Chipotle-Glazed Chicken Bites over Rice with Green Beans

Sweet-smoky chipotle chicken bites, fluffy white rice, and crisp-tender green beans make a balanced bowl dinner with a glossy pan glaze.

45 min

4 servings

Chipotle-glazed chicken bites over white rice with bright green beans in a shallow bowl.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

3 cups water

1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided

1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

2 tbsp neutral oil, divided

2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped

2 tbsp honey

1 lime, juiced

2 garlic cloves, finely grated

12 oz green beans, trimmed

Equipment

Fine sieve · Covered saucepan · Large skillet · Instant-read thermometer · Mixing bowl

Build a sticky glaze

Add the chipotle glaze after the chicken has browned so the honey can thicken around the bites instead of burning early.

Keep beans crisp

Cook the green beans just until bright and tender so they add fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

Cook the rice

01. Rinse the white rice until the runoff is only lightly cloudy; this keeps the cooked grains separate enough to catch the glaze.

02. Bring the rice, water, and salt to a boil, then cover and keep it at a low simmer for 18 minutes. The rice is ready when no loose water remains.

Glaze the chicken

03. Stir the chipotle, honey, lime, garlic, oil, and salt until the honey disappears into a glossy red-brown glaze that clings to a spoon.

04. Pat the chicken dry before salting it so the bites brown instead of steaming in the skillet.

05. Sear the chicken in one layer over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes; wait until it releases easily and has browned edges before turning.

06. Add the glaze only after browning, then let it bubble around the bites for about 4 minutes. Stop when it coats the chicken and the thickest piece reaches 165 F.

Finish the bowls

07. Move the chicken to a plate, then cook the green beans with 2 tbsp water in the same skillet over medium heat. They are ready when bright green and crisp-tender, not limp.

08. Fluff the rice while the chicken rests for 5 minutes so the glaze stays glossy. Divide the rice among bowls and add the chicken, any pan glaze, and green beans.