10 Best Easy, Healthy and Simple Rice Side Dishes for Chicken
What goes with rice and chicken? Here is a complete list of the best easy & healthy rice side dishes with chicken, that you can eat today.
When it comes to pairing chicken with rice, the possibilities for creating delicious and satisfying meals are endless. Rice side dishes not only complement the flavors of chicken but also add texture, variety, and nutrition to the plate. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or a flavorful curry, finding the perfect rice side dish can elevate your meal to new heights.
From fragrant pilaf and savory risotto to aromatic biryani and zesty fried rice, there are numerous options to explore. In this article, we will delve into a collection of enticing rice side dishes that harmonize beautifully with chicken, providing you with a range of culinary inspiration.
Discover the delightful flavors and textures that will take your chicken and rice dishes to the next level.
10 Best Easy, Healthy and Simple Chicken and Rice Sides Dishes
To answer your question about “What goes with rice and chicken?” Here is a list of best easy, healthy and simple side dishes for rice and chicken recipes, that you can make for dinner tonight.
Let’s get started.
01. Broccoli-Rice Casserole
Broccoli-Rice Casserole is a classic and comforting rice side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken. Imagine a creamy, cheesy blend of tender rice, flavorful broccoli florets, and a hint of aromatic spices. This casserole is a family favorite, loved for its rich and satisfying flavors.
Each bite is a harmonious combination of fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and the earthy goodness of broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and brings back memories of cozy family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this broccoli-rice casserole is sure to be a hit.
02. Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is a vibrant and flavorful rice side dish that adds a delightful twist to your chicken meal. This traditional Mexican recipe features fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a colorful and fragrant dish that is bursting with flavor.
The rice absorbs all the savory goodness, creating a perfect balance of spices and textures. Each spoonful of this Mexican rice brings a fiesta of flavors to your plate, complementing the juicy chicken with its zesty kick. It’s a fantastic choice for those who crave a taste of Mexico with their chicken and rice.
03. Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom Risotto is a luxurious and indulgent rice side dish that elevates any chicken meal to a gourmet experience. This Italian classic is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in a flavorful broth, infused with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and white wine.
The result is a creamy and velvety risotto that is rich in umami flavors. Each spoonful of this dish is a heavenly combination of creamy rice and tender mushrooms, with a subtle tang from the wine. The risotto’s luscious texture and depth of flavors make it a perfect companion for succulent chicken, creating a meal that feels like a special occasion.
04. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is a refreshing and vibrant rice side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken. Fragrant jasmine rice is cooked to perfection and then tossed with freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. The result is a light and aromatic rice dish with a tangy …
… citrus kick and the freshness of cilantro. Each forkful of this rice brings a burst of zesty flavors to your palate, providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Whether you’re enjoying a grilled chicken breast or a flavorful chicken curry, this cilantro lime rice will brighten up your plate and awaken your taste buds.
05. Black Rice
Black Rice, also known as forbidden rice, is an exotic and nutritious rice side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your chicken meal. This unique rice variety has a striking deep purple color and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals.
Cooking black rice requires a bit more time than regular rice, but the result is well worth the effort. Each spoonful of this rice is a delightful combination of tender grains and a subtle nuttiness that enhances the flavors of your chicken. It’s a show-stopping side dish that will impress your guests and bring a sense of culinary adventure to your meal.
06. Turmeric Rice
Turmeric Rice is a vibrant and aromatic rice side dish that beautifully complements chicken. The golden hue of turmeric infuses the rice with a warm and earthy flavor, creating a visually appealing dish. As you take a bite, you’re greeted with a delightful blend of fragrant spices and …
… the subtle nuttiness of the rice. This recipe is a great way to add a burst of color and flavor to your chicken meal, transporting your taste buds to exotic destinations. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken skewers or a spicy chicken curry, turmeric rice adds a touch of flair and a hint of adventure to your plate.
07. Cumin Rice
Cumin Rice is a fragrant and savory rice side dish that adds a delightful twist to your chicken dinner. As the cumin seeds sizzle in hot oil, their warm aroma fills the kitchen, creating a tantalizing anticipation. The rice is then cooked to perfection, absorbing the flavors of the toasted cumin, …
… creating a savory and aromatic dish. Each spoonful of this cumin rice is a sensory delight, with the delicate grains carrying the essence of the spices. The nutty and earthy flavor of cumin adds depth to the rice, enhancing the taste of your tender chicken. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful addition to your chicken and rice meal.
08. Sicilian Arancini
Sicilian Arancini is a delightful rice side dish that brings a touch of Sicily to your chicken feast. These crispy and golden orbs are made by encasing leftover risotto in a breadcrumb coating and then deep-frying them to perfection. The result is a heavenly combination of …
… creamy rice, gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings. As you bite into the crispy shell, the creamy rice mixture bursts with flavors, creating a heavenly symphony in your mouth. These delectable arancini make a fantastic accompaniment to your chicken, providing a contrast of textures and a burst of cheesy goodness that takes your meal to the next level.
09. Garlic Rice
Garlic Rice is a simple and aromatic rice side dish that adds a punch of flavor to your chicken dinner. The fragrance of sautéed garlic wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. The rice is cooked to perfection, allowing each grain to be coated in the savory goodness of garlic.
With each spoonful, you’ll savor the delicate balance of garlic’s pungency and the subtle sweetness of the rice. This garlic rice is a versatile companion to any chicken dish, from grilled chicken breasts to succulent chicken thighs. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
10. Greek Lemon Rice
Greek Lemon Rice is a refreshing and tangy rice side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken. This vibrant recipe combines fluffy rice with the bright flavors of lemon and fragrant herbs. As you take a bite, your taste buds are awakened by the zesty acidity of the lemon, which perfectly complements the savory chicken.
The rice absorbs the lemony goodness, resulting in a light and aromatic dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Whether you’re enjoying a juicy grilled chicken souvlaki or a comforting chicken and rice casserole, Greek lemon rice adds a burst of flavor and a touch of sunshine to your meal.
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