Honey Lime Garlic Chicken Bites

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the broccoli into small, approximately 2 cm florets. Finely mince the garlic and prepare the measured lime zest and juice.

2. 2

   Put the uncooked long-grain white rice, 600 ml water and 0.25 tsp salt in a 4-litre saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover tightly and reduce to low. Set a timer for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat a 6-litre air fryer to 193°C/380°F for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   While the rice cooks and the air fryer heats, cut the chicken into approximately 2.5 cm pieces. Toss with the olive oil, remaining 0.25 tsp salt, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and white pepper.

4. 4

   Arrange half the chicken in a single, uncrowded layer in the air-fryer basket. Cook at 193°C/380°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the largest pieces reach 74°C/165°F on a food thermometer. Transfer to a serving bowl and loosely cover. Repeat with the remaining chicken, allowing another 10–12 minutes and checking the same temperature.

5. 5

   While the chicken air-fries, attend to the rice when its 12-minute timer sounds: quickly scatter the broccoli over the rice without stirring, replace the lid and cook on low for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave covered for at least 5 minutes, keeping it covered until the chicken is ready.

6. 6

   During the second chicken batch, put the butter in a 500 ml microwave-safe glass bowl and cover with a vented microwave-safe lid. Microwave at 900 watts for 20 seconds, stir, then heat for another 10–20 seconds until melted. Let stand for 1 minute, then stir in the soy sauce, honey, lime zest, lime juice and minced garlic.

7. 7

   Add the second batch of cooked chicken to the serving bowl. Pour over the butter mixture and toss thoroughly. Divide the rice, broccoli and chicken between four plates, spooning all the remaining sauce over the chicken and rice.