21 rice recipes for when you don’t know what else to make
Rice is one of those ingredients that’s always around but easy to overlook. These recipes make it more useful, whether dinner needs to be quick or there’s time to cook. From one-pan meals to simple sides, there’s plenty here to work with.
Chicken Thighs and Rice
When you need a quick, hearty dinner that still brings the flavor, this chicken thighs and rice recipe delivers. It’s a one-pan wonder that works for busy weeknights or nights when you want something that feels a little more special. Get the recipe: Chicken Thighs and Rice
Chicken and Rice Salad
This chicken and rice salad with fresh basil and lemon is a refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and fragrant basil with a tangy lemon dressing. It is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad
Easy Fried Rice
This Chinese fried rice is perfect for any night, better than takeout, and customizable. Serve it solo or with your favorite Asian dishes. Get the recipe: Easy Fried Rice
Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)
This Thai chicken and rice gives the classic a flavorful upgrade with minimal effort. It’s healthy, packed with flavor, and comes together in one pan—ideal for meal prep. Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
This Instant Pot Cajun chicken and rice recipe comes together quickly. Chicken, seasoned rice, and a blend of Cajun spices make it a perfect one-pot meal for busy nights when you want something delicious. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A warm and comforting meal in a bowl! Learn how to make chicken wild rice soup, a creamy chicken soup that is full of flavor. Enjoy the taste of turmeric, ginger, coconut milk, fresh basil, and rich chicken broth. Get the recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Turn Texas Caviar into this healthy cowboy caviar salad. Rice, black beans, corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sweet and spicy chili maple dressing. A delicious lunch or side dish for a BBQ. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef
This taco rice bowl recipe with ground beef is a healthy and popular family dinner. This easy meal all comes together in less than thirty minutes! Get the recipe: Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
This easy Instant Pot chicken burrito bowls recipe is basically meal prep magic. It’s gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, and your whole crew will actually eat it. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
This cilantro lime brown rice Chipotle copycat recipe is a tasty and aromatic side dish. The flavorful combination of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice makes it a popular choice for Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes. Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Tuna Mayo Rice Balls
These tuna mayo rice balls are a simple, delicious snack or meal with just five ingredients. They’re quick to make and perfect for when you need something easy and satisfying. Get the recipe: Tuna Mayo Rice Balls
Rice Salad with Tuna
This rice salad with tuna is packed with protein and flavor. It’s easy to make, really satisfying for lunch or a light dinner, and an excellent option for meal prep. Get the recipe: Rice Salad with Tuna
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Mexican beef and rice skillet is an easy, one-pan meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. This simple recipe turns ground beef into a hearty, no-fuss dinner. Get the recipe: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
This one-skillet Hawaiian fried rice comes together in just 30 minutes and might just change your dinner game. With ham and pineapple, it’s a fun and tasty way to use up leftover ham. Get the recipe: Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake
Mexican-style rice is so popular, why not spin it into a full meal? By using whole grain rice, this enchilada chicken rice bake is much more nutritious, making it a delicious gluten-free choice the family will gobble up. Get the recipe: Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake
How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth
Learn how to cook brown rice in broth and add extra flavour and richness to your dish. This easy method gives you a batch of tender, chewy rice and is always perfect. Get the recipe: How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth
Tex-Mex Casserole with Ground Beef
This easy Tex-Mex Casserole is a crowd-pleasing recipe that is in high rotation in many kitchens. A cheesy, baked dish with ground beef and beans. A filling meal that is packed with protein. Get the recipe: Tex-Mex Casserole
Fruit and Nut Salad
This fruit and nut salad has a really great texture with tons of delicious flavours. It features dried fruit and toasted nuts mixed with whole grain rice and a lovely, fresh dressing. It is nicknamed ‘trail mix salad’. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Salad
Copycat Panda Express Fried Rice
Making your own fried rice is super easy! Budget-friendly, one-pan, and all the perks of a homemade meal. Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Fried Rice
Easy Shrimp and Egg Fried Rice
A Chinese chef shares how to make shrimp and egg fried rice that’s easy enough for weeknights and way better than takeout. If you’ve got leftover rice and five minutes, you’re set. Get the recipe: Easy Shrimp Egg Fried Rice
Easy Red Beans and Rice
This red beans and rice recipe has smoked sausage, kidney beans, and all the classic veggies like onion, celery, and green pepper. It comes together in about an hour and makes enough for leftovers, so tomorrow’s lunch is basically done. Get the recipe: Easy Red Beans and Rice