35 Best Rice Recipes to Put on Repeat

Make dinner a breeze with these easy rice recipes!

They’re hearty, versatile, and budget-friendly. Not to mention, rice is a terrific option for feeding a crowd!

It’s a pantry staple in most homes (including mine), making it easy to whip up last-minute dishes.

Rice is often used as a base for various saucy and savory meals. But it’s time to put the spotlight on this glorious grain.

With these easy rice recipes, you can turn it into the star of the show.

From soup to risotto to jambalaya, there’s something here for everyone.

Easy Rice Recipes

1. Benihana Fried Rice

Benihana has been a family favorite for years, and their fried rice is to die for!

I always make this recipe every time I crave Japanese-flavored rice.

The dish calls for white rice, eggs, veggies, chicken, herbs, and spices. You can whip up this copycat recipe in 15 minutes!

2. Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is an Italian rice dish cooked in stock until it reaches creamy perfection.

This recipe creates a one-pan hit that marries creamy white mushrooms and soft arborio rice.

Constant stirring is a must to achieve the perfect texture.

To deglaze the cooking juices and create more aroma, don’t skip adding a splash of white wine.

3. Coconut Rice

Nothing could be easier than this 2-ingredient side dish. It stars jasmine rice and a can of coconut milk.

Plus, your rice cooker will do most of the work for you! Surprisingly, these simple ingredients yield fantastic flavors.

This dish is the perfect base for tacos, burrito bowls, and fried rice.   

4. Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s an easy chicken fried rice recipe with a restaurant-quality. You’ll forget about takeout orders! 

It takes 30 minutes or less, and you can make different variations of it. 

Drizzle some sesame oil for an Asian flavor, add a dash of red pepper for a spicy kick. To make the recipe vegan, leave out the chicken.    

5. Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a classic Creole recipe made with white rice and Cajun flavors.

Throw in some diced chicken livers and ground sausage for a comforting and oh-so-filling dinner.

Don’t worry, it’s “dirty” for a good reason. The white rice turns brown after cooking, making it look like, well, dirty. 

Not a fan of chicken livers? Swap them out for a combination of ground beef and pork. 

6. Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Ride out the winter with this chicken wild rice soup recipe.

It’s like an upgraded chicken noodle soup, only creamier. It’s also filled with flavorful rice instead of noodles. 

It’s loaded with lightly sweet wild rice, tender chicken breasts, fresh veggies, and a perfect mix of herbs.

Serve this creamy soup with an unoaked white wine. So exquisite!

7. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a Louisiana favorite for good reason! It packs a punch and makes a wonderful main dish.

It has spicy Andouille sausage, red beans, and fresh veggies with a hearty tomato base.

Cooking this dish takes a little over 3 hours, but trust me, it’s more than worth the wait!

8. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is hard to resist if you have taquitos, tacos, or burritos that need a good side dish.

All it takes is some stirring to create a light, tomato-packed rice meal.

Like other dishes, you can customize it according to your taste.

Use brown rice for a healthier side dish or add protein to turn it into a complete meal.     

9. Pesto Mozzarella Arancini

Rice balls, anyone? Arancini, it is!

These Italian snacks are such a delight to eat. They’re breaded, deep-fried, and loaded with rice and cheese.

These little balls of happiness can also be infused with other yummy ingredients. Like this pesto version!

10. Quick and Easy Chicken Biryani

This easy rice recipe will quickly become a star in your weekly dinner rotation.

It’s full of classic Indian flavor and makes the house smell incredible. The use of chicken thighs instead of breasts makes the dish tastier, too.

This recipe only takes about 30 minutes to cook. But if you want the best results, be sure to marinate the chicken overnight.

11. Stick of Butter Rice

Have a busy weeknight? You can still make a fantastic side dish with this easy-peasy recipe! 

It’s also known as rice consume or brown butter rice. It’s made with French onion soup, beef broth, white rice, and the star of the show, butter!

Adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef can also turn this side dish into a complete meal. 

12. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a quintessential rice dinner from New Orleans.

It’s basically a mix of meat, vegetables, and rice. Traditionally, it’s not vegetable-heavy.

You only need the holy trinity of Creole cooking: onion, celery, and green bell pepper. 

You’ll love the burst of flavors from sausage, chicken, and shrimp!  

13. Arroz Con Pollo

This chicken and rice will warm you up from head to toe! The dish also calls for tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, peas, and olives.

It’s a favorite in Spansh and Latin American households. And with this easy recipe, you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Be sure to top it with cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.

14. Almond Rice Pilaf

For a side dish that goes well with all kinds of meat, you should try almond rice pilaf. It comes together in less than 30 minutes.

The ingredients are easy to spot in your kitchen pantry. I won’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a staple at your home.

Add pineapple chunks into the rice mix and serve it with pork chops, and voila! It’s dinnertime Hawaiian-style!

15. Forbidden Black Rice

If you haven’t tried black rice before, you’re in for a treat! It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor.

It’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy side dish you can feel good about giving your family.

It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and another 35 minutes of cooking time.

16. Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

If you’re a fan of Texas Roadhouse, you know how delicious their rice is!

This copycat recipe is spot-on, and it might be even better than the real deal.

It’s one of the most flavorful rice recipes I’ve ever had. The taste of soy sauce, garlic powder, chicken broth, and cayenne pepper are the ultimate combination.

17. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Korean Kimchi Fried Rice) 

Easy to make and loaded Korean flavors, this rice dinner makes carb-eating so worth it!

It’s sweet, spicy, sour, and tangy. The gochugaru chilli powder and gochujang chilli paste take it straight over the top!

Feel free to bulk it up with chicken, beef, or extra vegetables to turn it into a more filling meal.

18. Brown Rice With Spinach and Parmesan Cheese 

Brown rice, spinach, and cheese in one meal? Even the pickiest eaters will love this! 

This recipe strives to create a healthy yet delicious meal with simple ingredients, using just a single pot.

The result is a velvety, tender, and hearty side dish.

Make it extra cheesy by sprinkling grated cheese after cooking.

19. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This old-fashioned recipe reminds me of something my grandma used to make. It’s a simple, one-dish meal everyone always devours.

It uses three types of canned soup: cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery.

The result is a comforting meal that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

20. Garlic Butter Rice

This recipe is what you need for the perfect garlic butter rice.

Depending on your personal taste, you can add extra garlic or butter, or both!

In some countries, people eat garlic rice almost every day. Judging by its taste, it doesn’t come as a surprise. 

You can pair it with any main course from different cuisines. Asian, French, Mexican, you name it!

21. Seafood Paella 

Paella is one of the most famous Spanish dishes. Traditionally, this rice meal combines white rice, chicken, vegetables, and saffron.

But for this recipe, you use seafood! Take your pick from shrimp, lobster, fish, clams, or mussels.

Your choice of rice is also important. Paella should have dry, separated rice. 

22. Coconut Sticky Rice With Mango 

Dinner and dessert in one meal? I present to you this recipe for coconut sticky rice with mango.

Using only four ingredients, this recipe creates a pair of warm sticky rice and chilled mango. It’s a heavenly combination!

Complete the meal by garnishing it with toasted sesame seeds or drizzling the remaining coconut milk on top.

23. Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a must-have for a retro dessert night.

This recipe is what you need if you want to turn your Rice Krispies cereal into something much, much better.

Following the correct ratio of marshmallow to cereal is a crucial step. You want them gooey and crisp, but not too crunchy.

Don’t forget the add-ins like chocolate chips or dried berries.

24. Mexican Rice Pudding 

Mexican rice pudding, or arroz con leche, is so cozy and satisfying.

This dessert is renowned in various parts of the world and has different variations.

This version is hot, creamy, and infused with cinnamon and raisins. It’s simply perfect for a chilly night.

Not a raisin lover? You can easily tweak this recipe by adding other fruits, fresh or dried.  

25. Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is a West African dish full of flavor. This delicious rice is cooked in a savory and spicy tomato sauce.

It can be served as a side dish, or you can add chicken or beef to make it an entree.

This particular recipe calls for sirloin steak, which makes it a hearty and indulgent meal.

26. One-Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice

Give a traditional chicken and rice casserole a Mexican twist with this incredible recipe!

It’s packed with green peppers and onions, chicken, rice, salsa, and shredded cheese.

This is one of my favorite recipes to meal prep to portion out for lunches during the week. It also makes a regular appearance on Taco Tuesday!

27. Spinach Rice with Feta

Give your typical American meal a Mediterranean flair with this spinach rice with feta.

It’s basically as described: white rice, cooked with spinach and feta. Also seasoned with garlic and lemon, this rice dish is bursting with deliciousness.

It’s rich and savory, but the pop of garlic and lemon gives it additional layers of flavor. 

28. Spanish Rice

Here’s another Spanish-inspired rice dish you’ll want to add to your weekly meal rotation.

It starts with white, long-grain rice that’s toasted in oil. This process gives the rice a nutty flavor and a heavenly aroma.

Then, it’s simmered in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and tons of spices.

Serve Spanish rice with any meat or vegetable-based entree for a satisfying feast.

29. Easy Rice Bowl

I love rice bowls. The concept of filling a bowl of rice with a variety of toppings excites my soul.

There’s no limit to what toppings you can use here. They can be as simple or as creative as you like. 

They can be all-protein, all-veggie, or a combination. It’s really up to you. This recipe features rice, beans, tomatoes, avocado, and corn.B

30. Yaki Onigiri

You’ll flip for these tasty Japanese rice balls! They’re stuffed with avocado and salted peanuts. Then, they’re coated in dipping sauce and sesame seeds.

If you’re a fan of sushi, these tasty appetizers are a guaranteed hit. The good news is, they’re much easier to make than traditional sushi.

You get a similar flavor without all the hassle!

31. Curried Rice

From Korea to India. Curry rice is a simple yet outrageously fragrant and flavorful dish.

It’s a pilaf made of basmati rice cooked in curry powder and other Indian spices. Again, very simple, but its flavors do not disappoint.

In fact, you can serve this dish with just a piece of fried egg and you already have a meal! 

32. Onigiri

The Japanese are masters of rice dishes, and this onigiri is clear evidence.

In case you’re not familiar, onigiri is a ball of rice with a savory filling. It comes in either a round or triangular form and is most of the time wrapped in nori.

The great thing about it is there’s no limit to the fillings you can use. Now’s the perfect time to raid your fridge for leftovers!

33. California Roll Sushi Bowl

Here’s yet another Japanese-inspired dish you’ll surely enjoy. 

This rice bowl is topped with crabmeat, nori, fresh vegetables, avocado, and creamy sriracha mayo.

It has all the elements of a California roll, but is served in deconstructed form.

Pro-tip: sprinkle the bowl with extra toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.

34. Horchata

Did you know you can turn rice into a beverage? Say hello to horchata, an authentic Mexican drink that’s full of flavor.

It’s made of pureed white rice, milk, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s a creamy and nutty treat your taste buds will fall in love with.

It calls for 10 minutes of prep, and it only involves pushing the button of your blender.

35. Cajun Rice

You can see from the color of this dish alone that it’s insanely packed with flavor. 

Spiced with paprika, thyme, garlic, bay leaf, and pepper, this rice dish is bursting with scrumptiousness. 

Joining the party are bell peppers and onions which add a sweet and peppery taste to the dish. 

Serve Cajun rice with Cajun shrimp or chicken for the full Louisiana experience.