When it comes to comfort food, few combinations can beat the classic pairing of chicken and rice. But why settle for boring old plain when you can add a kick of heat with these 18 mouthwatering recipes that combine spicy chicken with flavorful rice? From Cajun to Szechuan, Thai to Bangladeshi, each dish on this list is a bold and delicious take on the tried-and-true pair. Whether you’re in the mood for a one-pot wonder or a show-stopping casserole, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes below!
Cajun spicy chicken and rice skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines spicy Cajun flavors with tender chicken and fluffy rice, making it a perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. With minimal prep work and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover with a lid, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Thai red curry spicy chicken and rice
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Thai red curry with tender chicken and fluffy rice, all wrapped up in a spicy package that’s sure to please. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 Thai red curry paste (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in curry paste, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jamaican jerk spicy chicken and rice
A flavorful fusion of Caribbean spices and classic comfort food, this recipe combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the warmth of rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix jerk seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season the chicken with the spice mixture, then drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with flavored rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mexican spicy chicken and rice casserole
A flavorful and spicy twist on a classic comfort food, this casserole combines the bold flavors of Mexico with the simplicity of chicken and rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until chicken is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and half of the cheese. Mix well.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Szechuan spicy chicken and fried rice
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this simple recipe combining spicy chicken and savory fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old rice)
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook chicken in a wok or large skillet over high heat for 5-6 minutes, until cooked through.
2. Add garlic, onion, Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
3. Add cooked rice to the wok or skillet, stirring to combine with chicken mixture.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until rice is heated through and slightly crispy at the bottom.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean gochujang spicy chicken and rice bowl
Get ready to spice up your lunch game with this bold and flavorful gochujang chicken and rice bowl recipe. Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, adds depth and heat to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and water.
6. To assemble the bowls, place cooked chicken on top of rice, drizzle with the vinegar mixture, and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Indian turmeric spicy chicken and basmati rice
This aromatic dish combines the warmth of turmeric with the bold flavors of Indian spices, served over fluffy basmati rice. A perfect blend of comfort and excitement for your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp garam masala powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup basmati rice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
2. Add garlic, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
4. Stir in diced tomatoes; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Cook basmati rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve chicken over rice, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creole spicy chicken and dirty rice
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold Creole-inspired dish that combines spicy chicken with flavorful dirty rice. This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 cup dirty rice mix (contains rice, vegetables, and spices)
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme to the skillet; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add onion, bell pepper, and parsley to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in dirty rice mix, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Return chicken to the skillet; simmer until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Habanero lime spicy chicken and cilantro rice
Add a burst of flavor to your meal with this vibrant and spicy dish, perfect for those who love a little heat. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with the bright, citrusy taste of lime and the pungency of habanero peppers, all served atop a bed of fresh cilantro-infused rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped habanero peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened.
5. Cook white rice according to package instructions. Stir in chopped cilantro during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve chicken on top of cilantro rice, with additional lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic butter spicy chicken and wild rice
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the spicy kick of chicken with the nutty taste of wild rice, all tied together with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve with cooked wild rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Peri-peri spicy chicken and coconut rice
This African-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of peri-peri sauce with the creamy warmth of coconut rice, all wrapped up in tender and juicy chicken. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup peri-peri sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together peri-peri sauce and olive oil. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions using coconut milk instead of water.
4. Heat the remaining marinade in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Serve chicken with coconut rice and garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bangkok street-style spicy chicken and sticky rice
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this authentic recipe for spicy chicken and sticky rice, a popular street food favorite from Bangkok. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a good balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
– 2 cups cooked sticky rice (see notes)
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through (5-6 minutes).
4. Add curry paste; stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, salt, and chilies.
6. Serve with sticky rice and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bangladeshi spicy chicken and biryani rice
Savor the bold flavors of Bangladesh with this spicy chicken and biryani rice recipe, a staple of Bangladeshi cuisine. This flavorful dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add rice, water, ghee or butter, and mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chipotle spicy chicken and Spanish rice
This recipe combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers with tender chicken and savory Spanish rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped chipotle peppers, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked rice, water, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Serve chicken on top of Spanish rice and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Shawarma-spiced spicy chicken and turmeric rice
Experience the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this simple yet aromatic recipe, featuring shawarma-spiced spicy chicken served atop a bed of warm turmeric rice.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp shawarma spice blend (or substitute with paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
For the turmeric rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together shawarma spice blend, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. For the turmeric rice, combine rice, water, and turmeric in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and drizzle with olive oil.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bangladeshi spicy chicken and jeera rice
Spicy Chicken with Jeera Rice: A Classic Bangladeshi Dish
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Bangladesh with a simple and satisfying meal. Crispy fried chicken is tossed in a spicy tomato-based sauce, served alongside fluffy jeera rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1/4 tsp red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Jeera rice ingredients: 1 cup uncooked jeera (cumin) seeds, 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown.
2. In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt to the pan; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked chicken; simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce thickens.
5. Cook jeera rice according to package instructions.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sriracha honey spicy chicken and jasmine rice
Elevate your meal game with this addictive fusion of spicy and sweet flavors, perfectly balanced to satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines the bold heat of Sriracha sauce with the velvety smoothness of honey, served atop fluffy jasmine rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake the marinated chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve the spicy chicken on top of fluffy jasmine rice.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Moroccan harissa spicy chicken and saffron rice
Experience the bold flavors of Morocco with this aromatic dish, combining spicy harissa chicken with fragrant saffron rice.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2-3 tsp harissa paste (adjust to desired level of spiciness)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the saffron rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp hot water
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook saffron rice according to package instructions. Stir in soaked saffron threads and season with salt and olive oil.
6. Serve chicken on top of saffron rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 mouthwatering recipes that combine fiery spicy chicken with fluffy rice! From Cajun spicy chicken and rice skillet to Szechuan spicy chicken and fried rice, each dish brings its own unique blend of heat and flavor. Explore international flavors like Thai red curry, Jamaican jerk, and Indian turmeric, or stick closer to home with Mexican-inspired casseroles and Creole-style dirty rice. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and smoky or bold and zesty, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
