10 Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes

By
Derek Jacobson
·

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Chicken and rice is a classic combo for a reason. It’s cheap, filling, and most of us already have the basics in the pantry. These 10 easy recipes range from creamy and comforting to bright and garlicky. A few are old favorites you might remember from childhood. Others bring new flavors to the table.

Most of these cook in one pot or one pan, so cleanup stays easy. Scroll down after the list for tips on getting the rice just right, how to store leftovers, and answers to common questions.

Mamaw’s Chicken And Rice Casserole

A delicious plate of chicken and rice casserole with colorful vegetables.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food. It’s simple to make and combines tender chicken with creamy rice and veggies. Make it for a family dinner or any night you want something cozy. Try this recipe.

One Pot Chicken And Rice

A close-up of cooked chicken and rice with green onions in a pot.

This one pot chicken and rice makes weeknights easy. Everything goes into one pot and simmers until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender. There’s barely any cleanup afterward. Try this recipe.

Easy Chicken And Rice

This is our own simple version. It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together without any fuss.

Easy Chicken And Rice
Pin
Print

Easy Chicken And Rice

Servings

4

servings

This easy chicken and rice dish is perfect for a quick meal. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Just toss some chicken and veggies in with the rice, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to use up pantry staples, this dish delivers on taste with minimal effort.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
  • Add the frozen peas and carrots, stir, and cover again. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Serve warm.
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Like this recipe?

Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest

Chicken And Rice (One-Pot Dinner)

A pot of chicken and rice with tomatoes and herbs.

One pot dinners like this are a big help on busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a warm, flavorful meal the whole table will eat. Try this recipe.

4 Ingredient Chicken Rice Casserole

A plate of chicken rice casserole with orzo, diced tomatoes, and green onions.

This 4 ingredient casserole is about as easy as dinner gets. Mix chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and some veggies, then let the oven do the work. It’s a solid choice for nights when you’re tired and hungry. Try this recipe.

One Pan Chicken And Garlic Rice

A pan filled with chicken, garlic rice, and green peas

Garlic lovers, this one is for you. Juicy chicken cooks right on top of garlicky rice, so the rice soaks up all the pan juices. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick. Try this recipe.

One Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

A close-up of a pot filled with chicken, rice, and diced vegetables.

This version packs in colorful vegetables along with the chicken and rice. Put it all in one pot and let it cook while you set the table. It’s an easy way to get more veggies into dinner. Try this recipe.

Skillet Chicken And Rice

A skillet filled with chicken and rice garnished with green herbs.

Skillet chicken and rice is quick and tasty. You brown the chicken first, then cook the rice in the same pan so it picks up all that flavor. One skillet means one thing to wash. Try this recipe.

15-Minute Chicken and Rice Dinner

A bowl of chicken and rice with carrots and herbs

Short on time? This 15 minute dinner is the answer. Cook the chicken, stir in your favorite veggies, and add quick cooking rice. It’s fast, simple, and filling. Try this recipe.

Stick-Of-Butter Chicken And Rice

Delicious Stick-Of-Butter Chicken served with rice and green onions.

Yes, it really uses a whole stick of butter. The result is tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice for a meal that feels like a treat. Try this recipe.

Tips for Better Chicken and Rice

  • Brown the chicken first. A few minutes in a hot pan adds a lot of flavor to one pot recipes.
  • Toast the rice. Stir dry rice in the pan drippings for a minute or two before adding liquid. It tastes nuttier and stays less mushy.
  • Use broth, not water. Chicken broth gives the rice much more flavor.
  • Keep the lid on. Peeking lets steam escape, and the rice may come out crunchy.
  • Let it rest. Give the pot 5 to 10 minutes off the heat before serving so the rice finishes steaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is swapping rice types without changing the liquid. Brown rice needs more liquid and more time than white rice. Instant rice needs much less. Follow the recipe or adjust as you go.

Another common problem is dry chicken. Chicken breasts cook fast, so check them early. Chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part. Thighs are more forgiving if you tend to overcook.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Warm it in the microwave or in a covered pan until hot all the way through. Most casseroles also freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, for casseroles and quick skillet meals. Stir it in near the end so it just heats through and doesn’t dry out.

Why is my rice still hard?
It usually needs more liquid or more time. Add a few tablespoons of hot broth, cover, and cook on low for 5 more minutes.

Which recipe is fastest?
The 15 minute chicken and rice dinner. The skillet and one pot recipes are next, at around 30 to 45 minutes.

Pick One and Get Cooking

From cozy casseroles to quick one pan meals, there’s a chicken and rice recipe here for every kind of night. Go with Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole when you want something nostalgic, or the 15-Minute Chicken and Rice Dinner when you need food on the table fast.

Which one are you trying first? Do you have your own twist on chicken and rice? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, changes, or questions. Happy cooking!

10 Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes

Chicken and rice is a classic combo for a reason. It’s cheap, filling, and most of us already have the basics in the pantry. These 10 easy recipes range from creamy and comforting to bright and garlicky. A few are old favorites you might remember from childhood. Others bring new flavors to the table.

Most of these cook in one pot or one pan, so cleanup stays easy. Scroll down after the list for tips on getting the rice just right, how to store leftovers, and answers to common questions.

Mamaw’s Chicken And Rice Casserole

A delicious plate of chicken and rice casserole with colorful vegetables.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food. It’s simple to make and combines tender chicken with creamy rice and veggies. Make it for a family dinner or any night you want something cozy. Try this recipe.

One Pot Chicken And Rice

A close-up of cooked chicken and rice with green onions in a pot.

This one pot chicken and rice makes weeknights easy. Everything goes into one pot and simmers until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender. There’s barely any cleanup afterward. Try this recipe.

Easy Chicken And Rice

This is our own simple version. It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together without any fuss.

Easy Chicken And Rice
Pin
Print

Easy Chicken And Rice

Servings

4

servings

This easy chicken and rice dish is perfect for a quick meal. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Just toss some chicken and veggies in with the rice, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to use up pantry staples, this dish delivers on taste with minimal effort.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
  • Add the frozen peas and carrots, stir, and cover again. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Serve warm.
Pinterest

Like this recipe?

Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest

Chicken And Rice (One-Pot Dinner)

A pot of chicken and rice with tomatoes and herbs.

One pot dinners like this are a big help on busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a warm, flavorful meal the whole table will eat. Try this recipe.

4 Ingredient Chicken Rice Casserole

A plate of chicken rice casserole with orzo, diced tomatoes, and green onions.

This 4 ingredient casserole is about as easy as dinner gets. Mix chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and some veggies, then let the oven do the work. It’s a solid choice for nights when you’re tired and hungry. Try this recipe.

One Pan Chicken And Garlic Rice

A pan filled with chicken, garlic rice, and green peas

Garlic lovers, this one is for you. Juicy chicken cooks right on top of garlicky rice, so the rice soaks up all the pan juices. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick. Try this recipe.

One Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

A close-up of a pot filled with chicken, rice, and diced vegetables.

This version packs in colorful vegetables along with the chicken and rice. Put it all in one pot and let it cook while you set the table. It’s an easy way to get more veggies into dinner. Try this recipe.

Skillet Chicken And Rice

A skillet filled with chicken and rice garnished with green herbs.

Skillet chicken and rice is quick and tasty. You brown the chicken first, then cook the rice in the same pan so it picks up all that flavor. One skillet means one thing to wash. Try this recipe.

15-Minute Chicken and Rice Dinner

A bowl of chicken and rice with carrots and herbs

Short on time? This 15 minute dinner is the answer. Cook the chicken, stir in your favorite veggies, and add quick cooking rice. It’s fast, simple, and filling. Try this recipe.

Stick-Of-Butter Chicken And Rice

Delicious Stick-Of-Butter Chicken served with rice and green onions.

Yes, it really uses a whole stick of butter. The result is tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice for a meal that feels like a treat. Try this recipe.

Tips for Better Chicken and Rice

  • Brown the chicken first. A few minutes in a hot pan adds a lot of flavor to one pot recipes.
  • Toast the rice. Stir dry rice in the pan drippings for a minute or two before adding liquid. It tastes nuttier and stays less mushy.
  • Use broth, not water. Chicken broth gives the rice much more flavor.
  • Keep the lid on. Peeking lets steam escape, and the rice may come out crunchy.
  • Let it rest. Give the pot 5 to 10 minutes off the heat before serving so the rice finishes steaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is swapping rice types without changing the liquid. Brown rice needs more liquid and more time than white rice. Instant rice needs much less. Follow the recipe or adjust as you go.

Another common problem is dry chicken. Chicken breasts cook fast, so check them early. Chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part. Thighs are more forgiving if you tend to overcook.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Warm it in the microwave or in a covered pan until hot all the way through. Most casseroles also freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, for casseroles and quick skillet meals. Stir it in near the end so it just heats through and doesn’t dry out.

Why is my rice still hard?
It usually needs more liquid or more time. Add a few tablespoons of hot broth, cover, and cook on low for 5 more minutes.

Which recipe is fastest?
The 15 minute chicken and rice dinner. The skillet and one pot recipes are next, at around 30 to 45 minutes.

Pick One and Get Cooking

From cozy casseroles to quick one pan meals, there’s a chicken and rice recipe here for every kind of night. Go with Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole when you want something nostalgic, or the 15-Minute Chicken and Rice Dinner when you need food on the table fast.

Which one are you trying first? Do you have your own twist on chicken and rice? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, changes, or questions. Happy cooking!