Rice recipes with chicken are the perfect comfort food for many, combining the simplicity of rice with the rich flavors of tender chicken. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or want to impress family and friends with something special, these recipes will not disappoint.
From creamy one-pot wonders to spicy stir-fries, rice and chicken is a combination that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Are you tired of the same old meals and looking for something different? With these rice recipes with chicken, you’ll discover a world of mouthwatering dishes that are easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in, and you’ll see how effortlessly you can transform these simple ingredients into amazing dishes that keep everyone coming back for more!
Best Rice Recipes With Chicken for Every Occasion
Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
A chicken and rice casserole is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection.
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and a cup of milk. Add in your favorite vegetables like peas and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Classic Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a go-to dish when you have leftover chicken and rice, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. This version takes inspiration from traditional Chinese recipes but adds a homestyle touch that makes it irresistible.
To make classic chicken fried rice, simply sauté diced chicken with garlic, onion, and mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Once the chicken is cooked through, add day-old rice, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for that distinctive fried rice aroma. The secret lies in cooking over high heat to give the rice that wonderful smoky flavor.
Tip: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a beaten egg to the mix for a classic take. Simply push the ingredients to one side of the pan, scramble the egg on the empty side, then combine everything for a truly delicious experience.
Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
For those who love a bit of heat, spicy chicken fried rice is the perfect choice. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors that will leave you craving more.
Begin by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and chili paste. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Lemon herb chicken and rice is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs make this meal both flavorful and satisfying.
To prepare, marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until golden brown. In a separate pot, cook rice with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice. Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup rice
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
On a chilly day, nothing beats a bowl of creamy chicken and wild rice soup. This hearty soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for warming up from the inside out.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until tender. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Stir in wild rice, chicken broth, and a bay leaf. Simmer until the rice is tender. Finish by adding cream and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
If convenience is what you’re after, a one-pot chicken and rice dish is your answer. Not only does this recipe save on washing up, but the chicken juices also blend perfectly with the rice, resulting in a flavorful and hearty meal.
Start by browning chicken thighs in a pot until the skin is crispy. Remove them, and in the same pot, sauté garlic, onion, and some vegetables of your choice. Add in rice, chicken broth, and seasonings like paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the browned chicken back in the pot, cover, and let it all cook together. The chicken flavors infuse with the rice, creating a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.
Pro Tip: If you want a more nutritious version, add vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them tender but vibrant.
Properly storing rice is essential for maintaining its freshness and ensuring you have high-quality grains ready for cooking these delicious dishes. If you’re interested in learning how to store rice grains for long-term use, check out this guide on storing rice grains. It will help you make sure your rice stays fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure.
Chicken Biryani
A flavorful Indian dish, chicken biryani is a rice recipe with chicken that brings together fragrant spices, tender meat, and fluffy basmati rice. Though it may seem complex, breaking it down into simple steps makes biryani achievable for anyone.
To start, marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. Fry sliced onions until golden, then layer partially cooked basmati rice, marinated chicken, and fried onions in a large pot. Add saffron-infused milk, cover, and let it steam until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are perfectly blended.
Cooking Tip: To add an extra aromatic touch, sprinkle a few drops of rose water or kewra water just before serving. It will give your biryani an authentic taste that’s hard to resist.
Chicken and Rice Soup
For those cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather, chicken and rice soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul. This recipe is packed with tender pieces of chicken, soft rice, and a medley of comforting vegetables.
Start by simmering chicken breasts in a pot of seasoned chicken broth along with chopped carrots, celery, and garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the pot with the rice. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then let everything simmer until the rice is tender. The result is a soothing, hearty soup that’s incredibly satisfying.
Health Note: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, opt for brown rice instead of white, and use skinless chicken breasts to keep it lean.
Spanish Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Arroz con Pollo is a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for family gatherings or when you crave something special. It’s colorful, aromatic, and simply delicious.
Begin by browning bone-in chicken thighs in a large skillet. Remove the chicken, then sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Add in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings like paprika and saffron. Nestle the browned chicken back into the mixture, cover, and let it all cook until the rice absorbs the broth and becomes tender. The result is a burst of flavor that’s hard to forget!
Tip: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.
Rice recipes with chicken are versatile, delicious, and easy to make, offering comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you prefer something simple like chicken fried rice or a more intricate dish like chicken biryani, these recipes bring amazing flavors to your kitchen.
The combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try these recipes out, and you’ll soon discover why rice recipes with chicken are loved around the world!