17 Comforting Chicken and Rice Recipes to Make for Dinner

From soups to one-pot meals, there are so many ways to cook this classic combo.

Curried chicken
Photo:

Johnny Miller

Chicken and rice is a classic combination that transcends cultures and cuisines, making it a staple in kitchens around the world. Whether it's a hearty casserole, a fragrant Latin American or Middle Eastern dish, or comforting chicken fried rice from Asia, the pairing of tender chicken with rice offers endless possibilities, as our collection of chicken and rice recipes shows.

This humble duo adapts to a variety of tastes, from spicy and bold to light and refreshing, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Even more to love: chicken and rice dishes are often budget-friendly and nourishing, so you'll get a well-rounded meal that’s packed with protein and essential nutrients.

Whether you’re looking to explore global flavors or recreate family favorites, these recipes are a great way to bring comfort and variety to your table. Here, you'll find some of our favorite takes on this beloved combination, both familiar and unique.

01 of 17

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

chickenrice-casserole-005-med109770.jpg
Yunhee Kim

There's a nostalgic feel to this terrific casserole, but it's also quite practical for a weeknight dinner since it calls for a rotisserie chicken and precooked (or leftover) rice. No cream of mushroom soup here; instead, sour cream, shallots, and sliced mixed mushrooms do the job.

02 of 17

Chipotle Chicken and Rice

med104768_0709_chipotle_chicken.jpg

To make this stovetop dish, you start by browning chicken thighs; from there, you build flavor by cooking an onion, garlic, cumin, chiles, and tomatoes in the same pan. Add water and rice, and let everything simmer together for a rich-tasting dinner.

03 of 17

Easy Chicken and Shrimp Paella

chicken shrimp paella

Paella is a classic chicken and rice dish known throughout Spain, but you can easily make it at home. This rendition calls for chorizo, which delivers subtle heat and smokiness.

04 of 17

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo and Rice

plated instant pot chicken and rice topped with green onion
Bryan Gardner

Here's another iteration of chicken, rice, and chiles, this one made in the Instant Pot. It has a tangy, sweet, and savory taste thanks to soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.

05 of 17

One-Pot Chicken and Brown Rice

chicken br

This chicken and rice dish is packed with vegetables. The recipe calls for carrots, celery, and onion, but it's quite adaptable—swap in anything from bell peppers to cauliflower florets.

06 of 17

Peruvian Chicken Soup With Rice and Potatoes

Rice & Potatoes

Chicken soup with rice is nice, but why not add potatoes, corn, and cilantro? That's the thinking behind this savory soup, which is plenty hearty and can stand alone as a main course.

07 of 17

One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Swiss Chard

One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Swiss Chard

Here's a delicious and healthy dinner that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It includes chicken leg quarters, which are nicely complemented by Swiss chard, rice, and lemon.

08 of 17

Chicken Kabsa

chicken kasaba dish drumsticks
Bobbi Lin

Fragrant and beautiful, this Saudi Arabian stunner is a great dish for entertaining, served with a citrusy yogurt sauce. It combines sweet and savory elements, incorporating raisins, almonds, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

09 of 17

Curried Chicken With Coconut Rice

Curried Chicken with Coconut Rice
Johnny Miller

The addition of curry powder, cayenne, and fresh ginger ensures this one-pot Southeast Asian-inspired dish delivers loads of flavor. You could serve it with a simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes for a cooling contrast.

10 of 17

Chicken Soup With Rice

Chicken Soup with Rice
Bryan Gardner

This homey classic comes together quickly with no fuss. Leeks give it an elegant touch.

11 of 17

Chicken-and-Mushroom Congee

Chicken-and-Mushroom Congee recipe
Lennart Weibull

This savory rice porridge is thick, rich, and wonderfully comforting on a cold night. Serve it with sesame oil and chili oil to taste.

12 of 17

One-Pan Cuban Chicken With Rice and Beans

one pan cuban chicken with rice beans
Armando Rafael

Bacon and cumin amp up simple chicken, rice, and beans in this homey dinner. You can use black beans or any other, whether pinto, kidney, or even chickpeas.

13 of 17

Chicken and Brown Rice

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Roasted red peppers and peas give this great dish beautiful pops of color and bright flavor, too.

14 of 17

Chicken Risotto

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Mike Krautter

Chicken gives creamy risotto a protein bump, and summer squash and asparagus deliver extra oomph in this filling and tasty meal.

15 of 17

Summery Chicken and Rice Soup

summery chicken-and-rice soup
Lennart Weibull

Soup in summer? Why not, when it includes zucchini or yellow squash, plus Swiss chard or any other leafy green.

16 of 17

Japanese Fried Rice

japanese-fried-rice-0050-d112283.jpg
Mike Krautter

Got leftover rice? You're already halfway there to a wonderful meal that's rich with flavor, thanks to soy sauce, sake, butter, and garlic. Egg and chicken give it a boost of protein and heft.

17 of 17

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Rachel Marek

One more soup recipe before we go—this one is made with wild rice and delivers a pleasant nutty undertone.

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