30 rice recipes (easy wins from a pantry classic)

Rice is one of those staples that always seems to be hanging out in the pantry. It works as a base, a side, or the thing that quietly pulls a whole meal together. These recipes show just how far a simple scoop of rice can go.

Sweet Pea Risotto

A bowl of Sweet Pea Risotto.
Image Credit: Food Nouveau

This sweet pea risotto is simple, fresh, and just a little fancy. Fresh or frozen peas make it easy to get that naturally sweet, early-summer flavor every time. Get the recipeSweet Pea Risotto

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

A bowl of Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice.
Image Credit: Eating in an Instant

Instant Greek Chicken and Rice combines spiced chicken and tender rice for a flavorful dinner. It all cooks together in the Instant Pot for an easy, tasty meal. Get the recipeInstant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl

A plate of Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Katsudon is a Japanese rice bowl with crispy pork cutlet, egg, and sautéed onions in a sweet-savory sauce. Hearty, satisfying, and easy to make, it’s comfort food you can enjoy any day of the week. Get the recipeKatsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl

Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole

A bowl of Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This ranch chicken and rice casserole is made with just five ingredients and couldn’t be easier. The rice cooks up creamy, cozy, and totally comforting. Get the recipeRanch Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked Lemon Chicken and Rice

A pan of lemon chicken and rice.
Image Credit: Simply Delicious

One pan baked lemon chicken and rice is a delicious, easy dinner recipe made in less than an hour from start to finish, with simple ingredients. Get the recipeBaked Lemon Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Rice Salad

A bowl of chicken and rice salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Taco Rice Bowl Recipe with Ground Beef

A taco rice bowl topped with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

A bowl of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
Image Credit: Lauren From Scratch

Authentic Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo straight from a Louisiana native with rich, bold flavors. Smoky andouille sausage and seasoned chicken simmer together in a flavorful roux and are perfect served over fluffy white rice. Get the recipeChicken and Sausage Gumbo

Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)

A pan of thai chicken and rice.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

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 RecipeThai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

A plate of instant pot chicken and rice bowls.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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 recipeInstant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Overhead image of Mexican beef and rice skillet.
Image Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight

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 recipeMexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Easy Fried Rice

A plate of easy fried rice.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

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

Tuna Mayo Rice Balls

A plate of tuna mayo rice balls.
Image Credit: Carmy

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 recipeTuna Mayo Rice Balls

Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake

Chicken enchilada bake in a casserole dish.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

A small bowl of brown rice cooked in broth.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

A bowl of Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice.
Image Credit: Eat Your Beets

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 recipeInstant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A bow of chicken and wild rice soup.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Tex-Mex Casserole with Ground Beef

A casserole dish with tex mex beef casserole.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

How to Make Spanish Paella

Overhead image of Spanish Paella.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Paella is the ultimate Spanish dish with saffron-infused rice, meat, seafood, and veggies. It’s a crowd-pleaser with bold, traditional flavors that’s easier to make than you’d think. Get the recipeHow to Make Spanish Paella

Cowboy Caviar Salad

A bowl of cowboy caviar salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cilantro lime mixture being stirred into a pot of warm rice.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Chicken Étouffée

A bowl of Chicken Étouffée.
Image Credit: Lauren From Scratch

Chicken étouffée is a rich, savory Louisiana-style stew with chicken and rice in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It is the perfect comfort meal when you are craving something cozy, and it works beautifully served over white rice. Get the recipeChicken Étouffée

Kung Pao Beef

A plate of Kung Pao Beef.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want it on the table in under 30 minutes, this kung pao beef hits the spot. Tender beef stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and peanuts in a savory, sweet sauce. Get the RecipeKung Pao Beef

Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

A dish of Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice.
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky

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 recipeHam and Pineapple Fried Rice

Rice Salad with Tuna

A bowl of rice salad with tuna with a fork in it.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

A bowl of Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This one-pot chicken, broccoli, and rice recipe is creamy, cheesy, and comes together in just 35 minutes. Way faster than a casserole and just as comforting. Get the RecipeCheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice 

Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms

A plate of Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms.
Image Credit: Lauren From Scratch

Savory mushrooms with juicy, tender short ribs served over creamy parmesan risotto. This dish is indulgent, flavorful, and totally restaurant quality. It’s an impressive dinner that will wow anyone you serve it to. Get the RecipeBraised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms

Fruit and Nut Salad

Fruit and nut salad in a bowl.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

A bowl of fried rice with chopsticks.
Image Credit: Masala Herb

Making your own fried rice is super easy! Budget-friendly, one-pan, and all the perks of a homemade meal. Get the RecipeCopycat Panda Express Fried Rice

One Pan Spanish Chicken And Rice

A dish of One Pan Spanish Chicken And Rice.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons

This one-pan Spanish chicken and rice (arroz con pollo) is hearty and cozy. It’s a simple one-pot meal that works just as well for a weeknight as it does for a laid-back Sunday dinner. Get the recipeOne Pan Spanish Chicken And Rice

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