5-Minute Chicken and Rice Dishes You Can Make Tonight

Busy nights call for quick, delicious meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Chicken and rice is a timeless combination that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to throw together in minutes. Here are five simple and tasty 5-minute chicken and rice dishes you can whip up tonight.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is rich, buttery, and full of garlic flavor, making it a comforting yet quick meal for any night.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

How to Make It

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Add shredded chicken and cooked rice, stirring to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Quick Tip

Use microwaveable rice for an even faster prep time!

2. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a sweet and savory dish with an umami-packed teriyaki glaze that comes together in no time.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make It

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat and add cooked chicken.
2. Pour in teriyaki sauce and stir until the chicken is coated.
3. Add rice and mix well, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve.

Quick Tip

Add frozen veggies like peas and carrots for extra color and nutrients.

3. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

1. In a skillet, combine cooked rice, chicken, cheese, and milk over medium heat.
2. Stir well until cheese is melted and everything is creamy (about 2 minutes).
3. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a gooier, stretchier texture.

4. Spicy Sriracha Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish packs a punch with bold, spicy flavors that are addictively delicious.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make It

1. In a pan over medium heat, combine sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder.
2. Add cooked chicken and stir until well coated.
3. Toss in the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot.

Quick Tip

Top with a fried egg for extra richness and protein.

5. Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, fresh flavors make this dish light yet satisfying.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

How to Make It

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shredded chicken, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Toss in the rice and stir for another 2 minutes until heated through.
4. Sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Quick Tip

Add chopped cucumbers and tomatoes on the side for a refreshing crunch.

6. Buffalo Ranch Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spicy meets creamy: The heat from the buffalo sauce balances perfectly with the cool, tangy ranch.
• Quick and effortless: No need for extra cooking—just toss everything together and enjoy.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether for game nights or family dinners, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make It

• In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Stir in the shredded chicken until well coated.
• Combine with rice and heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve warm, and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Top with blue cheese crumbles for an extra kick of flavor.

7. Pesto Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and vibrant: The basil pesto adds a refreshing, herby taste.
• No-fuss meal: Just mix and heat—no need for extra steps.
• Nutritious and filling: Healthy fats from pesto make this dish satisfying and wholesome.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How To Make It

• In a skillet over medium heat, combine cooked chicken and pesto, stirring to coat.
• Add the rice and mix well, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Quick Tip

Use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own with fresh basil and nuts.

8. BBQ Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and smoky: A mix of barbecue flavors gives this dish depth.
• Minimal prep required: Rotisserie chicken makes it effortless.
• Versatile and customizable: Works great as a rice bowl or burrito filling.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup corn (optional)

How To Make It

• Heat a skillet over medium heat, then mix chicken, barbecue sauce, and paprika.
• Stir in the rice and corn, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Use a smoky, honey, or spicy BBQ sauce to switch up the flavors.

9. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and savory: The mushrooms add an earthy umami flavor.
• Super creamy and comforting: Feels indulgent yet simple to make.
• One-pan magic: Everything cooks together for easy cleanup.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

How To Make It

• In a skillet, sauté mushrooms for 2 minutes.
• Add chicken, rice, heavy cream, garlic powder, and salt, stirring well.
• Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is creamy and heated through.

Quick Tip

Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

10. Mexican Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and zesty: The perfect mix of cumin, lime, and spice.
• One-bowl meal: No sides needed—just dig in!
• Great for meal prep: Stays fresh and flavorful for days.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ¼ cup salsa
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ cup black beans (optional)
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional)

How To Make It

• In a skillet over medium heat, mix chicken, salsa, cumin, and chili powder.
• Add rice and black beans, stirring to combine.
• Cook for 2 minutes, top with shredded cheese, and serve warm.

Quick Tip

Squeeze fresh lime over the dish for extra brightness.

11. Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and tangy: The pineapple adds a tropical twist.
• Easy Asian-inspired flavors: A restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Comes together fast: Just mix and heat.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
• ¼ cup pineapple chunks
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

How To Make It

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add chicken, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple.
• Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes.
• Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Quick Tip

Use fresh or canned pineapple, depending on availability.

12. Spinach and Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light yet satisfying: The spinach adds freshness without overpowering the dish.
• Creamy and cheesy: Parmesan brings a rich, nutty flavor.
• Packed with nutrients: A great way to sneak in some greens.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make It

• In a skillet over medium heat, mix chicken, spinach, and milk.
• Add rice and Parmesan, stirring to combine.
• Cook for 2 minutes, then serve warm.

Quick Tip

Substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.

13. Thai Peanut Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutty and flavorful: Peanut sauce makes it rich and delicious.
• Balanced and filling: Protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one meal.
• Super quick to prepare: Just mix and heat!

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)

How To Make It

• In a skillet over medium heat, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha.
• Stir in the chicken and rice, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Top with chopped peanuts and serve warm.

Quick Tip

Drizzle with extra peanut sauce for more flavor.

14. Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet honey and savory garlic go hand in hand.
• Sticky and delicious: Feels like takeout but made at home.
• Quick, simple, and tasty: Just mix and heat!

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make It

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and combine honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Add shredded chicken and rice, stirring well.
• Cook for 2 minutes, then serve warm.

Quick Tip

Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.

Here are three more quick and delicious chicken and rice recipes following the same tone, format, and layout:

15. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and refreshing: The combination of lemon and garlic adds a zesty kick that enhances the flavor of the chicken and rice.
• Simple yet flavorful: A handful of basic ingredients transform into a dish packed with taste.
• Great for digestion: Lemon juice helps brighten the dish while aiding digestion, making this a light yet satisfying meal.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ lemon (juice and zest)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

How To Make It

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
• Mix in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Garnish with dried parsley and serve warm.

Quick Tip

For extra depth of flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of dried parsley.

16. Mediterranean Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and light: The juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil make this dish taste bright and refreshing.
• Great for summer: If you’re craving something lighter than a creamy or cheesy meal, this one is perfect.
• Mediterranean-inspired goodness: Olive oil, basil, and tomatoes create a balanced, healthy meal packed with nutrients.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make It

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.
• Stir in chicken, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
• Add the cooked rice and stir to combine, heating for another 2 minutes.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Use sun-dried tomatoes for an even richer tomato flavor.

17. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: Parmesan cheese and garlic make this dish ultra-creamy and satisfying.
• Comfort food made easy: If you’re craving something warm and cheesy, this is your go-to.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: The sauce comes together quickly, making it perfect for a last-minute meal.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make It

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat.
• Stir in the rice and Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is creamy and well combined.
• Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve warm.

Quick Tip

For extra creaminess, add an extra splash of milk or a tablespoon of cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

These 5-minute chicken and rice dishes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or fresh, there’s a quick and easy option here for you.

Which one will you try tonight? Let me know in the comments!