Did you know Rice is the single most consumed grain in the world? So of course there are lots of recipes from every type of cuisine that focus on rice. I typically make at least meal a week centered on rice. It works with all of the proteins – including just adding beans for a vegetarian option. In an effort to help you try lots of different rice recipes, I have put together A Dozen Recipes Using Rice for you to check out.
A few key kitchen tools you may want to have to hand when it comes to making these Rice Centered Recipes:
- 13×9 Baking Dish – using a glass baking dish for the casseroles in the collection is ideal. You get the perfect size vessel to be spred out enough to bake evenly and cook through.
- Everyday Pan with a Lid – you will need a 12-14inch pan to make the one pan recipes on this list.
- Flat Bamboo Spatula – whenever I am browning rice I prefer to use a flat spatula to move the rice around while it’s cooking. It just makes it easier to insure it doesn’t burn.
And without further adieu – here are My Favorite Rice Recipes from the blog!
Elote Chicken & Rice – I was scrolling my Instagram feed (check me out @homemadeonaweeknight) and some how ended up down a rabbit hole of Elote creations that had me drooling. While I could certainly just make elote as a side for with some tacos or something, I wanted to try use the flavor profiles and turn it into it’s own meal. That resulted in this Elote Chicken & Rice and it was such a win!
Pepper Jack Chicken & Rice – Chicken & Rice is such a great place to start when making homecooked meals on a Weeknight. You can go in so many directions with just a few added ingredients. This recipe gets a little spicy and smoky with the addition of pepperjack cheese and crispy bacon. Pepper Jack Chicken & Rice is a hearty and complete dinner that you and your family are going to really enjoy.
Cheesy Chicken Beans & rice – Beans & Rice is a great starting point for a weeknight dinner. You can work it into so many different types of cuisines depending on the types of beans, rice and or seasoning you add to the mix. For this fun one pan meal, it takes a turn to a Mexican flavor profile by adding in some green chilies and pinto beans. Cheesy Chicken Beans & Rice is an easy to make and hearty weeknight meal.
Cheesy Mushroom & Rice Bake – Classic weeknight cooking is often a casserole or bake style meal. You put all of the ingredients (some partially prepared) into a baking dish and let it all bake it all up in the oven. These are ideal for busy weeknights as you do a very small amount of active time in the kitchen, and then oven does all the rest. Chicken and rice is a great starting point for a bake and this recipe adds in some delicious mushrooms and cheese. Your family is sure to really enjoy this Cheesy Mushroom & Rice Bake.
Kale Chicken & Rice – Chicken and rice is a staple of the homemade on a weeknight rotation because it checks all the boxes. You have your protein, and your carb together is some sort of sauce or gravy. With the addition of Kale, you even have some veg in the mix. So this recipe for Kale Chicken & Rice is a one pot wonder you need to add to your next menu plan.
Honey Chicken Rice Bowls– Rice, veggies and a protein is such a great starting point for a dinner idea. And it can really go anywhere from there. I decided to go down the Asian adjacent path and make my version of the honey chicken with this simple honey sauce. Honey Chicken Rice Bowls is a quick meal, perfect for weeknights, that is great for getting a well balanced meal in with minimal effort. Broccoli and bell peppers are probably the two most loved vegetables in my house – all 6 of us love them – so I do cook with them often. Which made this weeknight creation a new staple on our menu rotation.
Chorizo Beans & Rice– One pan bean and rice dishes are always a great idea for a weeknight dinner. You can put everything into the pan an go about your evening routine. This recipe for Chorizo Beans & Rice is made of simple ingredients, and comes together so easily. It is hearty and full of flavor.
Pork Pilaf with Roasted Asparagus– When it comes to weeknight dinners, I always try to some up with meals that are well rounded, and tick all the boxes. This recipe for Pork Pilaf with Roasted Asparagus really does just that. You have a great combination of ground pork with a garlic and parmesan pilaf and then the addition of the roasted asparagus brings it right on home. You are going to be thrilled with how simple this meal is to get to the table.
KBBQ Chicken Rice Bowls – Rice bowls are one of those staples of weeknight meals. You can make a large variety of cuisines just starting with a simple bowl of rice. It can be the types of proteins you put on top, the types of veggies, the sauces or even the way you season the rice. For this rice bowl I have put together a sauce with a Korean BBQ twist that is used to both marinate and glaze the chicken. KBBQ Chicken Rice Bowls are going to be a real hit on your dinner table.
Cheesy Kielbasa Broccoli Rice – If you are looking for another great #weeknightmeal that comes in the form of a #onepotdinner then you can stop scrolling! This cheesy rice recipe has all you want from an easy family dinner – with cheese, kielbasa, broccoli, and rice all rolled into one. Cheesy Kielbasa Broccoli Rice is so simple to make and so loaded with flavor that you are going to want to make it again and again
Wild Rice Pilaf – There is something about wild rice that just make me think of a hearty meal on a blustery day. It has such a great depth of flavor, without needing too much doctoring to get it there. Wild Rice Pilaf is an amazing side dish to give any weeknight meal a boost. But did you also know that wild rice has a few really great benefits that white rice doesn’t have? It’s actually lower in Fat, Calories and carbs – so really a win all the way around
Mexican Beef & Rice – Weeknights can be rough sometimes – getting dinner on the table doesn’t need to make it harder than it has to be. This one pot Mexican Beef & Rice is so easy to put together and you probably have most of the staple ingredients in your kitchen already. It is also a very hearty meal that is sure to fill everyone up! By cooking this all in one pan, you get so much flavor developed in a short cook time, and less mess to clean up after.
Hope you enjoyed my selections of Rice Recipes – do you have a favorite? Which one will you be trying first?
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR KINDLE eBOOK VERSIONS
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Very creative ideas! These look delicious!