12 Fantastic Rice Dishes You Need In Your Life

22 hours ago 4



This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Rice is not just a bland base on your plate, it’s a culinary chameleon! It can be transformed into a medley of flavors and textures. From veggie-packed fluffy fried rice to the aromatic comfort of fried rice, I’ve rounded up 12 unforgettable rice dishes that will take you on a global adventure.

Restaurant Style Red Mexican Rice

A bowl of seasoned rice with visible herbs, tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, served with a gold fork.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’re just 30 minutes away from the perfect Mexican rice! Packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate sidekick for tacos, enchiladas, or whatever you’re cooking up.

Get The Recipe: Restaurant Style Red Mexican Rice

Chicken and Yellow Rice

A close-up of a pot filled with yellow rice and pieces of chicken, with a white spoon lifting a serving from the pot. This delicious dish is perfect for fans of One Pot Recipes and is garnished with finely chopped herbs.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Got leftover chicken? Turn it into something amazing with our Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe! This quick, one-pot dish transforms your leftovers into a tasty meal everyone will love. Easy, delicious, and no waste—what’s not to love?

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A plate of sausage and rice featuring Southern Recipes flair, with rice, sausage, peppers, tomatoes, and green onions garnished with herbs. A fork is placed to the side on a white surface.Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a flavor-packed masterpiece! Smoky, savory sausage meets sweet, colorful bell peppers and fluffy, tender rice in a dish that’s bursting with bold spices and just the right amount of heat. Every bite is a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Zucchini Au Gratin with Rice

Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolans

Weeknight or Holiday Feast? This Zucchini Au Gratin with Rice Has You Covered! This cheesy, creamy dish is the perfect comfort food, no matter the occasion. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a great side for any main course.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Au Gratin with Rice

Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

A spoonful of chicken and rice being scooped from a blue pan.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up this one-pan wonder made from scratch with fresh ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleasing feast all in a pan.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

Image Credit: Budget Bites

Ditch the takeout menu! Your rice cooker can be a one-stop shop for a delicious and healthy meal. Just add a few extra ingredients and whip up this easy Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice. It’s a flavor-packed option that saves time and keeps you feeling good.

Get The Recipe: Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

Lemon Shrimp Risotto

a dish of a dish of Shrimp Risotto with Broccoli.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This no-stir Risotto recipe makes a creamy risotto with lemon, shrimp, and veggies bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Shrimp Risotto

Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

Image Credit: Budget Bites

This Rice Cooker Spanish Chickpeas and Rice is a dream come true – incredibly easy to make, packed with protein and flavor, and kind to your wallet. It’s a one-pot wonder that guarantees a satisfying and healthy dinner with minimal effort.

Get The Recipe: Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

Best Ever Fried Rice

A close up of a bowl of fried rice with chop sticks next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Restaurant-worthy in 20 minutes! This easy homemade fried rice with egg is a flavor bomb on a plate.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Tomato Rice 

Image Credit: Budget Bites

This vibrant Tomato Rice is your secret weapon for livening up any dinner plate. Don’t let the “few simple ingredients” fool you – it’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. The perfect partner to any protein, this colorful side dish is sure to become a new weeknight favorite!

Get The Recipe: Tomato Rice 

Hamburger and Rice

A skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Homestyle Hamburger and Rice Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor and comfort.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner

Image Credit: Marly McMillen/Namely Marly

Weeknight Wins! This Quick & Easy Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner is a lifesaver for busy families. It’s packed with flavor, affordable on your budget, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Get The Recipe: Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Mushroom rice pilaf in a serving dish with the lid behind it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This rice dish is your weeknight savior! Packed with savory mushrooms, it’s the perfect side dish ready in a flash.

Get The Recipe: Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Weeknight Paella


A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a taste of Spain? This Weeknight Paella delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Salmon and Pea Risotto

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto on a white dish with a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy risotto features tender salmon, and vibrant peas simmered together for a quick and flavorful meal.

Get The Recipe: Salmon and Pea Risotto

Vegan Fried Rice

A close up image of Vegan Fried Rice being served with a wooden spoon.Image Credit: Marly McMillen/Namely Marly

Craving takeout flavors? Skip delivery! This veggie-packed fried rice is stir-fried to perfection with a savory sauce in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Fried Rice

Italian Style Rice

A bowl of Italian Style Rice bursting with roasted vegetables ready to eat.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving comfort food with a twist? This combines roasted vegetables and fluffy rice with a burst of Italian flavors. Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.

Get The Recipe: Italian Style Rice

Chicken Plov

a red pot of chicken and rice Plov ready to serve.Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

This flavorful rice dish layers tender chicken with fluffy rice, all simmered together in a fragrant broth. Exotic spices, fruits, and nuts add a touch of magic to this traditional Uzbek creation.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Plov

Classic Rice Pilaf

A bowl of rice Pilaf in a dish with salt and pepper mills in the background.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Tired of plain white rice? This versatile Rice Pilaf takes center stage alongside chicken, fish, or any protein you choose. Packed with flavor, it’s a delicious upgrade to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Read Entire Article