Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry); 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Honey garlic chicken bites over creamy rice is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings sweet, savory, and creamy together in every bite. The tender chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and served over smooth, rich rice for the kind of meal I love making on a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying this recipe is. The chicken bites cook up fast and are full of bold flavor from the garlic and honey, with just the right hint of tang. When I spoon them over creamy rice, it feels like a complete, hearty dish that’s both easy and impressive. It’s a great go-to for weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Bites:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Minced garlic
Honey
Soy sauce
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Water
Cornstarch (for slurry)

For the Creamy Rice:

Long grain white rice
Chicken broth
Milk or heavy cream
Butter
Salt
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

I start by tossing the chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
In a large skillet, I heat oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Then I set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant.
I whisk in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, then let the sauce simmer. To thicken it, I stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two.
I return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until everything’s coated and glossy.
For the rice, I cook it in chicken broth with a bit of salt and garlic powder until tender.
Once the rice is done, I stir in butter, milk (or cream), and Parmesan if I’m using it, until it’s creamy and smooth.
I serve the saucy chicken bites over a warm bed of creamy rice, making sure to spoon extra sauce on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 35–40 minutes total, with 20 minutes for prep and another 15–20 minutes to cook everything.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat. I’ve also served this over mashed potatoes or even cauliflower rice to change the base. A handful of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top adds a nice crunch and color.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and rice gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—about 1–2 minutes on medium heat, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sauce instead?

Yes, but I prefer making my own because it tastes fresher and lets me control the sweetness and saltiness.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

For a crispier texture, I cook the chicken in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. Letting the pieces sear undisturbed helps get that golden edge.

Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook the rice earlier in the day and reheat it with a splash of milk or broth when it’s time to serve.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or flour works too, though cornstarch gives the crispiest coating and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I always thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking so the pieces sear instead of steaming.

Conclusion

Honey garlic chicken bites over creamy rice is one of those comforting meals I keep coming back to. The balance of sweet and savory flavors over rich, buttery rice makes it a satisfying favorite that’s easy enough for busy evenings but tasty enough to serve guests.