Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Bento Box
Bento-style meals bring structure and balance to lunch or dinner without requiring complicated steps. In this dish, bite-sized chicken breasts sear until golden before getting coated in a straightforward mix of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice and tender steamed broccoli, it comes together quickly on the stovetop for a satisfying, cleanly partitioned meal.
Why this one works
- Balanced sweet and savory profile from equal parts honey and Dijon mustard.
- Quick stovetop preparation with simple, accessible pantry ingredients.
- Clean compartment presentation that keeps textures and flavors distinct.
- Tender chicken breast pairs naturally with aromatic jasmine rice and steamed greens.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed Cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so the meat cooks quickly and browns evenly.
- 1 cup (200g) jasmine rice Rinse briefly before cooking to remove excess surface starch for distinct, tender grains.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey Provides sweetness and body, helping the glaze reduce into a shiny coating.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) dijon mustard Adds sharp acidity and depth to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil Gives the chicken a light golden sear over medium heat.
- 1/2 cup (75g) steamed broccoli florets Cook just until vibrant green and tender-crisp to contrast the saucy chicken.
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What to have nearby
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Small mixing bowl and whisk
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Steamer basket or pot
- Divided bento box or meal containers
Step-by-step instructions
The workflow is smooth and efficient: start your rice and steam the broccoli first so they are warm and ready, whisk the two-ingredient glaze in a small bowl, and sauté the chicken in a hot skillet before coating everything directly in the pan.
- 1Step 1
Cook the jasmine rice according to package directions and set aside.
- 2Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together honey and dijon mustard to create the glaze.
- 3Step 3
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chicken cubes until golden and cooked through.
- 4Step 4
Pour the glaze over the chicken and stir until coated and glossy.
- 5Step 5
Arrange the chicken, rice, and broccoli into a bento box compartment.
- 6Step 6
Serve immediately.
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A few things worth knowing
- Pat the cubed chicken dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pan to ensure proper browning.
- Let the chicken sit undisturbed for the first couple of minutes in the skillet to build a light crust.
- Add the honey-Dijon glaze near the end of cooking so the honey does not scorch over high heat.
- Toss the chicken continuously once glazed until the sauce thickens and evenly clings to every piece.
Ways to make it your own
- Top the assembled box with a light sprinkle of toasted white or black sesame seeds.
- Scatter thinly sliced green onions over the glazed chicken for a subtle fresh bite.
Serving suggestions
Assemble each bento box by placing the jasmine rice into the main compartment, spooning the glossy chicken alongside it, and tucking the vibrant broccoli into its own section. Serve immediately while warm, paired with a cup of green tea or crisp cucumber slices.
Storage & reheating
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before sealing in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently until the chicken and rice are heated through, adding a few drops of water to loosen the rice if needed.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can the honey mustard glaze be mixed ahead of time?+
Yes, whisk the honey and Dijon mustard together and keep it in a small sealed container until you are ready to cook.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning in the pan?+
Pour the glaze in only after the chicken is fully cooked through, then reduce the heat to medium-low and stir constantly until glossy.
Can this bento be packed for lunch later?+
Yes, assemble the components into a partitioned container, let them cool slightly, and refrigerate until lunch.
Simple ingredients and a quick stovetop glaze make this honey mustard chicken and rice bento a practical, flavorful choice for balanced everyday meals.
Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Bento Box
Tender chicken cubes glazed in honey and Dijon mustard, served alongside steamed broccoli florets and fragrant jasmine rice in a tidy bento box.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup (200g) jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30g) dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (75g) steamed broccoli florets
Instructions
- Cook the jasmine rice according to package directions and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and dijon mustard to create the glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chicken cubes until golden and cooked through.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken and stir until coated and glossy.
- Arrange the chicken, rice, and broccoli into a bento box compartment.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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