15 Chicken and Brown Rice Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals
Chicken and brown rice make a wholesome and satisfying pairing enjoyed in kitchens around the world. These recipes offer delicious options that are both easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting one-pot dish or a healthy bake, there are endless ways to combine these two ingredients.
Exploring chicken and brown rice recipes can enhance your cooking skills and inspire new family favorites. You’ll find that using simple ingredients can create flavorful meals that please everyone at the table. With a little creativity, you can enjoy this classic duo in fresh and exciting ways.
1) One-Pot Chicken and Brown Rice with Celery and Carrots
This dish is simple and packed with flavor. You can make it all in one pot, which saves time on cleanup. Start by browning chicken pieces in a hot pot.
Once the chicken is golden, add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. These vegetables add great texture and taste. Cook them until they soften for about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add your rice and broth. This will help everything cook evenly. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown for 10-12 minutes.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in brown rice and chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice is cooked.
2) Garlic and Lemon Chicken Thighs with Brown Rice
This dish features juicy chicken thighs cooked with garlic and lemon, making it flavorful and easy to prepare. Pairing it with brown rice adds healthy carbs and texture.
To start, season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Sear them in a pan until golden brown. This step adds a nice crust and boosts the flavors.
Add rinsed brown rice and chicken broth to the pan. Let everything simmer until the rice absorbs the liquid. The chicken will become tender, and the rice will soak up all the delicious juices.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
- Add brown rice and chicken broth to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, cooking for 35-40 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
3) Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole with Carrots and Peas
This Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole is a simple and tasty meal. It’s packed with juicy chicken, nutritious brown rice, and colorful carrots and peas. The combination makes it a balanced dish for the whole family.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the work. Soon, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the brown rice, chicken broth, chicken, peas, carrots, onion, and cream of chicken soup.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and cover.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
4) Oven Baked Chicken with Perfect Brown Rice
Oven-baked chicken with brown rice is a simple and tasty meal. This dish cooks everything in one pan, making cleanup easy. The chicken comes out juicy, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken pieces and brown rice. You can add your favorite seasonings to enhance taste. It’s perfect for family dinners where everyone can enjoy.
With just a little preparation, you can have a hearty meal in about an hour. The oven does all the work while you relax or prepare sides.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Your choice of herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, add olive oil and season the chicken.
- Place the chicken in the dish with brown rice.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5) One-Pan Chicken and Brown Rice with Mushrooms and Peas
This dish is a great choice for a busy weeknight. You can make it all in one pan, which saves time on cleanup. The chicken stays juicy, and the brown rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
Start by sautéing some mushrooms in a bit of oil. Then, add chicken pieces and cook until brown. Stir in brown rice and peas for added nutrition and color. Finally, add broth and simmer until everything is cooked perfectly.
This meal is filling and delicious. It’s not just easy to make, but it’s also a complete dinner in one pan!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Stir in brown rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes.
- When rice is tender, stir in peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy!
6) Chicken and Brown Rice with Roasted Red Peppers
This dish combines tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and sweet roasted red peppers. It’s a colorful and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. You’ll love the flavors that come together in this recipe.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You’ll need chicken, brown rice, roasted red peppers, garlic, onion, and some seasonings.
First, cook your brown rice according to the package instructions. While that’s cooking, sauté diced onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Next, add in the chicken pieces, seasoning them as you go.
Once the chicken is cooked through, mix in the roasted red peppers. Finally, combine everything with the rice and stir until well blended.
Ingredients
- 1 whole cut-up chicken (2 ½ to 3 pounds)
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 4 roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Cook brown rice as per package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chicken pieces and season to taste.
- Cook chicken until fully cooked.
- Stir in roasted red peppers.
- Combine the chicken mixture with cooked brown rice and serve.
7) Chicken and Brown Rice Bake with Parmesan Cream Sauce
This creamy chicken and brown rice bake is a comforting dish that you’ll love. It combines tender chicken with nutty brown rice and a delicious parmesan cream sauce.
Start by stirring the brown rice and peas into the sauce with the shredded chicken. Flatten the mixture and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the dish loosely and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. In the last five minutes, uncover it to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the brown rice, peas, and chicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Flatten the mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover loosely and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Uncover for the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
8) Spicy Curried Chicken and Brown Rice Skillet
This Spicy Curried Chicken and Brown Rice Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. It combines juicy chicken with flavorful spices and hearty brown rice.
You will love how simple it is to prepare. Start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then add the spices and rice, mixing everything together.
Simmer everything until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked. Serve hot for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup (200g) brown rice
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Sprinkle in curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add brown rice and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork before serving. Enjoy!
9) Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Brown Rice
This honey garlic chicken with broccoli and brown rice is easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect dish for a quick dinner or meal prep. You can enjoy this healthy option any night of the week.
For this recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, broccoli, brown rice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The combination creates a tasty sauce that brings everything together.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 head of broccoli
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown rice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions.
- While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into cubes.
- In a pan, sauté the chicken in a bit of oil over medium heat until it is cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in broccoli and honey, then add soy sauce.
- Cook until the broccoli is tender.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the brown rice.
10) Crispy Chicken Breasts with Herbed Brown Rice
You’ll love making crispy chicken breasts served with flavorful herbed brown rice. This dish combines juicy chicken with the nutty taste of brown rice, making it a satisfying meal.
To start, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy texture. Cook them in a hot skillet until golden brown.
While the chicken cooks, prepare your herbed brown rice. Use broth and add herbs like parsley and thyme for extra flavor. This adds a delicious aroma to the rice.
Serve the crispy chicken on a bed of herbed brown rice. This meal is not only tasty but also healthy and filling!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the skillet to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- In another pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add brown rice and herbs to the broth, reduce the heat, and simmer for 40-50 minutes.
- Serve the chicken over the herbed brown rice. Enjoy!
11) Slow Cooker Chicken and Brown Rice Soup
This slow cooker chicken and brown rice soup is warm and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.
Start by placing boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced onion, carrots, and celery in your slow cooker. Then, add six cups of chicken broth, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Finally, stir in rinsed brown rice. Cover and cook on low for about eight hours or on high for four hours, until the chicken is tender.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup brown rice
Cooking Instructions
- Place the chicken, onion, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the brown rice.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and serve. Enjoy!
12) Lemon Thyme Chicken with Brown Rice Pilaf
Lemon Thyme Chicken with Brown Rice Pilaf is a flavorful dish you’ll enjoy. The fresh taste of lemon and thyme makes the chicken juicy and delicious. Cooking the brown rice pilaf alongside adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
To start, season your chicken with salt, pepper, fresh lemon juice, and thyme. Cook it in a skillet until browned. For the rice, sauté onion and garlic before adding the brown rice and broth. Let it simmer until the rice is tender.
This dish is not only tasty but also makes for great leftovers. You can easily reheat it for a quick meal later.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and thyme.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the brown rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice and serve it warm.
13) Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Brown Rice
Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple is a delicious meal that brings a mix of flavors. The tenderness of the chicken pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce and juicy pineapple. Serving it over brown rice makes it wholesome and filling.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a mix for the sweet and sour sauce. Cooking in a skillet brings everything together nicely.
Heat oil in your skillet. Season the chicken and brown it until it is cooked through. Add bell peppers and pineapple, then stir in the sauce. Let it heat through and serve it over brown rice for a tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 can pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Brown rice
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown it for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the pineapple and sweet and sour sauce, then cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve it over cooked brown rice.
14) Sesame Chicken and Brown Rice Stir Fry
Try this tasty sesame chicken and brown rice stir fry for a quick and delicious meal. This dish combines tender chicken with colorful vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sesame sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking your brown rice. While the rice is cooking, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of ginger. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown.
Add in your choice of vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir everything together and let it cook until the veggies are tender. Serve the stir fry over the warm brown rice and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions.
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken until it is golden brown.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender.
- Serve it over the brown rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
15) Chicken Fajita Bowl with Brown Rice
A Chicken Fajita Bowl with brown rice is a delicious and healthy meal. It combines tender chicken, colorful peppers, and wholesome brown rice. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Start by marinating the chicken in spices like chili powder and cumin. This adds a tasty kick. Sauté the chicken with onion and bell peppers until everything is cooked through.
Serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy brown rice. Top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime
Cooking Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix spices with olive oil. Then toss chicken in the mixture.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sauté chicken until it is cooked (about 7 minutes).
- Add bell pepper and onion. Then cook until tender.
- Serve over brown rice and add toppings as desired.