Looking for delicious and healthy chicken and rice recipes to help you achieve your weight loss goals? You’re in luck! We’ve got 20 mouth-watering and nutritious recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic comfort food dishes like Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken with Brown Rice, to international-inspired creations like Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice, we’ve rounded up the best of the best to help you stay on track.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a variety of chicken and rice recipes that are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to throw together after a long day or a special occasion dish to impress your friends and family, we’ve got you covered. So grab a pen and paper (or your favorite recipe app), and get ready to spice up your mealtime routine with these 20 delicious healthy chicken and rice recipes for weight loss success!
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken with Brown Rice
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the comfort of brown rice. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup brown rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon-garlic mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook brown rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
6. Serve chicken on top of brown rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
Spicy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl Recipe
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with spicy grilled chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tangy drizzle of tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, red onion)
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
6. Toss mixed vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
7. In a small bowl, mix together tahini and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Assemble bowls by placing grilled chicken on top of quinoa, followed by roasted vegetables and drizzling with tahini sauce.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this flavorful soup, made with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a hint of herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice blend (includes brown, white, and black rice)
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in olive oil.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice
This recipe combines the flavors of traditional teriyaki chicken with the nutritional benefits of cauliflower “rice” for a quick and easy dinner option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cauliflower florets
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add vegetable oil and cauliflower. Cook until cauliflower is tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in teriyaki sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Salad
A flavorful and healthy salad that combines the warmth of Mediterranean cuisine with the comfort of a classic chicken and rice dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill or cook the chicken breast until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add to the salad.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
One-Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
This flavorful dish combines the brightness of lime juice with the warmth of cilantro, all in one pan. With minimal cleanup and a short cooking time, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 limes, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
5. Add rice to the skillet and stir to combine with remaining juices and chicken drippings.
6. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
7. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Low-Carb Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole
A delicious and healthy twist on traditional casseroles, this recipe combines the flavors of chicken, cauliflower rice, and cheese for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic with olive oil until cooked through.
4. Add cauliflower “rice” to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Basmati Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and healthy recipe that combines tender chicken, creamy yogurt marinade, and aromatic basmati rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and oregano.
2. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook basmati rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
6. Serve chicken with steamed basmati rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marinade time)
Turmeric Chicken and Coconut Rice
A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the warm spices of turmeric with the creamy richness of coconut milk, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Season the chicken with salt and the spice mixture.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine cooked rice and coconut milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
7. Serve the chicken on top of the coconut rice, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious combination of chicken, broccoli, and brown rice that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and broccoli; cook until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Return chicken to skillet; stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute, until chicken is coated with the sauce.
5. Serve chicken and broccoli over cooked brown rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skinny Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers
This recipe is a healthy twist on traditional stuffed peppers, featuring lean chicken, flavorful rice, and vibrant bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
• 4 bell peppers, any color
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, olive oil, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken-rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the peppers.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this savory and aromatic Garlic Butter Chicken paired with fluffy Jasmine Rice. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place in a baking dish and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
6. Serve chicken on top of Jasmine Rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mexican Chicken and Rice Skillet
A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a classic skillet dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado for topping
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked rice and peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
8. Serve hot, topped with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Wild Rice Pilaf
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this elegant dish, perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich balsamic glaze and a hearty wild rice pilaf.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Brush chicken breasts with the glaze and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook wild rice blend according to package instructions using chicken broth and butter.
6. Serve chicken breasts atop the wild rice pilaf.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this dish combines juicy pineapple chunks with crispy chicken and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the pan, along with pineapple, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, until combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Mushroom Rice
This aromatic dish combines the flavors of fresh herbs, chicken, and sautéed mushrooms with fluffy rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its blend of savory and slightly sweet notes, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in olive oil until cooked through.
4. Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve chicken mixture over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice with Spinach
This comforting Instant Pot recipe combines chicken, rice, and spinach in a flavorful and creamy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice, chicken broth, and spinach to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”.
6. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
Optional: If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half after cooking to add a creamy finish.
Asian-Inspired Chicken and Rice Lettuce Wraps
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional wraps, these Asian-inspired lettuce wraps combine juicy chicken, savory rice, and crunchy veggies, all wrapped up in a crispy lettuce package.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, green onions)
– 12 large lettuce leaves
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Grill or bake chicken until cooked through.
6. Assemble wraps by placing cooked chicken, rice, and mixed veggies onto a lettuce leaf.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your meal game with this twist on traditional barbecue chicken and rice: sweet potatoes take center stage!
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5. Grill or cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
6. Split sweet potatoes lengthwise and top with cooked chicken, rice, and BBQ sauce.
7. Optional: add shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions on top.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (45-50 minutes for sweet potatoes + 20-25 minutes for chicken)
Chicken and Rice Buddha Bowl with Avocado
This recipe combines the comfort of chicken and rice with the creaminess of avocado, all wrapped up in a nutritious Buddha bowl. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken in a pan with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
3. Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook until thawed.
4. Serve cooked rice on top of the chicken mixture.
5. Top with sliced avocado and garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to lose weight and satisfy your taste buds with these delicious healthy chicken and rice recipes! From baked chicken with brown rice to quinoa bowls and stir-fries, there’s something for everyone. Discover flavorful and nutritious dishes like Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken with Brown Rice, Spicy Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl, and Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Salad. Plus, learn how to make healthy twists on classic comfort foods like casserole and stuffed peppers. With 20 mouth-watering recipes in this article, you’ll be well on your way to achieving weight loss success.