Chicken and rice might be the most dependable dinner combo ever. It’s quick, comforting, and easy enough for any night—even when our schedule is packed. But dependable doesn’t have to mean boring. With the right recipes, this simple pair turns into something flavorful, satisfying, and fresh every single time.
These 20 recipes cover everything from creamy casseroles to spicy skillet dinners and easy one-pot wonders. They’re all about quick prep, easy cleanup, and big flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or those nights when we just want something warm and filling without extra fuss.
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Chicken, rice, and veggies cooked together—one pot, easy cleanup, zero stress.
We sauté chicken with veggies, add rice and broth, then let everything simmer until fluffy and tender. It’s a complete meal that only takes one pan and minimal effort.
Why it works
- Rice cooks in flavorful chicken broth
- Chicken stays juicy and tender
- Easy one-pot cleanup
What we need
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- White rice
- Chicken broth
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- Garlic
2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Classic comfort food—chicken and rice baked in a creamy sauce until bubbling.
We stir chicken and rice together in a creamy sauce with a sprinkle of cheese, then bake until golden. It’s warm, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for chilly nights or meal prep.
Why it works
- Cream sauce keeps everything moist and rich
- Baking lets flavors blend perfectly
- Great for leftovers or meal prep
What we need
- Chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- Rice
- Cream of chicken soup or heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Broccoli (optional)
3. Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Takeout favorite made easy at home—quick, flavorful, and better than delivery.
We sauté chicken with leftover rice, veggies, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce in a hot skillet. It’s savory, quick, and a smart way to use leftover rice.
Why it works
- Quick to make with leftover ingredients
- Chicken and egg add protein and texture
- Flexible for adding favorite veggies
What we need
- Cooked rice
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Eggs
- Soy sauce
4. Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
All the flavors of sizzling fajitas over warm, fluffy rice.
Chicken, peppers, and onions sautéed with fajita spices, served on rice with avocado and salsa. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Why it works
- Easy, colorful one-bowl meal
- Avocado and salsa add freshness
- Customizable toppings
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Bell peppers and onions
- Cooked rice
- Avocado
- Salsa
5. Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Savory garlic butter sauce coats juicy chicken and fluffy rice—it’s fast comfort food.
We sear chicken in garlic butter, cook rice right in the same pan, and end up with fluffy rice and tender chicken infused with buttery garlic flavor.
Why it works
- Garlic butter makes everything taste better
- Rice cooks directly in flavored juices
- One-pan convenience
What we need
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- White rice
- Garlic
- Butter
- Chicken broth
6. Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet
Spicy, hearty, and packed with smoky flavor—quick skillet dinner that’s full of personality.
We season chicken generously with Cajun spices, toss in rice and veggies, then cook everything in one skillet. It’s spicy, flavorful, and quick enough for weeknights.
Why it works
- Bold Cajun seasoning adds instant flavor
- Rice absorbs spicy, smoky notes
- Easy and quick one-pan prep
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Rice
- Bell peppers and onions
- Chicken broth
7. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Sticky teriyaki chicken served over rice—quick, easy, and always a hit.
Chicken cooked in sweet, savory teriyaki sauce, served on fluffy rice with fresh veggies like broccoli or carrots. It’s a homemade version of our favorite takeout.
Why it works
- Teriyaki sauce gives sweet-savory balance
- Easy to customize veggies
- Fast and family-friendly
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Teriyaki sauce
- Cooked rice
- Broccoli or carrots
- Green onions (optional)
8. Lemon Chicken and Rice
Bright lemon flavor lifts this easy chicken and rice dish—it feels fresh, healthy, and vibrant.
We cook chicken breasts with rice and fresh lemon juice, garnished with parsley. The lemon keeps it light and fresh, perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Why it works
- Lemon adds freshness and tanginess
- Chicken and rice cook together perfectly
- Bright flavors keep things interesting
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- White rice
- Lemon juice and zest
- Chicken broth
- Fresh parsley
9. Chicken Burrito Bowls
Chicken, rice, beans, and all our favorite burrito toppings without the wrap.
We layer seasoned chicken, rice, beans, avocado, and cheese in a bowl for a quick and easy dinner that feels like takeout. Simple, colorful, and customizable.
Why it works
- Easy to adjust toppings
- Protein-packed and satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep or lunches
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Cooked rice
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Salsa or cheese
10. Chicken and Rice Soup
Comforting, simple, and classic—easy homemade soup that comes together quickly.
Chicken simmers with veggies, broth, and rice until everything is tender and flavorful. It’s warm, comforting, and just as quick as opening a can, but way better.
Why it works
- Warm, soothing, and easy to digest
- Quick to make with leftover chicken
- Perfect for chilly days or when we’re under the weather
What we need
- Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken
- Rice
- Carrots and celery
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
11. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet
Creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli combined in a quick skillet meal that’s always comforting.
We cook chicken, rice, and broccoli together in a creamy cheese sauce, finishing it right in the skillet. It’s cozy, cheesy, and the broccoli adds a pop of nutrition—perfect for picky eaters and adults alike.
Why it works
- Broccoli adds nutrition and texture
- Creamy cheese sauce keeps chicken juicy and rice flavorful
- One-skillet convenience, minimal cleanup
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Rice
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream or milk
12. Spanish Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Flavor-packed chicken, rice, and peppers cooked together Spanish-style—rich and satisfying.
We sear chicken, sauté colorful peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmer it all with rice and spices. The saffron and paprika create an aromatic, hearty one-pot meal that’s vibrant and flavorful.
Why it works
- Aromatic spices add deep flavor
- Chicken and rice simmer together, infusing flavors
- Colorful and hearty enough for a complete meal
What we need
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Rice
- Bell peppers and onions
- Paprika and saffron (optional)
- Chicken broth
13. Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Tender chicken and rice baked inside sweet bell peppers—a colorful, easy dinner.
We mix cooked chicken and rice with cheese, stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers, then bake until bubbly. It’s an easy, colorful way to serve chicken and rice differently.
Why it works
- Sweet peppers add freshness and crunch
- Easy portion control
- Simple prep, feels creative and new
What we need
- Chicken breasts (shredded)
- Cooked rice
- Bell peppers
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Marinara or tomato sauce
14. Coconut Curry Chicken and Rice
Creamy coconut milk and flavorful curry spices turn chicken and rice into something special.
We simmer chicken pieces and rice in coconut milk and aromatic curry spices until tender and fragrant. This quick curry is comforting, flavorful, and great for busy evenings when we crave something rich and satisfying.
Why it works
- Coconut milk keeps chicken tender and flavorful
- Curry spices create depth and warmth
- One-pot convenience and quick cooking time
What we need
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Rice
- Coconut milk
- Curry powder or paste
- Garlic and ginger
15. BBQ Chicken and Rice Bake
Sticky BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice all baked together for a sweet-savory twist.
We mix cooked chicken and rice with our favorite BBQ sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and caramelized. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy—ideal for casual dinners or picky eaters.
Why it works
- BBQ sauce adds bold, sweet-smoky flavor
- Baking caramelizes the sauce beautifully
- Kid-friendly and easy prep
What we need
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked rice
- BBQ sauce
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions (optional)
16. Greek Chicken and Rice Bowls
Fresh Mediterranean flavors in a quick bowl—perfect for light yet filling dinners.
We marinate chicken in lemon, garlic, and oregano, grill or pan-cook, then serve over fluffy rice with fresh veggies, olives, and feta cheese. Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.
Why it works
- Bright lemon and fresh herbs lift flavors
- Feta and olives add salty, tangy notes
- Perfect for quick dinners and meal prep
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Rice
- Feta cheese
- Cucumber, tomatoes, olives
- Lemon and oregano
17. Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and tender chicken—a bright and easy dinner.
Chicken breasts seasoned with lime and cilantro served over rice. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fast to put together—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why it works
- Lime and cilantro bring bright freshness
- Quick and easy marinade boosts flavor
- Healthy and vibrant meal
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice and zest
- Garlic
18. Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole
Spicy buffalo chicken mixed with creamy rice, baked until bubbly—comfort food with a kick.
We toss chicken and rice in a creamy buffalo sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbling. It’s spicy, creamy, and filling—perfect for game nights or easy family dinners.
Why it works
- Buffalo sauce brings heat and tang
- Creamy rice balances spice
- Easy one-dish casserole, great leftovers
What we need
- Cooked chicken
- Rice
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese or ranch dressing
- Cheddar or blue cheese
19. Chicken and Rice Burritos
Quick chicken, rice, beans, and cheese wrapped in tortillas—easy dinner or lunch on-the-go.
We roll seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and cheese into flour tortillas. These are perfect for prepping ahead and freezing, or making quick dinners everyone loves.
Why it works
- Portable, satisfying, and filling
- Easy meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable fillings
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Rice
- Black beans
- Cheese
- Flour tortillas
20. Korean Chicken and Rice Bowls
Sweet-savory Korean-inspired chicken served over fluffy rice—a flavorful twist.
Chicken cooked in a sweet-savory soy and sesame sauce, served over rice with veggies and topped with sesame seeds. Quick, flavorful, and feels like takeout, but better.
Why it works
- Sweet-savory sauce perfectly coats chicken and rice
- Quick and easy weeknight meal
- Great for leftovers or meal prep
What we need
- Chicken breasts
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Honey or brown sugar
- Rice
- Green onions and sesame seeds
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