Introduction
This dish combines crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory honey-garlic glaze with a rich, velvety Parmesan rice that tastes like a cross between risotto and creamy alfredo. It’s a comforting, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for families, date nights, or meal prep!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Creamy Parmesan Rice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ½–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until coated.
- Heat oil/butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer; cook until golden and crisp on all sides (6–8 minutes).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add 1 tbsp butter for extra gloss.
- Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat fully.
- Keep warm on low heat.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Rice
- In a separate pot, melt the butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the rice and stir so every grain is coated in butter.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk; stir.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 15–18 minutes until rice is soft and creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Adjust consistency with more milk (creamier) or broth (looser).
- Season with salt and pepper.
🍽️ 4. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon creamy Parmesan rice into bowls or plates.
- Top with honey garlic chicken bites.
- Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the chicken.
- Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
🔪 Method Notes & Tips
- For extra crisp chicken: Air-fry or shallow-fry after coating with cornstarch.
- Don’t use pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoother.
- Thighs vs. breasts: Thighs stay juicier; breasts cook faster.
- Rice too thick? Add milk while stirring.
- Rice too thin? Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes.