10+ Rice Dinner Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Rice is a staple food enjoyed by many around the world. It’s versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes that suit any taste. If you’re looking for easy and delicious rice dinner recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

From hearty stir-fries to comforting rice casseroles, the possibilities are endless. You can create meals that are not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

1) Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice

Garlic cilantro lime rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s easy to make and adds a bright taste to your dinner plate.

To start cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onions, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Next, reduce the heat and stir in cooked rice along with salt to taste. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice and mixing in chopped cilantro for that zesty kick.

This rice dish can complement tacos, grilled chicken, or any savory entree. You’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and onions; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat and add the cooked rice and salt.
4. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Mix well.

2) Iranian Yellow Rice with Saffron

Iranian Yellow Rice, or Persian Yellow Rice, is a delicious and fragrant dish. The key ingredient is saffron, which gives the rice its beautiful color and unique flavor.

To make this dish, start with fluffy basmati rice. Cook it with butter and saffron for an aromatic base. You can add chicken broth for extra flavor. This rice goes well with various main dishes.

You can also top it with crispy potatoes for added texture. This combination makes it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large potato, sliced (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the saffron threads in a small bowl with hot water for 10 minutes.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the soaked saffron and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Stir in the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
7. If using, fry potato slices in oil until golden and crispy.
8. Serve the rice topped with crispy potatoes if desired.

3) Curried Chicken and Rice Soup

Curried Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It’s an easy recipe that combines chicken, rice, and spices for a delicious flavor.

To make this soup, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. First, sauté some vegetables like carrots and onions to add sweetness and texture.

Next, stir in curry powder and turmeric for a rich taste. Add broth and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked. Finally, mix in cooked rice and enjoy your flavorful bowl of soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté carrots and onions until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken, curry powder, and turmeric. Stir until chicken is coated.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
6. Mix in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

4) Extra Vegetable Fried Rice

Extra Vegetable Fried Rice is a simple and tasty dish that is perfect for dinner. It uses brown rice and is packed with colorful vegetables, making it healthy and satisfying. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, too!

To make this dish, start by cooking your brown rice ahead of time. Gather fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, peas, and broccoli. You can use whatever you have on hand for a fun mix.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

5) Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a simple and tasty meal you can make any night of the week. It comes together quickly in one pan, which means less cleanup for you.

You start by browning ground beef in a skillet. Once it’s cooked, you add rice, water, and your favorite veggies. Peppers and tomatoes work great in this dish.

Let everything simmer until the rice is tender. You can even sprinkle some cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.

It’s a dish your whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add rice, water, chopped bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
7. Top with cheese and let melt before serving.

6) One Pot Chicken and Rice

One pot chicken and rice is an easy and comforting meal that you can make in one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and leaves less cleanup for you.

You’ll enjoy tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked together with spices for flavor. This dish usually includes ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and vegetables.

You can get creative by adding your favorite seasonings. Just follow the simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup (200 g) long grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables like peas or carrots

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken thighs and brown on both sides.
3. Stir in onions and cook until soft.
4. Add rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.

7) Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s easy to make and adds a nice pop of color to your plate.

To make Spanish rice, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with long grain rice, tomato sauce, garlic, and chicken broth. Season it with cumin and garlic pepper for extra flavor.

You cook the rice in oil until it’s golden. Then you add in the tomato sauce and broth, letting it simmer until the rice is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and garlic pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and cook until golden.
3. Stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, and broth.
4. Season with cumin, salt, and garlic pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
6. Simmer until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.

8) Chicken and Rice Pilaf

You will love making Chicken and Rice Pilaf. It’s a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy rice, all cooked together.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then add your chicken pieces and let them brown. The key is to season it well with spices like paprika and thyme.

Next, mix in your rice and broth. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the flavors. For a pop of color and taste, add peas or carrots near the end.

This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests. Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Rice Pilaf!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1 cup (190 g) rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (150 g) peas or carrots (optional)
• Spices (paprika, thyme, salt, pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in rice and broth.
4. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add peas or carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

9) Egg Fried Rice with Veggies

Egg fried rice with veggies is a tasty and quick meal. It’s perfect for using leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have at home. This dish is colorful and full of flavor.

You will need eggs, carrots, peas, and any other veggies you like. They add nutrition and crunch to your meal. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a delicious dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Scramble the eggs in the skillet until fully cooked. Then, remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well.
5. Stir in the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm.

10) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy the rich taste of mushrooms paired with tender rice. This dish is comforting and filling, making it a crowd-pleaser.

To start, you’ll need Arborio rice, which is key for that creamy texture.

Sauté your mushrooms in butter and olive oil, then add onions and garlic. Stir in the rice and let it cook for a few minutes.

Gradually add warm broth, stirring often until the rice absorbs the liquid. Finish with Parmesan cheese for added creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat broth in a pot and keep warm.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter.
3. Add onions and sauté until they are soft.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
6. Add Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes.
7. Gradually add broth, and stir often.
8. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender.
9. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.