Easy Chicken Rice Recipe + Video
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This Chicken Rice Recipe makes a delicious side dish that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly fluffy. Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes on the stovetop and tastes better than the boxed version any day. Learn how to make chicken flavored rice with simple ingredients you should already have in your pantry!
Chicken Rice Recipe
Need some ideas for quick, last-minute rice side dishes for chicken? Look no further than my tried and true chicken flavored rice!
It’s so much better than any of those boxes or pouches from the store, and it’s good enough for company too.
Between my restaurant-style Mexican recipe, my copycat Chipotle cilantro lime version, and this chicken flavored rice recipe, you’ll be set for any meal to come!
I’ve also got easy chicken and rice recipe ideas for a hearty meal or a comforting bowl of soup. My cheesy broccoli soup is a particular favorite on cold, blustery days!
Recipe Video
Learn how to make chicken flavored rice by watching the video in this post!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Long Grain Rice – I prefer to use jasmine for this chicken flavored rice recipe, but basmati or enriched long grain rice will work too.
You just may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes in either direction! - Chicken Base – This is concentrated stock that typically comes in a jar — I love Better Than Bouillon because it has a long shelf life.
You can use bouillon if you prefer, which is chicken base that’s been dehydrated into cubes.
Or, use your favorite broth or stock in place of the water and leave out the base altogether. - Unsalted Butter – This simple addition makes a huge difference in this chicken rice recipe. It adds richness and flavor and helps make the grains extra fluffy.
- Seasonings – I like to add some dried parsley and freshly ground black pepper to the pot, plus salt to taste, just before serving.
These are entirely optional, so leave them out or swap with other seasonings!
How to Make Chicken Flavored Rice
- Clean your rice before cooking.
Use your hands to swish it around in a bowl of cold water, then strain through a colander and give it one more rinse.
This removes the excess starch that causes the grains to stick together when cooked.
- Add ingredients in the correct order.
Bring water to a boil first, then stir in everything except the seasonings until the poultry base is dissolved.
Reduce the heat and simmer until you can’t see any more liquid along the surface. Transfer the pot off of the heat and let it stand for a few more minutes.
Finally, sprinkle in the parsley and pepper and use a fork to incorporate them while fluffing the grains at the same time.
- Don’t forget the lid!
Once everything comes to a simmer, cover the saucepan so the liquid absorbs into the grains instead of evaporating.
- Fluff with a fork.
This is a MUST for any kind of cooked rice, not just this chicken rice recipe. Use a folding motion to move the fork through the grains, helping them separate from each other.
A spoon will simply mush everything together.
Same goes when stirring in seasonings — a fork will distribute everything more evenly than a spoon!
Serving Suggestions
This is one of my favorite rice side dishes for chicken — I make it weekly and sometimes I’ll even have a small bowl as a snack!
You can also add some chopped meat and veggies to your chicken flavored rice and create a homemade rice bowl. Cook both separately and layer or stir together before serving.
Prep Ahead
- Rinse and drain rice
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Medium Saucepan – Heats evenly and is easy to clean too.
- A Fine Mesh Strainer makes it easier to rinse and drain rice.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – You may be tempted to eyeball the amounts, but I recommend using the proper tools so it comes out just right.
Storing Leftover Chicken Flavored Rice
Just like any other cooked grain, chicken rice should be good for up to a week in the fridge when kept in an airtight container.
It will start to dry out over time, so be sure to add a little liquid when reheating. Water is fine, but I recommend mixing in a little bit of chicken base first for better flavor.
This chicken flavored rice recipe is great for meal prep too! Make a big batch, then spread it onto a baking sheet to cool it quickly. Portion into freezer bags and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Chicken Flavored Rice Recipe FAQ
It’s a staple ingredient similar in flavor to broth or stock, but at a much higher concentration. The concept is similar to bullion, except it comes in the form of a wet paste instead of dry cubes.
Most often, it is reconstituted with water to use in place of broth or stock, especially because it has a much longer shelf life than the liquid alternative.
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon worth of dry bouillon in place of the base. It does tend to be high in sodium, so keep that in mind if you have dietary concerns.
Sure, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid and chicken base according to the rice cooker instructions.
Typically, rice cookers call for a 1:1 ratio of rice and liquid. Reduce the water to 1 cup and stir in 1 or 1 ½ teaspoons of base before pouring over the rice
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Easy Chicken Rice Recipe + Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon low sodium chicken base
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice, butter and chicken base. Stir. Reduce to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, or until rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour parsley into your hand and crumble it into the pot, add pepper. Stir and fluff with fork. Add salt to taste. I use 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon salt.
- Serve and enjoy.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published February 2015, updated and republished June 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
As I have mentioned before…I love simple, good recipes. This one hits the nail on the head!! Thanks! Pinning it!!
What do you mean by chicken base – Chicken broth?
Chicken base is just a highly concentrated stock used for soups, stews, sauces and casseroles. If you prefer you can use bouillon instead, which is chicken stock that has been dehydrated and shaped into a small cube form.
Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
Can you use brown rice instead of jasmine?
Do you cover it up with a lid?
Can i cook the rice in 2 cups of chicken stock?
I like it when you suggest a side dish to serve with main dish.
Hi there I am so delighted I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a
incredible post and a all round entertaining
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
read through it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Can you use minute rice instead?
I have not tested the recipe that way, but the way it is written it would overcook minute rice.
How many bullions would I us
1 tablespoon worth. But, watch the sodium as bouillon tends to be high in sodium.
This side dish is not just super easy, but it's super yummy. I wanted a rice dish to go with some chicken I was making for a main dish, and really didn't want to use Rice-a-Roni, but wanted something flavorful like that. I mean, I like the box stuff, but omg so much sodium! So I tried this recipe and it's SO GOOD! My 12 year old daughter took one bite and exclaimed “the rice is good!” She finished that before she even touched the main dish! My husband ate it without complaint which is amazing because he's not a rice fan. I used the Better than Bouillon chicken base and I highly recommend it. It packs a lot of flavor without all that sodium. This recipe is just perfect as is, and definitely one I will make often!
Simple and delicious! My husband and son like rice and gave this the thumbs up. I also like that it has only 6 ingredients. I too used Better Than Bouillon for the chicken base – should be near the soups/stocks in the supermarket. I get Slow Roasted Italian in my email and gave The Simple Kitchen cookbook to another son who now cooks for his household. Sorry, I don't go on Facebook.
Since my family is vegan/plant based, I substituted a vegetable bouillon cube for chicken and it was so delicious and flavorful – and cruelty-free to boot! Thank you!
I just made this and the rice is so flavorful and delicious. You would not expect such a delicious and tasty experience from rice alone. Great recipe.
This chicken rice recipe is a game-changer! So easy and so flavorful.
Hi Sadie
We’re glad you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn