37 Easy and Best Rice Recipes for Lunch and Dinner

Rice is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. From classic comfort foods like fried rice and chicken and rice to aromatic and flavorful biryani dishes, there are endless possibilities for incorporating rice into your meals.

In this post, we will explore a range of rice recipes for dinner, including dishes like Spanish rice, pudina rice, and matar pulao. Whether you prefer simple and easy rice recipes or more complex and flavorful dishes, there is something for everyone on this list.

What You’ll Find On This Page

When it comes to choosing the best rice for your recipes, there are many options to consider. White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice are just a few of the many types of rice available. Each type of rice has its own unique flavor and texture, and some are more suitable for certain dishes than others.

For example, jasmine rice is a popular choice for stir-fries and fried rice dishes, while basmati rice is often used in biryani and other aromatic dishes. It is important to consider the carb content of different types of rice, such as basmati rice carbs, when planning your meals.

In addition to the wide range of rice recipes listed here, there are many other delicious and creative ways to enjoy rice. From hearty and satisfying bowls of baked chicken and rice to refreshing and colorful dishes like vegetable biryani, there is no shortage of inspiration for your next meal.

In addition to the wide range of rice recipes featured in this post, we also have different collections of curries, chicken, shrimp, stir-fry dishes, paneer, and roasted and baked recipes that go well with the rice recipes. These rice dishes can be served for parties or any regular day, making them versatile options for any occasion.

Whether you're looking for easy and quick rice recipes for a busy weeknight or more complex and flavorful dishes for a special occasion, you'll find plenty of inspiration and ideas in this post. So, take some time to explore the different rice recipes and discover new and delicious ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient. The recipes shared in this post have simple steps with supporting images and videos that will definitely help you to prepare satisfying dishes at home to enjoy with your family.

You can also find a different collection of recipes below and more at recipe collections.

Chicken and Rice

Enjoy the ease of this One-Pot Chicken and Rice, made with seasoned chicken thighs and fragrant basmati or jasmine rice. It’s simple to make and full of flavor, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with your favorite veggies and salads for a complete meal.

Baked Chicken and Rice

Enjoy this easy and delicious Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice, a flavorful one-pot dish perfect for busy days. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are baked with buttery, seasoned rice, creating a comforting meal that’s great for both lunch and dinner. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, no-fuss meal.

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore Chicken Rice)

Enjoy the flavors of Southeast Asia with our Hainanese Chicken Rice recipe. This simple yet delicious dish originates from China and features tender poached chicken paired with jasmine rice simmered in savory chicken broth. Accompanied by classic sauces, it’s a beloved meal enjoyed from Hainan to Singapore and beyond.

Hainanese Chicken Rice served with different dipping sauces in a black plate, along with few ingredients scattered around the plate.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup is a nutritious, hearty one-pot meal that's ideal for both lunch and dinner. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, it's not only flavorful but also comforting, perfect for days when you're feeling under the weather.

Fried Rice

Fried Rice, a classic dish dating back to China's Sui Dynasty, is both quick and versatile. Made with cold or leftover rice, stir-fried with fresh vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings, it serves as the perfect side to any stir-fry. Ready in under 30 minutes, this customizable dish is a must-try for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Chicken Fried Rice

Enjoy the classic flavors of Chinese cuisine with this quick and easy Chicken Fried Rice. Made with boneless chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this stir-fry is the perfect balance of taste and convenience. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple, satisfying meal for any time of day!

Shrimp Fried Rice

Enjoy the classic taste of Shrimp Fried Rice, a tasty mix of juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and aromatic seasonings. Quick and versatile, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Serve it on its own or as a delicious addition to your favorite Asian meals.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Enjoy the rich flavors of Nasi Goreng, a classic Indonesian fried rice dish with a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Made with chicken, aromatic spices, Kecap Manis, and shrimp paste, this easy stir-fry is topped with a fried egg and fresh veggies, making it a perfect one-pot meal for lunch or dinner.

Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

Enjoy this simple and delicious Spanish Rice, a classic Mexican side that combines long grain rice with rich tomato seasoning. It's perfect alongside chicken, steak, or fish, making it a favorite choice for a flavorful lunch or dinner.

Risotto

Risotto is a beloved Italian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, made from starchy rice mixed with broth, white wine, and Parmesan. It pairs well with both vegetables and meats and can be personalized with various add-ins like mushrooms, shrimp, or squash.

Yellow Rice

Enjoy the flavors of our simple stovetop Yellow Rice recipe. Packed with savory tastes and aromatic basmati rice, this dish is a perfect complement to roasted or baked meats, veggies, stir-fries, and more!

Mediterranean Saffron Rice

Learn how to make perfectly aromatic saffron rice using our simple stovetop absorption method. Crafted with easy-to-find ingredients and aromatic spices, this dish is an excellent side for roasted meats, kabobs, or veggies. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or family dinners, it’s sure to be a hit!

Homemade saffron rice in a white bowl on a white table.

Coconut Rice (3+ Variations)

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of coconut rice with this simple stovetop method. Made with fragrant jasmine rice simmered in creamy coconut milk, it's the perfect side dish for curries, stir-fries, roasted meats, or seafood, whether for lunch or dinner.

Coconut rice in a white bowl, garnished with coconut flakes and cilantro, on a white table. A blue towel and a cup of coconut flakes are placed in the top corners.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Cilantro Lime Rice, made easily on the stovetop! With basmati rice, lime, and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect side dish to serve with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites for lunch or dinner.

Rice Pilaf

Enjoy this flavor-packed Rice Pilaf, made easily in one pot. We use aromatic basmati rice and orzo, simmered in savory chicken broth. It's perfect for any weeknight or weekend family meal and pairs wonderfully with your favorite roasted or grilled meats, seafood, veggies, or salads!

Brown Rice

Learn how easy it is to cook brown rice with our simple, step-by-step absorption method. This technique gives you soft, fluffy rice that’s perfect for curries, stir-fries, or your favorite chicken, salmon, or shrimp dishes. Try this nutritious whole grain at home for a healthy and tasty addition to any meal!

How to Cook White Rice

This stovetop white rice recipe is foolproof and works for any type of rice—short, medium, or long grain. It guarantees fluffy, tender rice every time. It’s perfect for pairing with curries, stir-fries, or any of your favorite dishes, making this basic white rice recipe an essential in the kitchen.

Perfectly cooked fluffy rice in a black bowl on a grey table, with few ingredients around.

Forbidden Black Rice

Learn how to cook Forbidden Black Rice on the stovetop. Packed with a nutty flavor and essential nutrients and fiber, it's an excellent choice for any meal. Pair it with your favorite roasted or baked meats, seafood, or vegetables for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

A white bowl of forbidden cooked black rice garnished with spring onion on a white table. Surrounding the bowl are a blue towel, and a fork.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine Rice is a fragrant long-grain staple in Asian, particularly Thai, cuisine. This recipe guides you through a simple stovetop absorption method for consistently soft, fluffy rice. Ideal for pairing with Asian and Indian curries, stir-fries, and even in fried rice, Jasmine Rice is versatile for both lunch and dinner.

Basmati Rice

Perfect your Basmati rice with this easy, step-by-step recipe. It’s ideal for biryani, pulao, and other flavored rice dishes, delivering fluffy, light grains in under 30 minutes. Enjoy it with your favorite curries and sides for a satisfying meal at home.

How to Cook Wild Rice

Learn how to perfectly cook wild rice with our simple stovetop absorption method. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, this nutritious grain is ideal as a side dish with roasted meats, seafood, or vegetables. It’s also excellent for adding to salads and soups!

Cooked wild rice in a white bowl on a white table with a blue towel and a small cup of scallions in the top corner.

Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)

Experience the rich flavors of Biryani Rice, or Kuska Rice, a delightful one-pot vegetarian dish from South India. Made with fragrant Seeraga Samba or Basmati rice and seasoned with aromatic Indian spices and herbs, this dish captures the essence of traditional biryani without the meat and vegetables. Perfect for any meal, enjoy it with your favorite curries for a complete and satisfying experience!

Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

Pudina Rice, also known as Mint Pulao, is a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot Indian meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a lunchbox treat, it pairs well with sides like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, or egg curry.

Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)

Matar Pulao is a one-pot Indian dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with green peas and aromatic spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a quick addition to party feasts.

Matar pulao/green peas pulao prepared in pressure cooker

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani, also known as Veg Biryani, is a spicy and aromatic rice dish popular throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This flavorful one-pot meal is rich in protein, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. Serve it with raita or your choice of vegetable or meat curry for a complete meal.

Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)

Savor the flavors of South India with Mushroom Biryani, also known as Kalan Biryani. This aromatic dish from Tamil Nadu's Chettinad cuisine pairs basmati rice with rich spices, creating a delightful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It's especially tasty when served with cool, creamy raita.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani is a timeless, delicious dish that originates from the Mughals. This one-pot recipe combines basmati rice with a rich blend of Indian spices and herbs, creating an aromatic and flavorful meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any day of the week, chicken biryani is sure to delight your taste buds!

Mughlai Biryani

Mughlai chicken biryani is a standout dish in Mughlai cuisine, celebrated for its authentic, rich aroma and flavors achieved through the traditional dum cooking method. This delicious meal is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a highlight at any gathering.

Ambur Biryani

The Ambur Biryani, also known as Star Ambur Biryani, is a true culinary gem from Tamil Nadu, introduced by the Arcot Nawabs. This dish is celebrated for its deep, authentic flavors, combining tender chicken, chili paste with aromatic Seeraga Samba rice. It's perfect for any meal—be it lunch, dinner, or a festive occasion—making it a versatile choice for any table.

Fish Biryani

Kerala Style Fish Dum Biryani is a fragrant South Indian seafood dish. Prepared by layering aromatic Kaima or Seeraga samba rice with smear-fried fish and a rich biryani masala gravy, it's slow-cooked using the dum method. This flavorful meal is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.

Fish fry dum biryani recipe Kerala style

Prawn Biryani (Shrimp Biryani)

Prawn or Shrimp Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal from South India. It features fresh prawns mixed with basmati rice, rich Chettinad spices, and aromatic herbs. This dish stands well on its own but also pairs beautifully with South Indian chicken curries to enhance the flavors. In South India, it's commonly referred to as Eral Biryani.

Output of Shrimp/Prawn Biryani, Eral Biriyani

Mutton Biryani (Lamb Biryani)

This South Indian Mutton Biryani is a one-pot wonder, where succulent goat meat is slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Indian spices, all combined with aromatic Seeraga Samba rice. The slow cooking method ensures each ingredient melds perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful dish.

Schezwan Fried Rice

Schezwan Fried Rice brings bold Indo-Chinese flavors to your table, with Basmati rice, colorful vegetables, eggs, and tender chicken. The combination of Szechuan and soy sauces gives this dish its unique, spicy kick, setting it apart from regular fried rice. It’s an excellent option for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a quick and tasty Indo-Chinese dish ready in just 30 minutes. Made with fragrant basmati or white rice, colorful veggies, eggs, and a hint of Indian masala, this delicious meal is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice is an easy and delicious Chinese dish that works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleaser at parties. The combination of rich flavors and simple preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice every time.

Arabian Chicken Mandi

Experience the rich flavors of Arabian cuisine with Chicken Mandi, a traditional Yemeni dish. This recipe combines tender chicken and aromatic spiced rice, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or gatherings where you want a memorable meal.

Middle Eastern Chicken And Rice

Enjoy the aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice—a simple, mildly spiced one-pot meal that's perfect for satisfying your cravings for comforting, flavorful food at lunch or dinner. This dish combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, infused with the traditional spices.

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