First, start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Rice usually takes about 15–20 minutes, so it’s a good idea to start it first. Once it’s cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to stay warm.

Next, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.

Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is warm, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for a few minutes without moving them too much so they get a nice golden color. Flip the chicken and cook until it’s fully done and no longer pink inside.

While the chicken is cooking, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a little water in a small bowl. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a small amount of cornstarch.

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan. Stir gently so all the chicken is coated. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes shiny and sticky.

If you are adding vegetables, you can toss them into the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. This helps them stay bright and a little crunchy. Turn off the heat once everything is coated in sauce.

To serve, scoop rice into bowls and top with the honey garlic chicken. Add extra sauce from the pan over the rice for more flavor. Finish with green onions or sesame seeds if you like.