20 Weeknight Dinners That Start With Rice

Rice takes the lead in this mix of skillet dinners, casseroles, soups, and salads. From creamy beef skillets and herby pilafs to zesty chicken enchiladas and spicy Cajun bowls, each recipe brings out a different side of this pantry staple. You’ll find bold flavors, easy prep, and flexible ingredients that work with whatever you have on hand. These rice dishes are hearty, satisfying, and never boring.

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Sautéed chicken, sweet peppers, and onion get tossed with seasoned rice for a fast, colorful dinner. It all comes together in one skillet. Great with a splash of lime or hot sauce. Reliable and easy to scale.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

Rice simmers in coconut milk with a hit of lime for a creamy, tropical base. Serve with spicy or grilled proteins. It’s light but rich. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chopped broccoli, rice, and cheese bake into a creamy, comforting casserole. The top gets golden and crisp. Serve as a side or main. It’s familiar and always goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Andouille sausage, rice, and Cajun spices cook together under pressure for a fast, bold one-pot dinner. It’s spicy, smoky, and hands-off. Add veggies to bulk it up. A great way to use your Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Chicken Thighs and Rice

Bone-in chicken thighs roast right on top of seasoned rice, letting the juices soak down as everything bakes. The rice stays soft but not soggy. Add vegetables or swap seasonings as needed. A one-pan dinner that always works.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs and Rice

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Cooked rice gets pan-fried until crisp, then tossed with cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s crunchy, cool, and full of contrast. Works as a light meal or side. Refreshing and unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Chicken bakes with rice, salsa, and a few pantry staples in a one-pan dish. The salsa flavors the rice as it cooks. Add cheese if you want a little extra. A no-mess dinner that’s easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Crispy Rice Salad

Crisped-up rice adds crunch to a salad full of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a sharp dressing. Every bite has texture. Works well with a soft protein like tofu or fish. A bold take on rice and greens.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice Salad

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and fish bake into rice seasoned with Cajun spices, cheese, and peppers. It’s creamy, bold, and packed with texture. Serve with lemon wedges. A hearty, all-in-one seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

Sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach mix into cooked rice with garlic and a little lemon. It’s savory, earthy, and fast. Serve as a side or plant-based main. Comes together with basic ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground beef, rice, tomato, and melted cheese come together in a no-fuss bake. The flavors are familiar and comforting. Great for weeknights or make-ahead meals. Serve with a green veggie or salad.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Red beans simmer with coconut milk, thyme, and allspice, then get stirred into rice for a rich, savory base. It’s comforting and aromatic. Serve with jerk chicken or on its own. A Caribbean staple that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Seasoned beans and rice wrap up in tortillas with cheese, then get baked or griddled until warm and melty. Serve with hot sauce or guacamole. Great for meal prep. Easy to freeze and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice cooks with seasoned ground beef and a creamy sauce for a fast stovetop dinner. It’s rich, filling, and low on cleanup. Add herbs or cheese for extra flavor. Done in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Roasted squash and chewy wild rice get tossed with herbs and toasted nuts. It’s earthy and slightly sweet. Great as a side or plant-based main. A good way to use seasonal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Basil Fried Rice

A second variation on fried rice with basil—this one leans on Thai flavors and works with whatever vegetables or protein you’ve got. Lightly spicy and super fast. Use cold rice for the best texture. Quick lunch or dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Shredded chicken and rice mix with lemon juice, basil, and olive oil for a chilled, bright dish. It’s light but satisfying. A solid lunch or meal prep option. Tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Fragrant basil gets tossed with rice, garlic, chili, and a splash of soy sauce for bold flavor in minutes. Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a full meal. It’s fast and flexible. Best with cold day-old rice.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Tender chicken and wild rice simmer in a creamy broth with carrots, celery, and onion. Hearty and rich without being too heavy. Serve with bread for dipping. Freezes well too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

This layered bake combines rice, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese. It’s a full Tex-Mex dinner in one dish. Top with sour cream or salsa. Great for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole