If you love chicken and rice, you're in for a treat. These five chicken over rice recipes are not just tasty; they're quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a busy weeknight or a fun family dinner. From classic comfort food to zesty flavors, there's something for everyone. So, grab your apron and get ready to discover which recipe will become your new favorite! Trust me, you won't want to miss this.
Classic Chicken and Rice
Classic Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, as it's easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite seasonings or vegetables.
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Season the chicken with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then add it to the skillet, browning on both sides for about 5 minutes.
Once the chicken is browned, add the rice, stirring to coat it with the spices, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Remove the skillet from heat, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or a bit of lemon juice prior to cooking.
You can also mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to make the dish more nutritious.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your personal preferences.
Spicy Chicken Over Rice
Spicy Chicken Over Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that brings a kick of flavor with every bite. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy rice, complemented by a zesty sauce that adds the right amount of heat. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it a favorite among spice lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
Once marinated, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Serve the sliced chicken over a generous portion of cooked rice, and drizzle with any pan juices for added flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Extra Tips:
To customize the level of spiciness, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used in the marinade.
For an extra flavor boost, you can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the rice.
If you want to make this dish even creamier, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of yogurt on top before serving.
Additionally, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Enjoy your spicy chicken over rice!
Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowl
Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and invigorating dish that brings together the zesty flavors of lemon and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe features tender chicken marinated in a lemon-herb mixture, served over fluffy rice and accompanied by your favorite veggies.
It's a wholesome dish that isn't only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package instructions using chicken broth or water for added flavor.
Once the chicken is ready, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of rice and top with steamed vegetables if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the marinade or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
You can also customize this dish by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, either as a side or mixed in with the chicken and rice.
If you want to make this dish in advance, the marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the rice can be made in bulk and reheated when ready to serve.
Enjoy this Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowl for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal!
Teriyaki Chicken With Rice
Teriyaki Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's quick to prepare and packs a punch of deliciousness that the whole family will love.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: steamed broccoli or other vegetables
Cooking Instructions:
Start by marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips and serve it over the cooked rice, drizzling with extra teriyaki sauce and garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
For best results, use chicken thighs as they're juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
If you want to add some vegetables, consider steaming broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to serve alongside the dish; they pair perfectly with the teriyaki flavor.
To make this dish a complete meal, feel free to customize the toppings with additional garnishes like chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
Finally, if you want a bit of heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce!
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in one pot. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The rich garlic-infused cream sauce enhances the dish, making it a delightful meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, then add them to the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the rice, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to thicken slightly, then remove from heat. Slice the chicken and serve it over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in garlic and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if you're looking for a lighter version.
If you want to add some greens, throw in a handful of spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.