Did you know that the average American household consumes over 90 pounds of chicken per year? That’s a staggering amount, and it’s no wonder why chicken is a staple ingredient in so many delicious recipes. Our favorite chicken with rice recipes make weeknight dinners a breeze! These easy, tasty chicken and rice combinations include baked casseroles, one-pot skillet meals, and more.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or a quick family-friendly dinner, these chicken and rice dishes deliver satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Explore classic recipes, chicken fried rice variations, and hearty chicken and rice soup – all featuring the winning duo of chicken and rice. With a focus on simple ingredients and fuss-free preparation, these chicken and rice recipes are sure to become go-to meals in your household.
Comforting One-Pot Chicken and Rice
One-pot chicken and rice is a comforting, creamy dish that’s part soup, part risotto. The recipe calls for simple pantry and fridge staples like butter, carrots, long-grain white rice, dried minced onion and garlic, parsley, and chicken stock. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are added partway through cooking for a complete meal made in just one pot. This easy, hands-off dinner is wallet-friendly and perfect for feeding a family.
Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken and Rice
To make one-pot chicken and rice, you’ll need butter, carrots, long-grain white rice, dried minced onion and garlic, parsley, and chicken stock. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are added midway through cooking for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Cooking
Start by sautéing carrots in butter, then add the rice, dried seasonings, and chicken stock. Simmer for 15 minutes before adding the seasoned, diced chicken breasts. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 7-10 more minutes. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and stirring in more butter. This simple method results in a creamy, comforting one-pot meal with minimal effort.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers of this one-pot chicken and rice dish store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through. The rice may thicken as it cools, so letting it sit for 10 minutes before serving can improve the texture. While this recipe is not recommended for freezing, the fresh flavors and convenient prep make it a great option for easy meal prep and reheating throughout the week.
chicken with rice recipes: Flavor Variations and Twists
While a classic chicken and rice dish is always a crowd-pleaser, we’ve discovered some delightful flavor variations and twists that make our favorite chicken and rice recipes even more enticing.
Classic Chicken and Rice Dish
For a timeless chicken and rice dish, we season bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a simple blend of spices before searing and simmering them in flavorful chicken broth along with long-grain white rice. The rice cooks directly in the broth, creating a rich, one-pot meal. To finish, we give the dish a quick broil to crisp up the chicken skin and lightly brown the top of the rice and vegetables.
Fried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
Fried rice is an excellent way to transform leftover rice and chicken into a satisfying and flavor-packed meal. We sauté diced chicken with onions, garlic, and frozen vegetables like peas and carrots, then toss it all with cooked long-grain rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Topping the fried rice with chopped peanuts and sliced scallions takes this dish to restaurant-worthy levels.
Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup
When the weather turns chilly, a comforting chicken and rice soup hits the spot. We start by simmering chicken thighs in chicken broth with aromatics like onion, celery, and bay leaves. After removing the chicken, we shred it and return it to the pot along with long-grain white rice. A final squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley add a bright, herbal finish to this nourishing soup.