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HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN BITES OVER CREAMY RICE

Juicy chicken bites glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce served over indulgent, cheesy rice for a restaurant-quality meal that's easy to prepare at home.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Calories: 820
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Rice:
  • 1½ cups jasmine or white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Rice Base
  2. Start by adding the rice and chicken broth to a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
  3. Create the Creamy Rice
  4. Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the butter, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until all the ingredients have melted and combined into a creamy, smooth texture. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then keep warm while preparing the chicken.
  5. Prepare the Chicken
  6. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring they're evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
  7. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, push it to the sides of the skillet to create a space in the center. Add the butter and minced garlic to this space and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, then stir everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky, coating the chicken pieces completely.
  9. Serve and Garnish
  10. Spoon a generous portion of the creamy rice onto each plate, then top with the glazed honey garlic chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, you can substitute brown rice for white rice (cooking time will increase to about 35-40 minutes).
  • Add steamed broccoli or peas to incorporate vegetables into this dish.
  • The sauce can be made spicier by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
  • Leftover dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.