28 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.

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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

Chicken and Rice is a rich, flavor-loaded, and easy-to-make one-pot meal. It is usually made with chicken thighs, basmati rice or white rice, basic seasonings, and aromatics. The chicken thighs are usually seasoned with spice powders, pan-fried, and then cooked along with a flavorful aromatic rice. This One Pot Chicken and Rice is one of the best and easy-to-make rice dishes that taste great on their own. However, you can also serve it with roasted and baked vegetables, salads, and other side dishes of your choice for lunch and dinner.

Baked Chicken and Rice

The Oven Baked Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal that is loaded with the delicious flavors of buttery rice and juicy chicken. This dish is typically made with chicken thighs, rice, chicken broth, and seasonings, and it is one of the best rice recipes that can be enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup is a healthy and hearty classic one-pot meal that is loaded with nutrition. This flavorful soup is typically made with tender chicken breast, vegetables, aromatics, and basic seasonings. Homemade Chicken Rice Soup is one of the best soup recipes that are perfect for both lunch and dinner. Also, it is a great comfort food when you're under the weather.

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a fluffy, crisp, and traditional Chinese rice dish that has its origin in Sui Dynasty. It is usually made with cooked cold rice or leftover rice that is stir-fried in a high-heat wok with veggies, eggs, and basic aromatics and seasonings. This homemade Chinese Fried Rice is one of the easy and best rice dishes that taste great with stir fry dishes, and starters for lunch and dinner. The best part is, it is easily customizable, and it takes only under 30 minutes to make the entire dish.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish that combines ease, speed, and bold flavors in one delicious package. It is typically made with boneless chicken, aromatic vegetables, rice, and basic seasonings. This homemade Chicken Fried Rice recipe is one of the best stir-fry dishes to try and can be ready in under 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and a few short steps, you can enjoy a comforting lunch or dinner.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice is a simple and classic Chinese dish loaded with a savory and sweet flavor. Made with succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, fragrant aromatics, and essential seasonings. It is a staple in many Asian homes and restaurants. This recipe for Shrimp Fried Rice stands out among the best, as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a versatile choice for lunch and dinner. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a delectable accompaniment to your favorite stir-fries or Asian-inspired meals.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi Goreng is a sweet, savory, and spicy Indonesian fried rice dish. It is typically made with cooked rice, chicken, aromatics, Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce), and shrimp paste. This popular Indonesian dish is one of the simplest and best stir-fried recipes and is often served with a fried egg, fried onions, and fresh veggies as toppings, making it a filling one-pot meal for both lunch and dinner.

Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice is an easy, and flavor-packed authentic rice dish. It is traditionally prepared with long grain rice and a special tomato seasoning mix. This Spanish Rice is one of the popular Mexican restaurant takeout dishes and is usually enjoyed with the dishes like chicken, steak, fish etc for lunch or dinner.

How to Cook Brown Rice

Brown Rice is healthy whole-grain rice loaded with many nutritional benefits. It is usually cooked using the absorption method, cook and drain method, instant pot, or baking method. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to cook or make Brown Rice using the absorption method with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. The cooking method shared here delivers soft, and fluffier Brown Rice that pairs great with curries, stir-fries, baked or roasted dishes, chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Brown Rice in a black bowl with lemon slices.

How to Cook White Rice

Learn how to cook White Rice on a stovetop that delivers the best, perfectly fluffy, and tender rice every time. This recipe for white rice is usually made with short, medium, or long-grain rice and water using the absorption method. The process for cooking rice involves boiling, and simmering the rice until it is cooked completely. The cooking method shared here is one of the easy and best ways to make Rice on the stovetop using a pot. Here the Rice is made plain without any seasonings, so it pairs great with curries, stir-fried dishes, and roasted and baked dishes. You could also serve it with chicken, salmon, shrimp, and many Asian and Indian recipes for lunch and dinner.

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

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine Rice is a floral fragrant, and long-grain rice popular in Asian cooking, especially in Thai cuisine. It is usually cooked with rice and water using the absorption method on the stovetop. This fragrant Jasmine Rice is widely used as a side dish with curries, stir-fries, and most Thai dishes and to make fried rice. The cooking method shared here is one of the easy and best ways to cook Jasmine Rice on the stovetop using a pot. And it delivers perfectly soft, fluffier, and light rice every time.

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is aromatic, and long-grained rice that is popular in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is widely used to make biryani, pulao, and other flavored rice. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to perfectly cook Basmati Rice with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. The method shared here to cook Basmati Rice delivers fluffier, light, and long-grained rice. It pairs perfectly with Indian curries and side dishes for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes in under 30 minutes.

Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)

Biryani rice or Kuska rice is a flavorful one-pot vegetarian meal made with Seeraga Samba or Basmati rice, Indian spices, and herbs. It is a popular South Indian dish made without any veggies or meat and tastes similar to traditional Biryani. This biryani rice can be served with any veg or nonveg curries for lunch and dinner.

Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

Pudina rice or Mint pulao is a wholesome one-pot Indian meal. This rice dish is usually prepared with fresh mint leaves, ginger, garlic, Indian spices, and masalas. And it is a perfect vegan-friendly dish that can be served for lunch, dinner, and as a lunch box meal. This Pudina/mint rice tastes great with side dishes like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, egg curries, and similar other dishes.

Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)

Matar or Peas Pulao is a simple yet delicious one-pot Indian vegetarian meal made with basmati rice, green peas, and a few Indian whole spices and herbs. It is an easy and tasty dish that can be done in under 30 minutes and can be served for lunch, dinner, or a party.

Matar pulao/green peas pulao prepared in pressure cooker

Vegetable Biryani (Veg Biryani)

Vegetable or Veg biryani is a spicy, aromatic, and protein-rich rice dish which is popular in Indian subcontinent and other neighboring countries. This vegetable biryani is tasty, flavorful and nutrition rich one pot wholesome meal for biryani lovers and can be served for lunch/dinner.

Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)

Mushroom Biryani or Kalan biryani is an aromatic and flavor-filled meal prepared with basmati rice and it is authentic to South India, especially in Chettinad cuisine from Tamilnadu. This tasty biryani is served for lunch or dinner with raita.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani is one of the age-old, delicious, and authentic dishes from Mughals. This chicken Biryani is prepared with basmati rice, indian spices and herbs. It is an aromatic and flavorsome dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or on a regular day!

Mughlai Biryani

Mughlai chicken biryani is one of the delicacies of Mughlai cuisine and it is very popular for its authenticity and rich aromatic, taste and flavor. This biryani has variations introduced by people from different regions by altering the spices. This taste rich meal is perfect for lunch and dinner or as a party meal.

Ambur Biryani

Ambur biryani or Star Ambur biryani recipe is an authentic, unique, flavorful, delicious meal introduced by Arcot Nawab during their regime in Tamilnadu, South India. This unique and delicious meal prepared with Chicken and seeraga sambar rice can be served for lunch, dinner, or for parties.

Fish Biryani

Kerala style fish dum biryani is a delicious and aromatic South Indian seafood meal. It is prepared by layering Kaima or Seeraga samba rice with smear fried fish and biryani masala gravy in a dum cooking process. It is usually served as a main course meal for lunch and dinner.

Fish fry dum biryani recipe Kerala style

Prawn Biryani (Shrimp Biryani)

Prawn or Shrimp biryani is a tasty and aromatic one-pot South Indian meal in which fresh prawns are cooked with basmati rice, Indian spices, and herbs. It tastes great on its own and even better when it is served with South Indian chicken curries. It is also called Eral Biryani in South India.

Output of Shrimp/Prawn Biryani, Eral Biriyani

Mutton Biryani (Lamb Biryani)

In this one-pot south Indian mutton biryani, tender goat meat is slow-cooked with onion, tomato, and Indian spices and seeraga samba rice.

Schezwan Fried Rice

Schezwan fried rice is a flavorful one pan Indo-Chinese rice meal that is made of basmati rice, veggies, eggs, and chicken. This recipe uses Szechuan sauce and soy sauce which is unique from regular fried rice recipes. It can be served for lunch and dinner.