Easy and Delicious Chicken and Rice Recipes for Every Meal

If you’re looking for delicious, comforting, and easy meal ideas, chicken and rice recipes are the perfect place to start. From one-pot wonders to hearty casseroles, these classic combinations offer endless variety to satisfy every craving. Keep reading for mouthwatering dishes that are simple to make but full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 and 1 half cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet or deep sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple spice combo delivers so much warmth and savor without needing a long ingredient list.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Don’t worry if they are not fully cooked through — they will finish cooking with the rice.
3. Step 3: Transfer the chicken to a plate and lower the heat slightly. Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic smells heavenly.
4. Step 4: Pour the uncooked white rice into the pan and stir well to coat all the grains. Let them toast gently in the oil and aromatics for about 1 minute. This step deepens the flavor foundation of the entire dish.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth and diced carrots. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape the bottom with your spoon to loosen any delicious browned bits — that’s bonus flavor.
6. Step 6: Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Try to slightly submerge them so they cook evenly. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid too soon. The steam is doing the important job of cooking the rice and finishing the chicken.
8. Step 8: After the cooking time, remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the frozen peas. Replace the lid and let the dish sit for 5 minutes. The residual heat will cook the peas perfectly without turning them mushy.
9. Step 9: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stirring in the parsley for a final touch of freshness and color.
10. Step 10: Serve warm, spooning both rice and chicken onto each plate. I love setting this right in the middle of the table and letting everyone help themselves family-style.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Few dishes are as comforting or universally loved as a well-prepared chicken and rice recipe. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a rainy day. Juicy chicken is seasoned to perfection, then gently simmered with fluffy rice until every grain is infused with savory flavor and every bite brings the coziness of home-cooked goodness. The aroma alone — that mix of garlic, onion, and seasoned broth — instantly makes your kitchen feel like the heart of the house.

A weeknight warrior and weekend favorite alike, chicken and rice are as timeless as they are adaptable. The tender chunks of seared chicken marry beautifully with the soft texture of long-grain rice, while vegetables and spices add depth and harmony to every spoonful. Whether you gather around a family dinner table with hungry kids or prepare it for meal prep, this dish delivers both comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and rice recipe is a one-pan wonder that will save time without sacrificing flavor. With minimal cleanup and hands-on time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. The ingredients are pantry staples and the steps are simple, making this an approachable dish even for beginner cooks.

Beyond its convenience, this recipe is also adaptable and nutritious. You can easily switch the spices, use white or brown rice, or substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast. It offers a balance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables with every serving, making it a complete meal that keeps you full and fueled.

Serving and Storage Tips

Leftover chicken and rice should be cooled completely before being stored in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice. It also reheats well in the microwave.

This dish freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also prep ahead by chopping vegetables and seasoning the chicken up to a day before cooking.

Recipe Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

We hope you enjoyed this article about shredded chicken and rice stuffed peppers! If you liked it, let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to pin this article or any image from it on Pinterest and give our pin a like! It really helps more people discover our content and motivates us to keep creating even more delicious ideas for you.

Chicken and Rice Recipe

Few dishes are as comforting or universally loved as a well-prepared chicken and rice recipe. Juicy chicken is seasoned to perfection, then gently simmered with fluffy rice until every grain is infused with savory flavor. The result is a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep — cozy, satisfying, and nourishing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• Add the chicken and sear for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly.
• Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the diced carrots. Bring to a simmer.
• Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice.
• Cover, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
• Remove from heat, stir in the peas, and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 29gFat: 18gSodium: 710mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

Keyword chicken and rice, easy dinner, one pot meal, comfort food

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!