Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

This honey garlic chicken bites recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken seared to a golden crisp and coated in a luscious sticky sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Served atop creamy, cheesy rice cooked in chicken broth and enriched with mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, it creates an irresistibly comforting and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying dish that feels special without a lot of fuss.

I first made this on a chilly evening when I needed something warm and hearty. Now it’s a favorite in my household, especially the creamy rice which is so rich and cheesy people often ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose fresh or fully thawed to ensure tender bites
• Olive oil: helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden brown for texture and flavor
• Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the dish
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle garlic note that does not overpower but complements the fresh garlic
• Fresh minced garlic: provides a fragrant boost that deepens the garlicky flavor of the sauce
• Honey: gives a sweet, sticky glaze that harmonizes beautifully with the savory soy sauce
• Soy sauce: adds umami and saltiness that anchors the sauce
• Apple cider vinegar: brings brightness and balances the sweetness in the sauce
• Butter: enriches both the honey garlic sauce and the creamy rice for a silky mouthfeel
• Jasmine or white rice: use high-quality rice for the best texture and absorbency
• Chicken broth: cooks the rice with added depth and savory flavor compared to plain water
• Heavy cream: creates luxurious creaminess in the rice
• Mozzarella cheese: melts well contributing a mild, smooth cheesiness to the rice
• Cream cheese: makes the rice extra creamy and comforting
• Parmesan cheese: adds sharpness and a depth of flavor to the creamy rice
• Italian seasoning: lends savory herbal notes that round out the rich cheese blend
• Fresh parsley: adds a bright pop of color and fresh herbal aroma as a garnish

Instructions

Simmer the rice in broth:

In a large pot, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook gently for about 20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. This slow simmer infuses the rice with flavor and keeps the grains fluffy yet soft.

Create the creamy rice base:

Once rice is cooked, stir in butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Keep stirring over low heat until all the cheeses melt fully into a luxuriously creamy mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep warm while you prepare the chicken so nothing cools off.

Sear the chicken bites:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Season chicken pieces thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the hot pan making sure not to crowd the pieces. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This step develops texture and flavor.

Build the honey garlic sauce:

Push the chicken to the edges of the pan leaving space at the center. Add butter and fresh minced garlic to the center and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine everything and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 4 minutes until thickened and sticky, coating the chicken beautifully.

Assemble and garnish:

Plate a generous portion of the creamy cheese-infused rice then top with the sticky honey garlic chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a bright herbal note and appealing color.

The creamy rice is my favorite part of this dish, bringing back fond memories of cozy family dinners where we’d share stories over warm food. The comforting richness combined with the flavorful honey garlic chicken makes every meal feel special and memorable.

Storage tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the creamy rice. The chicken might firm up after cooling but reheating slowly helps keep it juicy.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap jasmine rice for basmati or long grain white rice depending on what you have on hand or your preference. To lighten up the dish, opt for half and half instead of heavy cream or replace butter with olive oil in the rice. For a gluten-free alternative, choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Serving suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. Garlic roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli provide fresh, crisp textures that contrast nicely with the creamy rice and tender chicken.

Serve immediately for the best contrast between sticky honey garlic chicken and creamy cheesy rice. Enjoy warm and savor the comforting flavors.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken suits this dish best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and excellent absorption of the honey garlic glaze.

→ Can I substitute the rice used for the creamy base?

Jasmine or white rice works best for its tender texture and ability to soak up flavors, but basmati or long grain can be used as alternatives.

→ How is the sticky glaze on the chicken achieved?

After searing, the chicken is simmered briefly in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar until the sauce thickens and clings to each piece.

→ Which cheeses are included in the creamy rice?

The rice is enriched with mozzarella, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan to create a rich, smooth texture and deep flavor.

→ Is chicken broth necessary for cooking the rice?

Chicken broth is preferred as it adds depth and savory notes, though water can be used for a milder flavor.

→ How can I keep the chicken juicy after reheating leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the creamy rice and maintain moisture in the chicken.