Introduction

The Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls is a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with the sweetness of honey mustard, all served over a bed of aromatic rice loaded with vibrant spinach and artichoke hearts. This bowl is the perfect balance of protein, greens, and grains, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The honey mustard glaze adds a perfect sweet and tangy contrast to the savory rice, creating a harmonious dish that is both comforting and nourishing.

This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful and filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal for the family or a quick yet elegant dish to impress your guests, this honey mustard chicken bowl with spinach and artichoke rice is sure to become a new favorite.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the recipe, from cooking the chicken to preparing the rice and assembling the bowls. Along the way, we’ll share tips for getting the perfect glaze on the chicken, ensuring the rice is tender and fluffy, and how to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls

Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the spinach and artichokes, and healthy carbs from the rice, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nourishing.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The honey mustard glaze gives the chicken a sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory rice and fresh vegetables.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe works great for meal prep, allowing you to store leftovers for the next day or pack lunches ahead of time.
Customizable: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. You can make the dish spicier by adding some hot sauce, or include other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (adjustable)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving, depending on portion size and optional add-ins.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Protein: 30-35g

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Rice: 1 cup (200g) long-grain white or brown rice
Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Artichoke Hearts: 1 cup (150g) canned or frozen artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Honey: 2 tablespoons honey
Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt: ½ teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

Feta Cheese: ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Sun-dried Tomatoes: ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Olives: ¼ cup Kalamata or green olives, sliced (optional)
Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning will bring out the natural flavors of the chicken while allowing the honey mustard glaze to shine.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

2. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until well combined. Pour the honey mustard mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, then return them to the skillet with the honey mustard glaze. Toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated, allowing it to absorb the glaze for 2-3 more minutes. Once the chicken is coated and the glaze is sticky and glossy, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. If you’re using white rice, it should take around 10-12 minutes to cook. If using brown rice, it may take a bit longer (around 25-30 minutes), so make sure to plan ahead.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to prevent it from clumping together.

4. Sauté the Spinach and Artichokes

While the rice is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon). Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the pan and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the artichokes to warm through and mix with the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the spinach is wilted and the artichokes are heated, remove the pan from the heat.

5. Assemble the Bowls

Start by dividing the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Next, evenly distribute the spinach and artichoke mixture over the rice.
Top each bowl with the honey mustard chicken, making sure to drizzle any extra glaze over the chicken for added flavor.
Garnish each bowl with optional add-ins like crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh avocado slices, if desired.

6. Serve

Serve the honey mustard chicken with spinach and artichoke rice bowls immediately, enjoying the warm, savory flavors with a sweet and tangy kick from the honey mustard glaze.

Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls

Use Fresh, High-Quality Chicken: For the best flavor and tenderness, use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or want a juicier option.
Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the glaze by adding more honey or mustard, depending on your taste preferences. If you want a bit of heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Add More Veggies: You can easily boost the nutritional value of this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the spinach and artichoke mixture. The more veggies, the better!
Rice Substitutes: If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Meal Prep Tips: This dish works great for meal prep. You can make the chicken and rice in advance and store the components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the bowls with fresh spinach and artichokes.
Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will save time on busy nights!

Variations of Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls

While this dish is delicious as is, there are a number of ways you can switch it up to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:

Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: For an extra kick, add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard glaze. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños with the spinach and artichokes for additional heat.
Crispy Chicken: If you prefer crispy chicken, try breading the chicken breasts before pan-frying them. Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then cook in a little olive oil until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, slice and serve with the rice and spinach-artichoke mixture.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them. Brush the chicken with some of the honey mustard glaze during grilling to allow it to caramelize.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh, or simply add more vegetables to the spinach and artichoke mixture to make it heartier.
Greek-Style Honey Mustard Chicken: Add Greek flavors by incorporating Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers into the bowls. You can also drizzle a bit of tzatziki sauce over the chicken for an extra creamy element.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement the honey mustard chicken and fresh vegetables. Here are some great options:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and rosemary make a great side dish that contrasts nicely with the savory rice and chicken bowls.
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy are a healthy and flavorful side that adds extra texture to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting addition that soaks up the honey mustard glaze.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy honey mustard chicken.

Conclusion

The Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick lunch. The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, while the spinach and artichokes add freshness and texture to the rice. Whether you’re looking for a balanced, nutritious meal or something that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

By following the simple steps and tips in this guide, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. Add more veggies, adjust the glaze, or try different protein options to make this dish your own. Enjoy this delicious, healthy meal, and share it with family and friends!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Honey Mustard Chicken with Spinach and Artichoke Rice Bowls

Preparation and Cooking Time