15 Chicken and Rice Recipes for Comfort Food Lovers

Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together the timeless flavors of chicken and rice? You’ve come to the right place!

This classic combo can be dressed up or kept simple, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer creamy casseroles, spicy stir-fries, or hearty soups, chicken and rice dishes offer endless possibilities that are sure to please every palate.

Let’s explore some mouthwatering recipes that will become new favorites in your kitchen!

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

This timeless dish combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s the perfect meal for cozy dinners and brings a touch of nostalgia to the table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
5. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, add the peas and shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve with: A fresh green salad.

Drink with: A crisp glass of white wine or iced tea.

2. Chicken and Rice Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup, a perfect blend of tender chicken, soft rice, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. This comforting soup is ideal for chilly days and easy to whip up for a nourishing meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the rice and reduce to a simmer.
6. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Add the cooked chicken and heat through.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve with: A slice of crusty bread.

Drink with: Hot herbal tea or a light beer.

3. One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken and Rice

Enjoy the simplicity and bright flavors of One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken and Rice. This dish combines zesty lemon with succulent chicken and perfectly cooked rice, all in one convenient pan. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
4. Arrange the lemon slices over the chicken.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve with: Steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.

Drink with: Lemon water or a light white wine.

4. Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Experience the flavorful blend of Chicken and Rice Pilaf, where tender chicken mingles with fragrant rice and a mix of aromatic spices. This dish is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it a delightful main course for any dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the rice and chicken broth, bringing to a boil.
5. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken and peas, cooking until heated through.
7. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.

Serve with: A side of yogurt and cucumber salad.

Drink with: Mint tea or a crisp white wine.

5. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice

Indulge in the rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, a dish that combines tender chicken with nutty wild rice in a luscious, creamy sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy night in.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the wild rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
2. In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat and cook the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly stir in the cream, bringing to a simmer.
6. Combine the creamy mixture with the cooked rice and chicken in a baking dish.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Serve with: A side of green beans or a fresh salad.

Drink with: Chardonnay or a chilled glass of sparkling water.

6. Chicken Fried Rice

Whip up a quick and tasty meal with Chicken Fried Rice, featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful rice all stir-fried to perfection. This versatile dish is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking until tender.
4. Push the vegetables to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan, scrambling them.
5. Combine the cooked rice and chicken, mixing well.
6. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve hot.

Serve with: A side of egg rolls.

Drink with: Green tea or a cold beer.

7. Spanish Chicken and Rice

Savor the vibrant flavors of Spanish Chicken and Rice, a colorful dish packed with seasoned chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a delightful one-pot meal that’s both hearty and delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown them in the pan.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pan, cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
5. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and vegetables.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and saffron. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
8. Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with: A side of crusty bread.

Drink with: Sangria or a robust red wine.

8. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Make mealtime a breeze with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, a quick and easy dish that combines juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a savory broth. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is ready in no time with minimal effort.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
6. Seal the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Serve with: A simple green salad.

Drink with: Sparkling water or a light white wine.

9. Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers

These colorful peppers are filled with a savory chicken and rice mixture, then baked to perfection. It’s a wholesome, visually appealing meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken, rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the chicken and rice mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve with: A side of steamed vegetables.

Drink with: Lemonade or a crisp white wine.

10. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Let your slow cooker do the work with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice come together in a savory, flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy days. Just set it and forget it until mealtime.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, garlic, rice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serve with: A side of roasted vegetables.

Drink with: Iced tea or a light beer.

11. Chicken and Rice Skillet

Whip up a quick and delicious meal with this Chicken and Rice Skillet. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful spices come together in one pan for an easy, satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown them in the skillet.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and vegetables.
6. Add the chicken broth and thyme, bringing to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Serve with: A side of sautéed spinach.

Drink with: A glass of white wine or sparkling water.

12. Mexican Chicken and Rice

Spice up your dinner with Mexican Chicken and Rice, a flavorful dish featuring seasoned chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. This one-pot meal is bursting with zesty Mexican flavors and is sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then brown them in the skillet.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
5. Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and vegetables.
6. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies, bringing to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve with: A side of guacamole and tortilla chips.

Drink with: A cold cerveza or a margarita.

13. Chicken and Rice Bake

Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of a Chicken and Rice Bake, a delicious dish where tender chicken and fluffy rice are baked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
5. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, add the peas and shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve with: A side of steamed broccoli.

Drink with: A glass of white wine or lemonade.

14. Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice, a vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and a burst of lemony flavor. This one-pan meal is fresh, zesty, and utterly delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve with: A side of Greek salad.

Drink with: A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.

15. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls

Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls, a delightful dish featuring tender chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
7. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat.
8. Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetables over the cooked rice, garnishing with sesame seeds.

Serve with: A side of edamame.

Drink with: Green tea or a cold beer.

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