I still remember the first time I made these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Rice. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting yet easy to pull together. The rich creaminess of the rice paired with the sticky, golden chicken was like a warm hug in a bowl. Since then, it has become a dish I return to again and again, whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or when I want to impress friends with minimal effort.

What I love most is how this dish brings together familiar flavors in such a delightful way. The sweet honey glaze, the savory garlic, and the cheesy rice all create layers of taste that make every bite memorable. Plus, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home kitchen.

Versatile: You can switch up the protein easily—chicken thighs work just as well, and you could even try turkey. The rice base can be adjusted with different cheeses, herbs, or even grains like quinoa if you’re looking for a change.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple pantry staples and affordable proteins. With items like chicken, rice, honey, and garlic, you get maximum flavor without overspending.

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the balance of sweet and savory. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites yet gentle in flavor, making it a reliable option for family dinners.

Perfect Comfort Food: The creamy rice alone could stand as a comforting dish, but paired with juicy chicken bites coated in a sticky glaze, it becomes pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or thighs if preferred)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 0.25 cup honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Rice:

• 1.5 cups jasmine or white rice

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened

• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

  How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice

  When I make this recipe, I always start with the rice because it needs a little time to absorb the broth and become fluffy. By the time the chicken is ready, the rice is creamy, cheesy, and waiting to be paired with the sticky bites. The process is simple, and once you do it once, you’ll see how easy it is to recreate on busy weeknights.

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

  Step 1: Cook the Rice Base
  In a large pot, combine your rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly so that the steam stays inside. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. The grains should be tender but not mushy. This step creates the foundation for the creamy texture.

  Step 2: Make the Rice Creamy and Cheesy
  Turn off the heat once the rice is done cooking. While it’s still hot, stir in the butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until everything melts and blends smoothly. The cream cheese helps give the rice a silky texture, while the mozzarella provides a gooey pull. Parmesan adds depth with a nutty edge. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor. Cover the pot and keep the rice warm while you prepare the chicken.

  Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken into the hot skillet, spreading it out so each piece has contact with the surface. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. The searing step locks in moisture and ensures a slight crisp on the outside.

  Step 4: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce
  Push the chicken pieces to the sides of the skillet, leaving space in the center. Add butter and minced garlic to that spot. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture together so that the chicken becomes coated in the glaze. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and cling to each piece, turning glossy and sticky.

  Step 5: Assemble and Serve
  Spoon the creamy rice onto plates or bowls, then top it generously with honey garlic chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The balance of rich rice and sweet-savory chicken makes this meal unforgettable.

  Quick and Easy

  One of the best parts of this recipe is how fast it comes together. With just 30 minutes, you can prepare a complete dinner that feels restaurant-quality. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need complicated techniques.

  Customizable

  This dish adapts well to personal preferences. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Cheese lovers can increase the mozzarella for more pull, while those who enjoy stronger flavors can add extra Parmesan.

  Crowd-Pleasing

  Honey garlic chicken is a universal favorite. The sweetness appeals to kids, while the savory depth satisfies adults. Pairing it with creamy rice makes it filling, hearty, and ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. It’s the kind of recipe that earns compliments every time it’s served.

  FAQs about Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice

  Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
  Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are slightly juicier and add extra richness to the dish.

  Can I make the rice ahead of time?
  You can prepare the rice in advance, but for best results, stir in the cream, cheeses, and butter just before serving. This keeps the texture creamy and smooth.

  What if I don’t have jasmine rice?
  White rice works just as well. You can even use brown rice, though it will require more cooking time and additional broth.

  How do I store leftovers?
  Store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

  Can I make this dish lighter?
  Yes. You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use reduced-fat cream cheese. The flavor will still be delicious, though slightly less rich.

  Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
  The chicken freezes well, but the creamy rice does not hold its texture after thawing. For freezing, keep only the chicken portion and make fresh rice later.

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  Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice

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  Juicy honey garlic chicken bites served with creamy, cheesy rice. A comforting meal that is quick, easy, and full of flavor.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or thighs if preferred)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 0.25 cup honey

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp butter

  For the Creamy Rice:

  • 1.5 cups jasmine or white rice

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened

  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

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  Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

  • Once rice is tender, turn off heat. Stir in butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cover and keep warm.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

  • Push chicken to the sides of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic to the center. Cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to coat chicken evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.

  • Serve chicken bites over creamy rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.

  Notes

  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.

  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes