Whole chicken and rice are a staple for most family lunches and dinners; you might get confused trying to weave together a perfect recipe.
This post will uncover (in detail) 25 scrumptiously healthy chicken and rice recipes you should try out.
We will discuss the ingredients involved and how to piece them together into a perfect super easy and perfect healthy dinner combination.
But first, here’s…
Why You’ll Love Our Chicken and Rice Recipes
- High in good fat but low in bad fat and calories, suitable for losing weight
- Excellent source of all the nine essential amino acids.
- Less stressful to prepare and delicious to eat.
Aromatic and Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipes
If you want tastier bites from your casserole, these delightful chicken and rice delicacies are guaranteed to revolutionize your cooking and dining experience.
1. One Pot Chicken and Rice
The one-pot chicken and rice is a quick and easy meal to prepare. With everything cooked under one pot, look forward to a tasty meal with zero loss in flavor. We recommend using chicken cubes in this recipe for a faster cook time. Vegetables enhance the richness of the flavor without taking away the chicken and rice shine.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 large carrots cut into small cubes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh parsley for serving
2. Herb & Ricotta Chicken with Mushroom Rice
The herb & ricotta chicken with mushroom rice boasts long grain rice, roasted chicken and mushroom, and delicious trimmings of veggies like broccoli. It can also be served with creamy butter mashed cauliflower on a side plate for a flavorful taste. Ultimately, preparation is simple-ish but requires some patience.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tsp rapeseed oil
- 2 leeks , washed and sliced
- 180g closed cup mushrooms , roughly sliced
- 125g brown basmati rice
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 60g ricotta
- good handful basil , chopped, plus a few small leaves, to serve
- 1 garlic clove , finely grated
- 10g parmesan , finely grated
- 2 skinless chicken breast fillets
- handful chopped parsley , plus extra to serve
3. Chicken, Leek & Blue Cheese Pilaf
This gluten-free delicacy is an elegant meat and veggie combo and can be prepared in approximately 40 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. Overall, it’s a super healthy addition for two of your 5-a-day.
Ingredients
- 75g brown basmati rice
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp rapeseed oil
- 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (about 300g), chopped
- 1 leek (about 190g), thinly sliced
- 2 courgettes (about 215g), thinly sliced
- 160g frozen peas
- 4 walnut halves, broken
- 25g gorgonzola, chopped
4. Fridge-raid Fried Rice
It’s improbable that you can prepare the exact amount of rice you need. So you might end up with some leftovers, thus necessitating cold storage. But what happens when you need it for your next dinner?
That’s where fridge-raid rice comes in because it’s the most resourceful way to revitalize leftover rice and veggies like broccoli. Whether leftover brown rice, white rice, or day-old veggies, fridge-raid fried rice elevates the taste perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 100g green beans, chopped
- 1 red or yellow pepper, finely chopped
- ½ medium broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 150g cooked chicken (or any other meat), roughly chopped
- 300g cold cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
5. Chicken with Rice & Peas
This recipe should help you cook a nice, smooth, kid-friendly dinner if you try to make your evenings less stressful.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 2 red onions, halved and sliced
- 4 chicken legs (about 1 kg in total), skin removed
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Madras curry powder
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon
- For the rice & peas
- 125g brown basmati
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra to serve
- 1 tsp vegetable bouillon
- 400g can black-eyed beans
6. Easiest Ever Seafood Rice
Are you looking to give a new life to your weekend dinner mainstay? Give the Seafood Rice recipe a try and witness your children asking for additions of this drool-inducing delicacy. Because it’s easy to prepare, it’s a welcome addition to your favorite list of family-friendly dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 leek or onion, sliced
- 110g pack chorizo sausage, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 300g long grain rice
- 1l hot fish or chicken stock
- 200g frozen peas
- 400g frozen seafood mix, defrosted
7. Stir-fried Chicken with Broccoli & Brown Rice
Healthy dinner preparation doesn’t get easier than stir-frying chicken with broccoli and brown rice. Drizzled in a flavorful sauce that includes fresh ginger and garlic, this homemade sauce is guaranteed to impress your guests anytime and any day.
Ingredients
- 200g trimmed broccoli florets (about 6), halved
- 1 chicken breast (approx 180g), diced
- 15g ginger, cut into shreds
- 2 garlic cloves, cut into shreds
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 roasted red pepper, from a jar, cut into cubes
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp mild chilli powder
- 1 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 250g pack cooked brown rice
8. Chicken Rice and Broccoli
Chicken and broccoli with white rice pass as an easy-to-prepare complete dinner meal bursting with spicy ingredients, as highlighted below. This recipe is easily the most preferred protein, veggies, and rice meal for multi-family setups.
Ingredients
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- For the chicken:
- 4 small-medium boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs about 4 oz each
- 1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 cups broccoli florets
- water for steaming
9. One Pot Chicken and Rice
You will be blown away by the flavor-packed chicken thighs and the white rice cooked in vegetable broth. Skinless chicken breasts are an excellent alternative here, but if you’re pressed for time, make sure they’re boneless to shorten the time it takes to cook.
Ingredients
- tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 large carrots cut into small cubes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh parsley for serving
10. Healthy Chicken and Rice
If you are looking for a simple dish that is super healthy yet complete, then the healthy chicken rice ticks all the boxes. Guess what? Besides being a kid-friendly meal, it’s also a perfect one-pot chicken and rice recipe. And the leftovers are just as tasty and healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 800g/1lb 12oz bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 4 large chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 large carrots, finely chopped
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 250g/9oz basmati or long-grain rice
- 600ml/1 pint chicken stock
- large handful chopped dill, plus extra to garnish
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
11. Healthy Fried Rice
Healthy fried rice is an excellent way to add a tender touch/distinct flavor to freshly cooked rice. In addition, it’s a go-to recipe for using up any cooked brown rice from a previous dish. Loaded with healthy fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, this approach keeps things on the healthier side of the equation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ButcherBox Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 cup onion finely chopped (1 medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced in small squares (1 large pepper)
- 1 cup carrots peeled then finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional- omit if you like less spice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 cup frozen green peas thawed
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 2/3 dry brown rice)
12. Chicken Breast and Rice Recipe
Relish the moment with this chicken breast and rice casserole, prepared in a deliciously creamy sauce. This casserole recipe comes together in 5-7 minutes and is made from basmati or long grain rice. Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
- 700 g chicken breasts , chopped into small pieces
- 1 onion , diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 stalk celery
- 2 carrots , diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper , diced
- 1 green bell pepper , diced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 900 ml chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 fresh ginger , grated
- 1 cup sweet corn , canned
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley (for serving)
13. One-pan Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipe with Spinach
Are you ready for a tasty addition to three of your 5-a-day? Using fresh spinach, boneless chicken breasts, and rice made in one pan, look forward to a satisfying, super nutritious, hearty meal at all times. Stay close while the dish cooks to avoid overcooking or prevent the rice from burning.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup white rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 3 cups spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 6 scallions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
14. Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice
Try this recipe if you want a nutritious alternative to traditional fried rice. In just 30 minutes, you will be sitting down to enjoy the tasty bites of the meal cooked in colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, carrots, and peas. In addition, you can prepare a large batch of quinoa and have it on hand for subsequent weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon peanut oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced carrot
- ½ cup peas, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 2 cups cold cooked quinoa
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil (Optional)
15. Most Flavorful Chicken and Rice
Do you know what keeps this recipe super flavorful? The flavor profile features chicken broth, garlic, onions, spices, and Worcestershire sauce. Furthermore, a one-pot cooking approach keeps all the broth and seasonings’ flavors intact.
For this recipe, we recommend you go for rice brands like jasmine rice or basmati white rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons homemade chicken seasoning
- 2.5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium white onion, minced
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced (or 4 medium)
- 4 oz. white mushrooms, diced
- 2 medium carrots minced
- 1 cup white rice (we used white basmati)
- 2 and 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1.5 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- fresh parsley, for topping
16. One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
If you are looking for the quickest meal prep on busy weeknights, the one-pot lemon herb chicken and rice do the trick flawlessly. Cooking time is around 30 – 35 minutes when using brown rice but even less for white rice.
And you can store any leftovers in an airtight container and a freezer for a duration exceeding three days. This dish is a staple in most restaurants for its bright pop of flavor, thanks to the lemon juice dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth – (I used low sodium)
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
17. Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Because it’s the most common dish in most American homemade meals, this cuisine takes a short time to cook as it can use any leftover rice. For starters, you can cook off your chicken a day ahead. Otherwise, the addition of Worcestershire sauce and veggies brings a sensational taste.
Ingredients
- 3 cups brown rice cooked
- 3/4 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided use
- 1 egg scrambled
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional: sliced green onions for garnish
18. Chicken and Brown Rice
You are 40 minutes and a few steps away from serving a finger-licking meal to your family with this chicken and brown rice recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish will satisfy any cravings you might have.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole cut-up chicken (2 1/2 to 3 pounds), skins removed, breasts halved crosswise (save wings for another use)
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 4 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen green peas, thawed
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
19. Chicken Rice Bowl
This chicken rice bowl is another quick and easy-to-prepare meal always present in most lunches and dinners. Cooked in sauteed onions and pepper, this dish has delicious chicken pieces and tender rice that will leave you wanting more. The best part is that you can customize the meal with the veggies you like.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked instant rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped frozen green pepper, thawed
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 package (9 ounces) ready-to-use grilled chicken breast strips
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
20. Thai Chicken and Rice
As traditional Thai street food comes with aromatic bursts of flavors – you will want to smash the plates since you can’t have enough of the meal. And you can make it your weekend favorite delicacy when you invite friends to hang out in your backyard.
Ingredients
- 2–3 TB olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 LB boneless/skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 whole red bell pepper OR 1 cup tomatoes (drained, seeded, chopped)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk, from canned (shake well before use)
- 2 TB regular soy sauce
- 2 tsp Asian fish sauce
- 1–2 tsp chili powder, depending on desired heat
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped Thai basil
- Garnishes: lime wedges, roasted chopped peanuts
21. Healthy Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice Recipe
What an ingenious way to add a sweeter touch to your typical chicken and fried rice recipe! You cannot go wrong preparing this dish for your family as it’s 100x better than the takeout version. Stirfrying preserves its delightful flavor without interfering with the nutritional content.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long grain rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chopped frozen vegetables, thawed
- 1 chicken breast
- 3 spring onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 cm fresh root ginger
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
22. Chicken in Tomato Sauce with Rice
Enjoy the juicy, tender, and easy-to-cook chicken in tomato with rice dish. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. You are going to love this irresistible sauce made in one pan.
Ingredients
- 200g / 7oz. long grain white rice
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parlsey
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 medium chicken breast fillets
- 300g / 11 oz. of passata or tomato based pasta sauce
- ½ low salt chicken stock cube
- 100ml / 3 ½ fl oz. of water
- 100g / 4 oz. of frozen peas
- Black pepper to taste
23. Chicken Burrito with Brown Rice
If robust flavors are beckoning you, give this recipe a try for one of those where-have-you-been-all-my-life moments. Chicken breasts or thighs should work just fine with this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 4 large flour tortillas, warmed
- Black beans and grated cheese (optional)
- Salsa, guacamole and sour cream, for serving (optional)
24. Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice
You will never be tempted to go for any take-out version of this recipe once you try the homemade dish. Instead, you can whip it up very often hassle-free. Way more than the typical takeout flavor – juicy and tastier.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 3/4 to 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend (I don’t thaw and use straight from the freezer)
- 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 cups cooked rice (I use white, long-grain, or brown may be substituted. To save time use two 8.8-ounce pouches of cooked and ready-to-serve rice)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
- salt and pepper, optional and to taste
25. Chicken Schezwan Rice Recipe
This Indo-Chinese cuisine is a teaser for your palate. Toss Basmati rice in red chilly, Schezwan sauce, and veggies for this recipe, and watch how irresistibly tasty the sauce becomes.
Ingredients
- 250 Gram Long-grain basmati rice1 Carrot (washed and peeled)
- chopped1/4 cup French beans (washed)
- finely chopped1 medium Green capsicum (washed, de-seeded)
- finely chopped3 Spring onions (washed)
- chopped1 cup Chicken
- shredded1/2 cup Shrimps (cooked)
- small2 tbsp Soya sauce1 tbsp Celery (washed, ends trimmed)
- chopped1/2 tbsp Chilli sauce1 tbsp Vinegar1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1/2 tbsp Chinese salt (optional)1/4 tsp Salt1 Onion
- sliced3-5 drops Oil1 Garlic
- chopped1/2 cup Tinned mushrooms-washed
- drained and chopped or fresh mushrooms-washed and chopped (optional)
Final Take on Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipes
Most people waste money on takeouts with subpar tastes and flavors. Yet still, others struggle to find credible recipes to help brush up on their culinary skills as far as cooking chicken and rice is concerned.
If you want to give a new life to rice and chicken casseroles, the above recipes should serve as a worthy companion in the kitchen. Yes. They’re simple and versatile. And do not hesitate to tweak them to your liking where possible.
FAQs on Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipes
What fresh veggies should I use for chicken and rice recipes?
Depending on your taste and the type of chicken and rice dish, you can choose any kind of veggies, including spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, mushroom, or peas.
You can also select whether you prefer fresh or frozen veggies for your dish.
How long can I keep any leftovers under cold storage?
You can store most fried rice dishes in the fridge for up to 3 days. Also, storage in a freezer can go up to 3 months if the cooked rice dish is kept in an airtight container.
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