20 Best Chicken and Rice Recipe Ideas | Recipes, Dinners and Easy Meal Ideas

Chicken and rice are two ingredients that are probably in your kitchen right now. And we’re willing to bet you use them often. But just because you’re cooking with staples doesn’t mean they can’t be exciting. Combined with some special ingredients, spices and seasonings, chicken and rice can easily be transformed into any number of flavorful dishes. Whether you’re craving some carb-heavy comfort food or simply need a family dinner made with familiar ingredients, you’ll find these recipes fit the bill. Take this version of classic chicken and rice, for example. We use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (which cook in exactly the same time as the rice!) to ensure the poultry stays juicy. A quick grill at the end creates the perfect crispy skin and gives the rice and veggies a little crunch, making this a meal no one can say no to!

If you have leftover rice on hand, you can whip up fried rice for 4 in minutes. Here we opt for chicken thighs because they don’t dry out during the cooking process. Finishing touches like chopped peanuts and sliced ​​scallions make this chicken and rice dish restaurant-worthy!

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor while trying to save money. We made a simple roast chicken meal that has no taste. Served with fresh salsa verde and satisfying rice and vegetables, you won’t give up anything while we protect your wallet.

Lemon and dill brighten the deep flavors of this low-slow soup for the soul.

Chicken dinners don’t have to be bland again! Dress yours with salted olives and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bright, spicy and delicious!

Chicken red pepper becomes a one-dish dinner in this casserole. The peppers are not traditional, but they add a lot of vitamin C to the dish and a natural sweetness. The brown rice soaks up the sauce and becomes incredibly rich and satisfying, but maintains a nice chewiness.

This pan-fried chicken and basmati rice dish is anything but simple and humble. A mix of homemade seasonings, preserved lemon, and spiced, fried chicken breasts give the dish a bold flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s quick enough to make as a delicious weeknight dinner, but tasty enough for entertaining or a special occasion meal.

What makes this dish tastier? Ingrid’s Homemade “Delicioso Adobo” – a blend of humble pantry spices that work together to bring an ethereal flavor to every bite.

Grilled cauliflower helps bulk up these rice bowls by pulling 2 chicken breasts and some rice, to feed 4 people.

It doesn’t get any faster than that! With the help of your Instant Pot, you can have this hearty dish on the table in less than an hour, any night of the week.

Tender cuts of chicken are browned and cooked with aromatics, peppers, spices, rice, and peas in this delicious one-pot feast called arroz con pollo in Cuba and other parts of Latin America. We use turmeric and cumin for a pop of bright color instead of the typical seasoning or homemade spice mix.

Jeff’s easy trick to making the tastiest chicken and rice casserole? Deglaze the pan with sherry before adding the rice. This way, the beans can absorb all the flavors of the aromatics and wine while cooking.

If you want to cook something besides burgers and dogs the next time you fire up the grill, this low-fat chicken dinner will do the trick. Be sure to use converted rice instead of regular rice for this recipe (each grain contains small holes, so it cooks faster than regular rice).

This high-protein, whole-grain dish is easy to throw together. We love using chicken thighs, because they are inexpensive and stay moist while cooking with the rice.

Ree transforms plain, old-fashioned roast chicken and rice with seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a meal full of flavor.

Wondering how to easily elevate your classic chicken and rice casserole? How about fragrant rosemary and sliced ​​almonds again?

Frozen rice is a versatile shortcut ingredient and the key to these tasty foil packets. The rice is layered while still frozen to provide a time buffer that prevents it from overcooking. As the rice thaws, the rest of the ingredients begin to cook and slightly char, and then the rice can absorb any liquids that boil off and remain inside the package.

An easy and delicious way to turn leftover chicken and pantry biscuits into a new dish? Molly’s Comforting Hot Plate!

We like to use chicken thighs in this dish because they stay nice and juicy, even when cooked over high heat. Dress it up with soy sauce, sesame oil and fresh ginger for a twist on fried rice you’ll make again and again.

The secret ingredient in this chicken and rice dish is milk. It helps tenderize the chicken i it gives the finished dish just a hint of creaminess.