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30+ Rice Recipes to Love – Rice is Nice!

If there’s one ingredient that never lets me down, it’s rice. It’s comforting, flexible, and always ready to carry big flavor, whether simmered in soup, tossed in a skillet with proteins, or served under a mountain of fresh, colorful vegetables. This collection assembles some of my favorite Rice Recipes from the blog, organized by the many delicious ways rice shows up in my kitchen.

Photo collage of 6 rice recipes.

Main Courses

Rice goes with everything, especially those big, satisfying entrees with seasoned proteins and saucy gravies. Here is a selection of dishes that were just made to sit alongside rice.

Shrimp Etouffee

View from above of a white Dutch oven with Shrimp Etouffee and rice.
Bring a little Southern charm to your dinner table with Shrimp Étouffée, a beloved Creole dish where plump shrimp simmer in a savory, spiced sauce until rich and aromatic. Spoon it generously over fluffy white rice to catch every drop of that flavorful gravy so that every bite captures that irresistible mix of comfort and celebration that makes Louisiana cooking so special.
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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala in a bowl with rice.
My version of Chicken Tikka Masala is an Indian-inspired, flavor-packed dish with chicken simmering in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Spoon it over rice and let every bite soak up that fragrant curry flavor. It’s comfort food with a global flair that never fails to satisfy.
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Fat Tuesday Jambalaya

Fat Tuesday Jambalaya in a square, white bowl.
Fat Tuesday Jambalaya captures the spirit of Mardi Gras in a single pot. Smoky sausage, tender chicken, sweet shrimp, and a lively blend of Creole spices simmer with rice to soak up every delicious drop. It’s a celebration meal that feels just as right on an ordinary Tuesday as it does on the festive one.
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Shrimp Perloo

Shrimp Perloo in a large Dutch oven.
Rooted in Lowcountry tradition, Shrimp Perloo combines simple ingredients in the most flavorful way: Plump shrimp, smoky bacon, and rice simmered in a homemade shrimp stock. The result is a deeply savory, one-pan meal that celebrates Southern coastal cooking at its best.
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Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Skillet with Kabocha Ribbons

View from above of Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice with Kabocha Ribbons in a stainless steel braiser.
Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Skillet with Kabocha Ribbons is a hearty, fall-inspired meal filled with savory flavor and seasonal comfort. Tender chicken thighs bake with wild rice, mushrooms, and ribbons of sweet kabocha squash for a beautifully rustic dinner that feels like autumn in a pan.
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Soups and Stews

Rice of all kinds is a natural companion ingredient in soups and stews. Whether to thicken a brothy soup or to add lots of satisfying texture, there’s an endless variety of delicious soups and stews with rice to bring to the table.

Red Beans and Rice Soup

Overhead view of red beans and andouille sausage in a pot, with a side of rice.
Inspired by the iconic Louisiana classic, Red Beans and Rice Soup gets its rich, smoky depth from a ham hock and spicy Andouille sausage. Creamy beans and savory broth soak beautifully into white rice, turning a humble staple into a bowl of pure Southern comfort.
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Mulligatawny Soup

Overhead view of Mulligatawny Soup in a light gray bowl with spoons on the side.
A beautiful blend of British and Indian influences, Mulligatawny Soup combines the richness of coconut milk with the gentle heat of curry spices. Tender chicken and rice give the soup body and heartiness, while the fragrant broth fills your kitchen with cozy, inviting warmth.
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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Rich, velvety, and deeply comforting, Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup features seasoned chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic vegetables in a creamy broth. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug. It's a satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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General Tso’s Chicken Soup

General Tso's Chicken Soup in a white soup bowl.
All the sweet, tangy, and savory notes of the beloved takeout favorite come together in General Tso’s Chicken Soup, a flavorful blend of seasoned chicken, tender vegetables, and rice in a flavor-layered broth. It’s a fun, feel-good soup that hits all the right comfort notes.
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Jambalaya Soup

Overhead view of Jambalaya Soup in a white Dutch oven.
The soul of traditional jambalaya — the smoky sausage, savory chicken, juicy shrimp, and Creole spices — finds new life in this hearty Jambalaya Soup. With rice soaking up the seasoned broth, every spoonful delivers that signature Louisiana warmth and comfort.
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Chickpea Peanut Stew

Three bowls of chickpea peanut stew with cauliflower rice blend
Chickpea Peanut Stew is a hearty, plant-based dish that’s full of rich, nutty flavor. Chickpeas and aromatic vegetables simmer in a creamy coconut peanut sauce. It's the perfect partner for a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every delicious bite.
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Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup in a bowl.
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the perfect way to turn post-holiday leftovers into something warm and comforting. With turkey (white or dark meat; it's all good), earthy wild rice, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth, it’s a hearty, soul-soothing bowl that’s just right for chilly days.
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Chicken Seafood & Andouille Sausage Gumbo

An overhead view of Chicken Seafood & Sausage Gumbo in a large white Dutch oven, ready to serve.
There’s nothing quite like a pot of Chicken, Seafood & Sausage Gumbo simmering away, with its deep, mahogany roux, layers of Creole spice, and mix of chicken, shrimp, and sausage filling the kitchen with incredible aroma. Served over rice, it’s a dish that captures the spirit and soul of Louisiana cooking.
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Hearty Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Overhead view of Hearty Vegetable Wild Rice Soup in a white bowl.
Loaded with garden vegetables and nutty wild rice, Hearty Vegetable Wild Rice Soup turns simple ingredients into something truly comforting. The rice gives the broth a lovely texture and richness, making this a feel-good, one-bowl meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
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Thai Coconut Curry Stew

Thai Coconut Curry Stew in a bowl.
Thai Coconut Curry Stew is a creamy, flavor-forward dish brimming with Thai-inspired ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime. Crispy tofu and fluffy rice soak up the rich coconut-peanut sauce for a comforting, satisfying meal.
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Shrimp Tikka Masala Soup

Shrimp Tikka Masala Soup takes the rich, curried flavors of the classic dish and turns them into a cozy, aromatic bowl. Plump shrimp simmer in a creamy, spice-kissed tomato broth thickened with rice.
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Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Inspired by the beloved Thai classic, Thai Coconut Chicken Soup blends fragrant curry, tender chicken, and creamy coconut milk with rice cooked right in the broth. The result is a silky, aromatic soup that’s both soothing and deeply flavorful — comfort food with an irresistible Thai twist.
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One-Pot Meals

Slow-simmering one-pot meals are particularly companionable with rice, as the rice cooks right in the pot or skillet, absorbing flavor while releasing thickening starch. It’s a match made in convenience-cooking heaven!

Tex Mex Beef and Rice

Tex-Mex Beef and Rice in a braiser with light blue handles.
All your favorite southwest flavors come together in this easy Tex-Mex Beef and Rice skillet, where rice cooks right in the pan with seasoned beef, beans, vegetables, and zesty spices. Every bite is smoky, savory, and just a little zingy to create a comfort meal that makes everyone happy.
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Chicken Bog

Chicken Bog in a large white Dutch oven.
A beloved Lowcountry classic, Chicken Bog features juicy chicken, savory sausage, and rice simmered slowly in a seasoned broth until perfectly delicious. It’s humble, hearty comfort food, and proof that the simplest one-pot meals often deliver the most flavor.
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Marry Me Beef & Rice Skillet

Marry Me Beef and Rice Skillet in a braiser with blue handles.
Inspired by the viral favorite, Marry Me Beef and Rice Skillet brings that irresistible sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce to a family-style, one-pan dinner. The rice cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those savory flavors for a budget-friendly meal that feels downright indulgent.
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Stir-Fries

Rice is a natural, go-to base for stir-fries, as it builds a vegetable and protein mix in a full meal.

Sweet Potato Fried Rice Stir Fry

Sweet Potato Fried Rice Stir-Fry in a gray, large-rimmed bowl.
I created this recipe back when we were first starting to "rice" all the things, and I have to say, it's stood the test of time. This playful twist on fried rice uses sweet potatoes in place of grains, giving Sweet Potato Fried Rice Stir-Fry its signature balance of earthy sweetness and savory depth. Tossed with fresh vegetables and stir-fried until tender and golden, it’s a speedy, flavor-packed dish that feels both familiar and fresh.
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BLT Stir Fry

BLT Stir Fry in a white bowl with scalloped edges.
Who says the BLT has to stay between slices of bread? BLT Stir-Fry reimagines the classic combo — crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and leafy greens — tossed hot in the skillet and spooned over brown rice. It’s fast, flavorful, and every bit as craveable as the sandwich that inspired it.
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Vegetarian Paella

Vegetarian Paella in a carbon steel pan with red handles, on the stovetop.
This version of paella is made on the stovetop for year-round enjoyment. Vegetarian Paella brings all the color and flavor of the Spanish classic to your stovetop. Golden, saffron-scented rice cooks right in the pan until it forms that irresistible crispy layer — the socarrat — while a mix of your favorite vegetables makes every bite bright and satisfying.
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Rice Bowls

I love the build-your-own-adventure situation that you get with rice bowls. Once again, rice is a natural starting point to create a dinner masterpiece of your favorite ingredients.

Hoppin’ John Rice Bowls

Hoppin’ John Rice Bowls turn the Southern New Year’s Day classic into a hearty, feel-good meal. Black-eyed peas simmer with smoky seasonings and vegetables, then get served over fluffy white rice for a comforting dish that’s delicious all year long.
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Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bowls

Angled view of a large Chicken Enchilada Bowl.
All the goodness of enchiladas — saucy chicken, melted cheese, and smoky spices — comes together in this easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bowl. Built over rice instead of rolled in tortillas, it’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is fun to assemble.
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Rice Medley with Peas, Carrots & Chimichurri

Rice Medley with Peas & Carrots in a cast iron skillet.
Peas, carrots, and white rice was a favorite side dish for this kid growing up. I've given the recipe a glow up with wild rice and a tangy, herbal sauce. Rice Medley with Peas, Carrots & Chimichurri is a delicious accompaniment to salmon, chicken, or a big green salad.
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Mediterranean Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner

A bowl of Mediterranean Vegetable Sheet Pan dinner.
Mediterranean Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner brings the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Roasted vegetables tossed with herbs and spices are served over rice and finished with a drizzle of creamy tahini miso dressing. It’s a feel-good meal that tastes like summer on a plate.
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Fish Taco Bowls

Angled side view of a Fish Taco Bowl.
Fish Taco Bowls turn the classic handheld favorite into a fresh, flavor-packed meal in a bowl. Served over brown rice and piled high with your favorite taco toppings, plus a drizzle of my wickedly good fish taco sauce, it’s a fun, easy way to bring beachy vibes to your dinner table.
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Smoky Tempeh Vegetable and Rice Bowl

Overhead view of Smoky Tempeh Vegetable & Rice Bowl with a pair of chopsticks.
This vibrant Smoky Tempeh Vegetable and Rice Bowl layers marinated tempeh, colorful veggies, and fresh sprouts over a bed of rice for a wholesome, feel-good meal. Finished with a jammy egg, it’s a delicious mix of textures and flavors that makes plant-based eating anything but boring.
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Rice Blends

Rice doesn’t have to be a one-note ingredient. It’s so versatile that you can create a rice mix that’s practically a standalone side dish in itself. I created these blends to go with and flavor-charge other ingredients, but I’ve been known to sneak a bowl right out of the fridge for a late-night snack.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A bowl of Cilantro Lime Rice.
Cilantro Lime Rice turns ordinary rice into a bright, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of seasoning bring this simple dish to life — delicious with tacos, stews, curries, or as the base for your favorite grain bowls.
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Cauliflower Rice Blend

Cauliflower Rice Blend on a white plate with a black edge and a fork digging in.
Half rice, half veggie magic, Cauliflower Rice Blend marries the delicate fragrance of jasmine rice with low-carb cauliflower for a balanced, flavorful base. It’s the perfect bridge between classic white rice and full cauliflower rice, offering a nutritious twist that still tastes like comfort.
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Spicy Green Rice

Spicy Green Rice on a dark gray plate.
Bright, punchy, and full of character, Spicy Green Rice transforms plain rice into a flavor-packed side that wakes up any meal. The quick green sauce — fresh, herby, and just the right amount of spicy — brings a burst of color and energy to everything from tacos to curries.
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From weeknight dinners to cozy weekend soups, these rice dishes show that a simple grain can do it all with character and flair. Whether cooked right in the pot, spooned under a saucy main, or dressed up in a colorful bowl, rice has a way of turning everyday ingredients into something special. I hope this round-up inspires a few new favorites — and maybe a fresh reason to reach for that bag of rice in your pantry tonight!

Karen xo