11 Rice Recipes That Make a Full Meal (Say Goodbye to Dull Sides)
Rice doesn’t have to play second fiddle—these 12 recipes prove it can be the star of the plate. Packed with flavor, protein, and hearty ingredients, each dish is a complete meal all on its own. From bold stir-fries to comforting casseroles, these rice-based creations are anything but boring. Say goodbye to plain sides and hello to satisfying, one-dish dinners you’ll want on repeat.
Gochujang Korean Fried Rice
This one-pan Korean Fried Rice recipe is loaded with ground beef, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and egg tossed in a delicious Gochujang sauce. You will love the combination of flavors in every bowlful. It’s savory and umami with a hint of sweetness and a little punch of heat! You’ll have a fully-loaded, flavorful Korean meal that is better than any restaurant takeout, at your table in just 30 minutes. It is a protein-rich, filling dish that can be made gluten-free and is also perfect for meal prep since leftovers reheat great!
Chimichurri Rice (Trader Joe’s Copycat Recipe)
Zesty, flavorful Peruvian chimichurri rice that recipe tastes similar to the Trader Joe’s version, but better! It’s made with fresh herbs, red wine vinegar, spices, diced tomatoes, garlic, and onions. To save time, you make the chimichurri while the rice cooks and then stir it in for a pop of freshness. It’s an excellent, flavorful side dish to serve at any meal.
Thai Fried Brown Rice
Thai fried brown rice that’s loaded with veggies to lighten up without loosing any of the tasty flavor and spice that we all love and crave.
Portuguese Chicken and Rice (Dairy-Free, Gluten Free)
Today’s Portuguese Chicken and Rice is a lovely, fragrant dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Chicken and rice is a dish made by most cultures of the world in one form or another. From the South’s jambalaya and Latin countries’ arroz con pollo, to an Indian biriyani, Spanish paella, or West African’s spicy jollof rice, it is an international favorite.
One Pan Chicken and Rice with Broccoli
When it comes to weeknight dinners for the family, you really can’t go wrong with classic combinations like chicken, rice and broccoli. This one pot recipe combines all three with creamy sauce and melty cheese on top. It’s like a chicken rice casserole with broccoli but it’s made in a skillet!
Oven Baked Chicken and Rice
This baked chicken and rice recipe is easy. Grab a baking dish, chicken thighs, rice, and seasonings. Bake in the oven until the rice is cooked and the thighs are juicy.
Keema Rice
Keema rice is one of the items commonly found on Indian takeaway menus. Up til now, you might be hesitant to order it because you simply have no clue what it actually is. Well, once you’ve tried this nutritionally dense lamb mince rice dish, you’ll never want to eat plain rice again.
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice is an easy yet tasty chicken and rice one pot comfort meal.
Prime Rib Fried Rice
This easy-to-make prime rib fried rice is an absolutely delicious side dish to make with your leftover prime rib, rice, eggs, peas, and carrots! Pair it with one of my equally wonderful Asian-inspired entrees to use even more of your prime rib in the most flavorful way possible!
Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice
With no prep and ready to eat in 30 minutes this Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice is a tasty and inexpensive meal that you’ll be making again and again.
Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole (Gluten Free)
This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is the perfect crowd-pleasing dish to take to any event or when you want to serve your family a comforting meal! Everyone will want the recipe and they will be thrilled with how quick and easy it is to make. Every bite is packed with flavor. Like most casseroles, the flavors develop with rest so make this ahead and reheat it for busy days.
