14+ Chicken Rice Recipes Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Weeknight dinners in our house usually start with someone asking, “What’s for dinner?”—and with busy evenings and hungry faces, my standby answer is often something with chicken and rice. There’s just something deeply reassuring about putting this classic combo on the table: the sizzle from the skillet, the aroma of garlic and spices, the way everyone’s favorite flavors merge in one pot or plate. Whether we’re craving comfort, a quick fix, or something with a little extra zing, having a few chicken rice recipes up my sleeve means I can keep things interesting while staying within the lines of what everyone will eat. Over the years, my “14+ Chicken Rice Recipes Perfect for Weeknight Dinners” list keeps growing, and it’s saved my sanity more than once on those too-tired-to-cook nights.

1. Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a true weeknight champion, letting you toss everything in one pot and know dinner will be utterly comforting. The creamy texture and savory flavors always have my kids asking for seconds, and I get to skip washing extra pans.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned.
3. Add rice; stir to coat.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Stir in peas and heavy cream; cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes more.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of grated parmesan before serving for extra depth.

2. Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for using up leftover rice, this is a speedy, delicious answer when you need dinner on the table fast. Cooking the chicken in garlic butter adds an addictive flavor, and piling it into bowls feels cozy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and 2 garlic cloves, cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter, scramble eggs, then push to one side.
3. Add last tablespoon butter and remaining garlic, cooked vegetables, and rice. Stir and fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Return chicken, drizzle with soy sauce, and toss everything together.
5. Top with green onions and serve with lime wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Use cold leftover rice from the fridge—it won’t clump and fries up perfectly.

3. Lemon Herb Baked Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Ideal for those nights you want something bright but low-fuss; the oven does all the work while you do something else. The lemony fragrance signals dinner’s about to be really good.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse and drain rice; place in baking dish. Add chicken broth, thyme, garlic powder, half the salt and pepper.
3. Lay chicken thighs skin-side up over rice; drizzle with olive oil, remaining salt and pepper. Tuck in lemon slices.
4. Cover tightly with foil, bake for 35 minutes.
5. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more until chicken is crisp.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Swap This With That: Use boneless chicken breasts and reduce cook time by 10 minutes.

4. Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the dish to wake up your week—packed with smoky heat and color, it’s ready in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Great for anyone who loves a bit of spice at dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 1½ cups long grain white rice
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in skillet, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, and sear until golden. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté bell pepper and garlic for 2 minutes.
3. Add rice, stir to coat, then pour in broth.
4. Return chicken on top, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t stir the rice as it cooks or it can get gummy—let it steam undisturbed.

5. Chicken Rice Soup with Ginger and Green Onion

Why You’ll Love It:

When you need something cozy, this brothy, aromatic soup is a total hug in a bowl. Great for chilly nights or anyone feeling under the weather.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into thin coins
• 4 green onions, sliced
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Place chicken, ginger, and broth in a large pot. Bring to simmer, cook 20 minutes.
2. Remove chicken, shred or slice, set aside.
3. Add rice to broth, simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Return chicken, add soy sauce and salt.
5. Ladle into bowls; top with green onions and cilantro.

Best Pairings: Steamed broccoli, crispy spring rolls, or a tangy cucumber salad.

6. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’re looking for pure comfort in a casserole, this is it. Perfect for picky eaters and make-ahead meals—just bake, scoop, and serve.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, milk, half the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour into a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Meal Prep Tip: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3 days—makes great next-day lunches.

7. Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

Every part of these bowls can be made ahead, then assembled for a satisfying, sweet-savory dinner even your teens will love. The honey and soy sauce create a craveable glaze.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, chopped
• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Steam broccoli and carrots until just tender, set aside.
2. Whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch, set aside.
3. Heat sesame oil in skillet over med-high, cook chicken until browned.
4. Add sauce, simmer until thickened and chicken is glazed.
5. Build bowls with rice, chicken, veggies, and a sesame seed sprinkle.

Serving Idea: Serve with extra soy sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for those who want a kick.

8. Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Pilaf

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish brings sunny, Mediterranean flavor to your table and pairs beautifully with a simple salad. It’s a favorite for light, yet filling, dinners.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo or long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Heat oil in skillet, sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Add orzo/rice to pan, stir, then add broth, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Cover, simmer 15-18 minutes until tender.
5. Slice chicken, serve over rice pilaf, top with feta and dill.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

9. Chicken and Rice Enchilada Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

All the cheesy, saucy flavors of enchiladas, but without the rolling or baking—just skillet it and serve. A major family favorite on taco night.

Serving size: Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 small jalapeño, sliced
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet, combine cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Stir and heat through.
2. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and cook until melted, about 5 minutes.
3. Uncover, add jalapeños and cilantro. Serve warm.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Swap in canned chicken or leftover rotisserie to save time and money.

10. Chicken Rice with Roasted Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want to put plenty of veggies on the table alongside tasty chicken, this simple sheet pan meal hits the mark and keeps cleanup easy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups mixed diced vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, red onion)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges and chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking tray.
3. Roast 30-35 minutes until chicken is done and veg are tender.
4. Serve over warm rice, garnish with lemon and parsley.

Swap This With That: Use sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for the vegetables according to season.

11. Chicken and Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

A hearty, creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly nights and batch cooking—you can make it ahead for cozy lunches all week.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms until soft.
2. Stir in flour; cook 1 minutes.
3. Add broth, rice, thyme. Simmer 30 minutes or until rice is tender.
4. Stir in milk and chicken, heat through, season to taste.

Meal Prep Tip: This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth when reheating.

12. Sticky Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet and tangy glaze on the chicken makes this dinner feel just a bit special, but it’s simple enough for a Monday evening.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch; set aside.
2. Heat oil in skillet, cook chicken until browned. Add garlic and pineapple chunks, cook 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in sauce, simmer to thicken and coat the chicken.
4. Serve chicken and pineapple over rice, top with onions and sesame.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of sriracha to the sauce for spicy-sweet flavor.

13. Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

When you’re in the mood for something warmly spiced but kid-approved, Moroccan blends work their magic. This is a fun departure from the usual, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cubed
• 1½ cups basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Moroccan spice blend (like ras el hanout or a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon)
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion and spice blend in oil until fragrant.
2. Add chicken, cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in rice, then pour in broth and season with salt.
4. Mix in raisins. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Top with almonds and cilantro to serve.

Personal Note: This was always my “cozy up on a rainy night” dish when I lived in a tiny apartment.

14. Chicken Burrito Rice Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This is everything you love in a burrito, without any fiddly wrapping or rolling. Just scoop out servings for easy, pile-on toppings fun.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Sour cream and cilantro to serve

How to Make It:

1. In a large bowl, mix rice, chicken, beans, diced tomatoes, salsa, cheese, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
4. Top with sour cream and cilantro for serving.

Best Pairings: Tortilla chips, fresh guacamole, or a zesty corn salad.

15. Classic Hainanese Chicken Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This gently poached chicken with fragrant rice is a beloved classic for a reason. It’s balanced, nourishing, and the ginger-scallion sauce is what weeknight dreams are made of.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs)
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 2-inch ginger, half sliced, half minced
• 4 green onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt

How to Make It:

1. Place chicken in large pot, cover with water, add sliced ginger and green onions. Simmer gently 45 minutes until just cooked.
2. Remove chicken, brush with sesame oil, rest, then slice.
3. Rinse rice; in a saucepan, sauté minced ginger and garlic in vegetable oil. Add rice; toast lightly. Pour in reserved chicken broth and cook until fluffy.
4. For sauce: mix minced ginger, green onion, and a splash of hot oil.
5. Serve chicken slices over rice, with cucumber and sauce.

Serving Idea: This is traditionally served with a little dark soy sauce and extra broth on the side.

FAQ

What kind of rice works best for chicken rice recipes?

Long grain white rice is the most versatile and stays fluffy, but jasmine or basmati rice offer great flavor. For fried rice, use cold day-old rice.

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken for these recipes?

Absolutely. Many of these recipes are perfect for using up cooked chicken—just cut or shred it and add toward the end of the cook time.

How can I make these chicken rice recipes dairy-free?

Swap out cream or cheese for coconut milk, broth, or a non-dairy creamer in creamy dishes. For baked recipes, use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Are these good for meal prep or leftovers?

Yes. Almost all of these chicken rice dishes reheat well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Conclusion

Chicken and rice are the duo I rely on for dinners that soothe, satisfy, and don’t require a midweek miracle. These “14+ Chicken Rice Recipes Perfect for Weeknight Dinners” are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Whether you need something creamy and cozy, bold and spicy, or light and lemony, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to fit your mood—and your leftovers. I hope these ideas spark fresh inspiration and bring a little more ease and joy to your table, one comforting bowl or skillet at a time. Keep cooking, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to switch things up to make each recipe your own.