13+ Easy Rice Recipes Anyone Can Make

Rice is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. There’s something about the way a simmering pot of rice fills the whole house with comfort, whether it’s a steaming bowl of jasmine rice to go alongside a stir-fry or a lazy Sunday spent making a big batch of fried rice with leftovers tucked in. I’ve fumbled enough times—watched pots boil over, scraped a few bits off the bottom, added too much water—to appreciate the ease and flexibility that comes with simple rice dishes. Over the years, I’ve gathered a stack of 13+ easy rice recipes anyone can make so that on busy evenings or lazy afternoons, dinner feels possible and plenty. Here are some kitchen favorites I come back to on the regular.

1. Classic Stovetop White Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Nothing beats the simplicity of perfectly cooked white rice. It’s the anchor for curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, or a sunny-side egg. This is the recipe I first learned from my mom, and I still make it the same way when I need a quick side that goes with everything.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon butter or oil (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and salt.
3. Stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a bay leaf or a smashed garlic clove while simmering for more aroma.

2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a homestyle comfort meal for when you need dinner in a single pan. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice soak up all the savory juices. It’s a go-to for family meals when you want to keep it simple and filling.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high. Sear chicken until golden, about 7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in rice.
4. Pour in broth, add peas and carrots, return chicken to the pan.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken cooked through.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers store well in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with an extra splash of broth.

3. Simple Vegetable Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my catch-all recipe for leftover rice and any lonely fridge veggies. Fast, colorful, and endlessly customizable, it’s the easiest way to turn plain rice into a meal that’s actually exciting.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked day-old white rice
• 1 cup mixed diced vegetables (such as carrots, bell pepper, frozen peas)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add veggies and cook until tender.
2. Push veggies to the side, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble.
3. Add rice, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Stir well until hot.
4. Stir in scallions and adjust seasoning.

Swap This With That: Try brown rice for extra fiber or add tofu for more protein.

4. Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This oven-baked rice dish is pure comfort, loved by kids and adults. It’s great for using up leftover broccoli and makes a belly-filling, cheesy side for any weeknight dinner or potluck.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, broccoli, soup, milk, half the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture in a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until cheese bubbles and browns.

Flavor Boost: Top with crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs for crunch.

5. Garlic Butter Rice Pilaf

Why You’ll Love It:

This garlic-packed rice is perfect for when you want something a bit more interesting than plain rice, but still not fussy. It sits beautifully next to roast chicken, baked fish, or grilled veggies.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice well and drain.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and cook 2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover.
5. Cook for 18 minutes. Rest 5 minutes, then fluff and stir in parsley.

Best Pairings: Great with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or steamed green beans.

6. Tomato Basil Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

If you have ripe summer tomatoes, this fragrant, Italian-inspired side is a cinch and feels special with basically no effort at all. Serve alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian lunch bowl.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, and rice.
3. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
4. Off heat, fold in fresh basil and season to taste.

Serving Idea: Makes a delicious base for lemony grilled shrimp or roasted portobellos.

7. Easy Coconut Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet, creamy, and fragrant—coconut rice turns simple dinners into something memorable. It pairs especially well with Thai curries or grilled pineapple chicken.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, coconut milk, salt, and sugar.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18 minutes.
4. Off heat, let stand 5 minutes. Fluff rice and top with toasted coconut and cilantro.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip rinsing the rice—it keeps the grains fluffy, not gummy.

8. Chili Lime Cilantro Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright and zesty, this copycat chipotle-style rice is easy to whip up and gives tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled vegetables a punch of flavor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice thoroughly.
2. Bring water to a boil, add salt and rice. Cover and cook for 18 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let stand covered 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and stir in olive oil, lime zest, juice, cilantro, and jalapeño.

Swap This With That: Try lemon and parsley instead of lime and cilantro if that’s what you have.

9. Simple Rice Pudding

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy, lightly sweet rice pudding is my favorite “accidental dessert” when I have extra cooked rice in the fridge. Kids love it warm, or you can serve it cold with fruit for breakfast.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and berries for topping (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer, cook uncovered over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
3. Stir in cinnamon and vanilla. Spoon into bowls and top as you like.

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of golden raisins to the pudding as it cooks.

10. Savory Spinach Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This quick, one-pot green rice is a gentle way to get more veggies onto the table. It’s perfect for pairing with roasted meats and makes a simple vegetarian lunch with a fried egg on top.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for topping)

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add rice, dill, and broth; bring to a boil.
3. Lower to simmer and cook covered for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach and cook 8 minutes more. Off heat, rest for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff and serve with feta.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftover spinach rice makes a great base for lunch grain bowls.

11. Lemon Herb Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

I like to make this lemony rice as a change of pace from plain rice. It shines with roast fish or grilled vegetables and makes any meal feel a little brighter.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice and drain.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 18 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and herbs before serving.

Serving Idea: Great with salmon, roast chicken, or grilled zucchini.

12. Quick Beef and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a 30-minute dinner standby when you want something hearty and filling. It’s got big Tex-Mex flavors and uses only pantry staples and ground beef—so it can happen even on “nothing in the fridge” nights.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in tomatoes, corn, beans, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and let melt before serving.

Personal Note: This was a favorite “one-pan suppers” at my college apartment—still just as tasty now.

13. Tuna Rice Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

When it’s too hot or you’re too tired for stove cooking, this easy, cold rice salad makes a protein-packed lunch or light dinner. It’s fuss-free, portable, and surprisingly fresh.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice, cooled
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a large bowl, combine rice, tuna, tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use canned salmon or sardines if tuna is pricey or unavailable.

14. Curried Rice with Peas

Why You’ll Love It:

This warmly spiced yellow rice comes together quickly and works as a side or base for saucy dishes. It’s got enough flavor—and cheerful color—to stand on its own too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup basmati or long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot and cook onion until translucent.
2. Add curry powder and turmeric; cook 1 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and coat with spices.
4. Pour in water and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower to a simmer.
5. After 13 minutes, stir in peas. Cook covered 5 more minutes.
6. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff.

Flavor Boost: Stir in golden raisins or toasted cashews for extra texture and flavor.

15. Spanish Tomato Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a classic Mexican-inspired rice flavored with tomato, garlic, and onion—the perfect foundation for taco night or as a base for grilled chicken and fish.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and cook onion until soft. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
2. Stir in rice, cook 2 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro.

Serving Idea: Serve with grilled shrimp, chicken, or as a stuffing for bell peppers.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in these recipes?

Most of these recipes work with brown rice, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time and possibly more liquid. The grains will be more chewy but just as tasty.

How do I avoid mushy or sticky rice?

For fluffy rice, always rinse until the water runs clear and keep to the correct water-to-rice ratio. Don’t stir the rice as it cooks, and let it rest before fluffing.

What if I don’t have a rice cooker?

All these recipes can be made on the stovetop with a saucepan and tight-fitting lid. Just keep your heat low once it starts to simmer.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rice?

Sprinkle leftovers with a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave until hot. This helps revive the texture and keep it moist.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of dinner inspiration when you have a simple bag of rice in the pantry. These 13+ easy rice recipes anyone can make are designed to help you feel more confident and flexible in the kitchen, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. Each one is forgiving enough for busy weeknights, budget-friendly for everyday meals, and open to your own twist based on what you love or have on hand. Trust your instincts, swap in new flavors, and enjoy the comfort that comes from a pot of rice cooked just the way you like it. Happy cooking.