Photography: Jennifer Causey, Food Styling: Julian Hensarling, Prop Styling: Christina DaleyChicken and rice recipes offer countless possibilities, and this classic duo never fails to impress. You can use any chicken cut or opt for rotisserie chicken leftovers to save time while still enjoying a wholesome meal. Rice options are equally versatile—while white and brown rice are common staples, you can also experiment with wild rice or red rice for a unique twist. This combination is a global favorite, appearing in countless cuisines, so it’s hard to get bored. Craving Chinese flavors? Try Salt and Pepper Chicken. Prefer something with Indian flair? Our Chicken Tikka Masala is a must-try. Explore our curated list of chicken and rice recipes that are sure to satisfy!
1. Savory Ground Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry
Photography: Greg Dupree, Prop Styling: Julia Bayless, Food Styling: Emily Neighbors HallThis chicken and rice recipe is a pantry-friendly delight, bursting with flavors from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and mirin. Fresh garlic and chile bring a homemade touch, while green beans and bell peppers gain a hint of char for added depth. Cook the ground chicken until perfectly caramelized, then serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
2. Flavorful One-Pot Curry Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Rice
Caitlin BenselThis 30-minute one-pot chicken dish features chicken thighs seasoned with curry powder and simmered in a fragrant coconut and cilantro rice blend. While the main dish cooks, whip up a quick peanut sauce to drizzle over the top. It’s a flavorful, well-balanced, and effortless meal!
3. Zesty Salt and Pepper Chicken
Jen CauseySkip the takeout and whip up this Chinese-inspired chicken and rice dish at home. Chinese five spice and cornstarch work together to create crispy, flavorful chicken bites, enhanced by a generous dose of black pepper. Crispy garlic and jalapeño bring a spicy kick, while blistered green beans and fluffy rice complete this 30-minute meal.
4. Savory Chicken Meatballs with Quick-Pickled Cucumbers
Fred HardyThis unique chicken meatball recipe is a must-try. Ground chicken is combined with scallions for added flavor and juiciness. The meatballs are pan-fried in sesame oil, glazed with a soy-vinegar mixture, and topped with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Served with quick-pickled cucumbers and rice, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish.
5. Hearty Slow-Cooker Chicken Congee
Jennifer CauseyCongee, a traditional Chinese rice porridge, is the ultimate comfort dish. Using a slow-cooker simplifies the process and enhances the coconut milk base with rich, deep flavors. Alongside tender chicken, toppings like cilantro and sriracha are recommended, but feel free to get creative—roasted mushrooms, a fried egg, or even avocado make excellent additions.
6. Flavorful Mango Chicken Curry with Coconut Rice
Photography: Jennifer Causey, Food Styling: Julian Hensarling, Prop Styling: Christina DaleyThis curry is built on a base of coconut milk and yellow curry paste, enhanced with garlic and ginger for depth. Tender chicken, red bell peppers, and fresh or frozen mango chunks add texture and flavor. Pair it with homemade coconut rice for a comforting and complete meal.
7. Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl
Greg DuPreeThis one-bowl meal is a perfect all-in-one dish. Cook chicken cutlets on the stove while preparing the rice simultaneously. Top with creamy avocado slices and crisp watermelon radishes for a refreshing crunch. For an extra kick, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the bowl before serving.
8. Flavorful Rotisserie Chicken Chili
Fred HardyThis simple chili recipe is quick to prepare and serves four delicious portions. Start by sautéing a chopped onion in a stock pot, then add ingredients like pinto beans, green chiles, chicken stock, and masa harina (a corn-based gluten-free flour). Shredded rotisserie chicken adds heartiness without extra cooking, and serving it over rice makes it even more satisfying.
9. Slow Cooker Soy-Braised Chicken
Con PoulosThis recipe reimagines chicken adobo, a classic Filipino dish, for easy preparation without sacrificing flavor. Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender as they braise in the slow cooker. Serve with rice to enjoy the savory sauce made with apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
10. Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Roland BelloIn this recipe, chicken simmers for hours in a slow cooker with tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and garam masala. While it cooks, prepare a refreshing cucumber topping and fluffy basmati rice. Before serving, mix cream into the chicken tikka masala and serve it over rice with the cucumber relish.
11. Zesty Orange Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
Victor ProtasioWhile this recipe specifies rice noodles, any rice variety will work just as well. The stir-fry captures the essence of takeout, with orange marmalade providing the citrusy flavor and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweet and salty components. It includes veggies like snow peas and red bell pepper, but you can easily substitute your favorites.
12. Slow-Cooker Curried Chicken with Ginger and Yogurt
José PicayoThis effortless chicken recipe makes the most of your slow cooker. A blend of cumin, curry powder, and fresh ginger delivers a rich, curried flavor. Simply set it up before work, and return to a hearty, family-friendly meal. Serve over rice for a filling and satisfying dinner.
13. Speedy Chicken Curry
John KernickTraditional curry often takes an hour or more to prepare, but this version is ready in just 35 minutes with a few smart shortcuts. Use rotisserie chicken as the primary protein. While the rice cooks, shred the chicken, sauté an onion, and prepare a quick sauce with curry powder, store-bought yogurt, and cream. Adding a can of drained, diced tomatoes enhances the sauce's richness, and fresh cilantro brings an extra layer of flavor.
14. Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps
Caitlin BenselThis well-rounded meal, perfect for lunch or dinner, is packed with flavor and ready in 25 minutes. A creamy coconut-peanut sauce ties everything together, complementing the chicken, rice vermicelli noodles, sliced cucumber, and lettuce wraps. If rice noodles aren’t available, white rice makes a great substitute.
