can change texture, but the chicken bites freeze well. I reheat them gently on the stove with some added sauce or broth.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice is one of those meals that’s simple to make but big on comfort. I keep it in rotation because it’s versatile, satisfying, and always hits the spot. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding the whole family, this recipe never fails to impress.
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender chicken bites glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over rich and creamy rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter (for rice)
- ½ tsp salt (for rice)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and lightly coat with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth; stir and simmer to form a sticky glaze.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- In a separate pot, cook rice in chicken broth until tender.
- Stir in butter, milk or cream, and salt into the rice to make it creamy.
- Serve glazed chicken bites over the creamy rice and spoon extra sauce on top.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Coconut milk can substitute for cream in rice.
- Plain white or jasmine rice works as a quicker alternative.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli can make it a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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