Rice is probably the most underrated thing in your pantry. We usually think of it as just a side dish, but it's actually the easiest way to turn a few random ingredients into a real meal. These 17 recipes show you how to take that basic bag of grain and make it the part of dinner everyone actually wants to eat. Whether you're tossing in some leftovers or trying something new, these dishes prove that you don't need a lot of money or time to make a great plate of food.
Rice With Grapes
This dish combines savory grains with bursts of sweet, juicy fruit for a truly unique flavor profile. I love how the little purple jewels make the plate look like something out of a fairy tale while adding a refreshing crunch. Fruit-infused rice ensures your dinner feels like a special event.
Get the Recipe: Rice With Grapes
Vintage Tuna Rice Casserole
Flaky fish and tender rice are baked in a creamy, homemade sauce that is much better than anything from a can. You will find that this retro-style meal provides comfort on a busy night when you need something warm and reliable. Classic rice bakes help any weeknight plate feel put together.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Tuna Rice Casserole
Springtime Lemon Brodetto
This light bowl has a lemon broth filled with green peas and soft rice for a meal that tastes like a fresh garden. I enjoy how the bright citrus flavor makes the whole dish feel incredibly airy and healthy. Lemon rice soups are the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Get the Recipe: Springtime Lemon Brodetto
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Earthy wild rice and sweet cubes of roasted squash come together in a colorful side dish that is full of autumn flavor. You will love the chewy texture of the grain paired with the buttery softness of the vegetable for a very satisfying bite. Colorful pilafs ensure your table looks beautiful and festive.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This 5-ingredient wonder cooks in your slow cooker until the meat is tender and the rice is perfectly creamy. It is the best way to get a home-cooked meal on the table with almost zero effort after a long day of work. Slow-cooked rice helps anyone who can't cook feel like a chef.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Chicken Shawarma Rice
Spiced poultry and fragrant grains are topped with a cool, white sauce for a meal that is bursting with Middle Eastern flair. I think the combination of warm spices and creamy sauce makes every bite feel like a celebration of flavor. Shawarma bowls make your weeknight dinner feel like a trip abroad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Rice
Easy Vegetarian Rice Pilaf
This simple side uses garden vegetables and a savory broth to turn plain white rice into a dish that is full of character. You will find that it is a versatile partner for almost any main course, from grilled tofu to a big summer salad. Veggie pilafs ensure your meal feels complete and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Rice Pilaf
Vegetarian Biryani Rice
This dish is layered with bold spices and colorful vegetables to create a complex and very satisfying meal. I love the way the scent of cumin and cardamom fills the kitchen, promising a dinner that smelss as good as it is delicious. Spiced biryani brings the true heart of tradition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice
French Onion Chicken and Rice
Savory onions and melted cheese give this casserole a deep, rich flavor that reminds me of a cozy French bistro. You will love how the rice soaks up the sweet onion juices to make a dish that is incredibly savory and filling. Onion-infused bakes help a simple plate feel put together.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Crispy tofu sits atop a bed of seasoned rice and fresh vegetables for a high-protein meal that is light and energizing. I enjoy the contrast between the warm grains and the cool, crunchy toppings that make every bowl feel very fresh. Tofu rice bowls ensure your lunch is both healthy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Chicken and Rice with Minute Rice
This speedy version of a family favorite uses smart pantry shortcuts to get a hot meal ready in just a few minutes. It is a great choice for those nights when you want the comfort of a casserole without the long wait for the oven. Fast rice bakes prove that you can cook a great meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice with Minute Rice
1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice
This vibrant meal uses tart fruit seeds to add a pop of color and a zesty flavor to savory chicken and rice. I love the way the pink seeds look against the golden grains, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner party. Pomegranate rice makes your table look grand and professional.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice
The Perfect Rice Pilaf (Vegan)
This golden dish is masterfully seasoned to ensure every grain is separate, fluffy, and full of deep, savory flavor. You will find that the secret to a perfect pilaf lies in slow simmering, which lets the spices truly shine through. Vegan pilafs ensure that every guest feels included and happy.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf (Vegan)
Uzbek Chicken Plov
This dish has tender meat and carrots cooked in a way to create the best comfort meal from Central Asia. I think the rich, savory flavor of a well-made plov is something that everyone should experience at least once. Traditional plov helps keep heritage alive in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov
Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole
Ground meat and fresh summer squash are baked together with rice for a meal that is both hearty and full of nutrients. You only need one pan to create this complete dinner that is a great way to sneak extra vegetables onto the table. One-pan bakes make a weeknight dinner feel like a party.
Get the Recipe: Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole
Authentic Rice and Lentil (Mujadara)
Caramelized onions provide a deep, sweet flavor to this traditional pairing of grains and protein-packed lentils. I love how such simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish that is so rich, earthy, and incredibly satisfying. Lentil and rice blends are the ultimate budget-friendly star.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentil (Mujadara)
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
This stir-fry uses sweet sauce and high heat to create a meal that is full of umami and very fun to eat. You can toss in whatever extra vegetables you have in the fridge to make a custom dish that is better than any takeout. Fried rice ensures your plate feels put together and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
You might just find that your new favorite meal has been sitting in your pantry all along.
