Chicken rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that works for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy night or a family gathering, it’s always a comforting choice. The tender chicken and fluffy rice come together to create a filling, flavorful dish. In this article, you’ll find the ultimate chicken rice recipe along with easy tips to make it your new favorite meal.
Why We Love Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition in many households, adored for its simplicity, versatility, and comforting qualities. Here’s why this dish has become a global favorite:
Satisfying and Wholesome: The rich flavors of tender chicken, paired with the fluffy rice, create a well-balanced meal that fills you up without being too heavy.
Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, chicken rice can be on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days when you want something delicious yet straightforward.
Versatile and Adaptable: From spices to vegetables, you can customize this dish to fit any flavor profile. Whether you enjoy it with a burst of citrus, a hint of spice, or as a plain, comforting dish, there’s a version for everyone.
Nutrient-Packed: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, and rice offers energy-boosting carbohydrates. Together, they create a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients for Chicken Rice Recipe
To make the best chicken rice, you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients. Keep it simple, and you’ll have a dish that delivers incredible flavor with ease.
Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for chicken rice. They’re easy to cook and keep the dish lean. You can use chicken thighs for more flavor if you prefer.
Rice – White long grain rice gives chicken rice its classic texture. It cooks fluffy and light. Brown rice works too but needs more time.
Chicken broth – This adds flavor to the rice. Low-sodium broth is a good choice so the dish doesn’t get too salty. Water can be used but won’t be as tasty.
Onion – Chopped onion adds a mild sweetness. Yellow or white onions are best. Cook them until soft before adding the rice.
Garlic – Adds a warm, savory flavor to chicken rice. Fresh garlic is ideal. You can use garlic powder if needed.
Oil – A little oil is used to cook the chicken and onions. Olive oil adds nice flavor. Vegetable oil works too.
How to Make Chicken Rice
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. The beauty of chicken rice lies in its simplicity—here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). This is your first layer of flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté the diced onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key for building flavor.
Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir it around for about 2 minutes, letting it toast slightly in the oil and aromatics. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the rice.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Combine
Slice the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
Assemble: Once the rice is done, lay the sliced chicken on top of the rice. If you’re adding vegetables, this is the time to stir them in. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish: Finish off the dish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Rice
To ensure your chicken rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use Bone-In Chicken: If you want even more flavor, try using bone-in chicken. The skin and bones infuse the rice with a deeper, richer taste.
Fluff the Rice: After cooking, let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy or clumpy.
Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add chili flakes or fresh chopped peppers to the rice as it simmers. This adds a nice contrast to the savory chicken.
Use Quality Chicken Broth: If you want to take your chicken rice to the next level, use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought version. It makes all the difference in flavor.
Variations of Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it based on your tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Chicken Fried Rice
Transform your leftover chicken rice into a delicious fried rice dish. Simply sauté some diced veggies (carrots, peas, bell peppers) in a hot skillet, scramble in some eggs, and add your leftover chicken rice. Stir-fry with soy sauce and sesame oil for a quick and satisfying meal.
Chicken Rice Casserole
Take your chicken rice to the next level by turning it into a casserole. Mix in some cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs, then bake it in the oven until golden and bubbly. This is a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Lemon Herb Chicken Rice
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. The citrus notes brighten up the dish and pair perfectly with the savory chicken and rice.
Curry Chicken Rice
For something more exotic, try adding curry powder and coconut milk to your chicken rice. This creates a creamy, fragrant dish that’s full of warmth and spice. Serve it with a side of naan or roti for an authentic touch.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with sides to enhance the meal. Here are a few serving ideas:
Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken rice.
Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled cucumbers or radishes for a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top your chicken rice with freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
chicken broccoli rice casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of rice for chicken rice?
The best types of rice for chicken rice are jasmine or long-grain rice. These varieties stay fluffy and absorb the flavors of the chicken broth well. Brown rice is also an option if you prefer a nutty taste and extra fiber.
Can I make chicken rice with brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may need to add extra broth or water to ensure the rice cooks properly.
Can I use cooked chicken for chicken rice?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and stir it into the rice during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This makes the dish even quicker to prepare.
Chicken Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 cup Rice white or brown
- 2 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 small Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tsp Thyme dried or fresh
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and thyme, bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve over the rice. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.