This chicken and rice recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful rice. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy households. The onion and garlic add a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep chicken broth on hand, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. It's essential for adding rich flavor to the rice. Additionally, make sure you have fresh onion and garlic to achieve the best taste.

Ingredients For Chicken And Rice Recipe
White rice: A staple grain that becomes fluffy and tender when cooked.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide lean protein and cook quickly.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor and moisture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the onion and chicken.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When browning the chicken breasts, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This ensures that the chicken browns evenly and develops a nice, flavorful crust. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain and provides more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
white rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein grain that is gluten-free and offers a different texture and nutritional profile.
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though slightly higher in fat.
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a plant-based protein that can absorb flavors well, making it a good vegetarian alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a versatile substitute.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is rich in healthy fats, making it a good alternative for cooking.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile compared to regular table salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain a lighter color in the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, which can enhance the flavor for those who enjoy heat.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative that can provide a similar depth of flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth offers a richer and more robust flavor, though it will change the overall taste of the dish.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can add a subtle complexity to the dish.
chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a mild onion flavor and can add a different texture and taste.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of minced garlic.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a mild garlic flavor and add a different aromatic quality to the dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the chicken and rice to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy rice and spoilage.
- Transfer the cooled chicken and rice into airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier and more convenient.
- Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the dish within a safe timeframe.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the chicken and rice within 3-4 days. This keeps the dish fresh and ready for quick reheating.
- For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
- When ready to eat, thaw frozen chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the dish.
- Reheat the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent drying out. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed thoroughly.
- Avoid reheating more than once. Repeated reheating can affect the texture and safety of the chicken and rice.
- Enjoy your reheated chicken and rice with a fresh side of vegetables or a crisp salad to complement the flavors and add nutritional value.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet.
- Heat over medium-low heat until simmering.
- Add the chicken and rice.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir and check the temperature, then continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the chicken and rice in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for browning the chicken and cooking the rice mixture.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the rice and onion mixture without scratching the skillet.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the rice and chicken broth accurately.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken breasts while browning them in the skillet.
Lid: Necessary to cover the skillet while the rice and chicken simmer.
Fork: Used to fluff the rice before serving.
Plate: For setting aside the browned chicken breasts temporarily.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can skip the browning step and save about 10 minutes.
Use a rice cooker: Prepare the rice in a rice cooker while you cook the chicken and onion mixture. This allows you to multitask and reduces overall cooking time.
Chop in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save prep time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later. This saves time on future cooking sessions.

Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 4. Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and onion mixture.
- 5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- 7. Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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