This Chicken Rice recipe is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines simple ingredients to create a hearty meal that everyone will love. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, it’s an easy way to bring a bit of home-cooked warmth to your table.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It uses leftover cooked chicken and rice, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or to use up any remnants from previous meals. Plus, with a handful of ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to make it
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and chicken broth; stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to serve it
Serve Chicken Rice hot, directly from the skillet to the plate. A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a nice touch of color but also enhances the flavor. This dish pairs well with a light salad or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
How to store it
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful tips
- Ensure your rice is pre-cooked; leftover or day-old rice works wonderfully for this recipe.
- You can adjust the amount of broth according to your desired consistency—less for a drier dish and more for a saucier one.
Optional variations
- Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.
- For added spice, consider throwing in a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used; just make sure it’s fully cooked as it has a longer cooking time than white rice.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
You can easily substitute chicken with cooked pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish in one pot?
Yes, by using a large pot or Dutch oven, you can prepare everything in one vessel, making cleanup easier and keeping the flavors combined.
Chicken Rice
A warm and comforting Chicken Rice dish that combines leftover chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and chicken broth; stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For added spice, consider throwing in a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg


