Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tsp garlic powder

6 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Rice:

1½ cups jasmine or white rice

3 cups chicken broth

¼ cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup cream cheese, softened

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, add the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, stir in butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep warm.

Step 3: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Push the chicken to the sides of the skillet and add butter and minced garlic to the center. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Step 5: Spoon the creamy rice onto plates and top with the honey garlic chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use jasmine rice for a fragrant, slightly sticky texture or white rice for a neutral base.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for a different cheese profile in the creamy rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, omit the butter, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the rice and replace the butter with olive oil. Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute instead of heavy cream for creaminess.