When it comes to quick and satisfying lunches, few ingredients are as versatile as rice and chicken. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for your family, or whipping up a single serving, the combination of rice and chicken is a winner. It’s nutritious, filling, and can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes.
I’ll explore 7 simple lunch ideas with rice and chicken that are delicious, easy to make, and far from boring. You’ll find recipes inspired by global cuisines, offering a unique twist for your midday meals.
Table of Contents
Why Rice and Chicken Are a Perfect Match
Rice and chicken go together seamlessly for a variety of reasons. Here’s why:
- Nutritional Balance: Chicken provides lean protein, while rice supplies energy-rich carbs. Together, they form a balanced, satisfying meal.
- Versatility: Both ingredients can absorb flavors easily, making them adaptable to nearly every cuisine.
- Accessibility: Rice and chicken are affordable and widely available, making them perfect staples for regular meal prep.
Now that you know why it’s such a great combo, let’s explore some easy meals to inspire your lunch menu.
Easy Lunch Recipes with Rice and Chicken
1. Classic Chicken Fried Rice
A true classic, chicken fried rice is a quick and flavorful option for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs
- Soy sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Scramble the eggs, then set them aside.
- Sauté the mixed vegetables until tender. Add in the cooked chicken.
- Toss in the cooked rice, breaking up clumps as needed.
- Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs, mixing everything together.
This dish is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for up to four days when refrigerated.
2. Herb Lemon Chicken and Rice Bowl
Light, zesty, and refreshing, this recipe is ideal for warm afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 handful of spinach or arugula
- ½ a lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Layer the bowl with brown rice as a base.
- Top with spinach and grilled chicken slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro.
This light and tangy lunch is packed with wholesome goodness.
3. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comfort food recipe is perfect as a make-and-take lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ⅓ cup steamed broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix rice, chicken, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and steamed broccoli in a casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Divide into portions for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
4. Spicy Chicken and Rice Lettuce Wraps
For a healthy, low-carb twist, turn your rice and chicken into tasty lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (or Sriracha)
- 8-10 large lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg lettuce works best)
Instructions
- Mix the rice, shredded chicken, and hot sauce in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and wrap them like tacos.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
This simple and flavorful recipe brings an Asian-inspired flair to your lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- ½ cup steamed broccoli or green beans
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the chicken slices in a pan with teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
- Place rice in a bowl, top with chicken teriyaki and steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds.
Ideal for meal prep, this dish can be reheated quickly without losing flavor.
6. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Bring some Mexican flair to your lunch with this colorful and customizable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked rice (white or Mexican-style seasoned rice)
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup salsa
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- Layer the rice as the base in a bowl.
- Add chicken, beans, corn, salsa, and cheese.
- Top with sliced avocado or guacamole, if desired.
This vibrant dish is as customizable as it is satisfying.
7. Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice
Perfect for garlic lovers, this dish combines richness with simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 chicken breast, pan-seared and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 handful of chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pan, then sauté the minced garlic over low heat.
- Add the pan-seared chicken slices and coat them evenly with the buttery garlic sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with parsley.
Rich and indulgent, this dish will keep you energized throughout the afternoon.
Final Thought
These simple lunch ideas with rice and chicken are not just convenient but also incredibly versatile, offering you the chance to bring global flavors right to your plate. Whether you prefer spicy, tangy, or creamy dishes, there’s something here for every palate.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken for another protein in these recipes?
Yes, feel free to swap out the chicken for your preferred protein such as tofu, beef, or shrimp.
Are these recipes kid-friendly?
These recipes are perfect for picky eaters and can be easily adjusted to suit their taste preferences.
Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Some of these dishes like fried rice and stir-fry can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, note that the texture and flavor may slightly differ when reheated. We recommend cooking fresh whenever possible for the best results.
