20 One-Pot Meals for Rice Lovers

By Mary Shannon Wells

Rice is a staple in Southern kitchens because it’s easy to cook, quick to make, and extremely versatile. There are so many varieties of rice, so your dinner can take any flavorful direction. Whether you want Asian-inspired shrimp fried rice, Southwest chicken and rice bowls, creole seafood jambalaya, or Southern chicken bog, rice can transport your meal to any region. These recipes include delicious rice bakes, casseroles, and jambalaya dishes that will satisfy everyone at your table. And did we mention that all of these rice dishes are one-pot meals, which are best way for weeknight dinners, especially if you’re the one cleaning up afterward. Quick rice recipes like these are the easiest way to get dinner on the table. Since you already have a box of rice sitting in your pantry, put it to use with these rice recipes for dinner. No need for takeout—the easiest dinner options are here.

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Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Video: Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Cajun smoked sausage and collard greens make this comforting dish undeniably Southern, and chicken, rice, and veggies make it a hearty dinner.

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Southwest Chicken Cutlet Rice Bowl

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Southwest Chicken Cutlet Rice Bowl

The easiest way to get Southwest flavor is with a one-dish recipe.

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Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

We love any recipe that calls for a cast-iron skillet.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Video: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

You might swap out this easy skillet casserole for the classic chicken-and-wild rice casserole recipe.

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Creole Seafood Jambalaya

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Creole Seafood Jambalaya

New Orleans Chef John Besh has been cooking this classic creole dish for his family for years, and we’re lucky to have the recipe.

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Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

This one-dish recipe provides, a protein, a starch, and a vegetable for a well-balanced meal.

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Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

With this one-dish stir-fry, your family won’t miss takeout.

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Skillet Sausage 'n' Rice

Southern Living

Recipe: Skillet Sausage 'n' Rice

This rice dish is on the table in 30 minutes for when you’re in a pinch.

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Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

To be prepared for busier-than-expected nights, you can freeze this casserole unbaked for up to a month.

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Chicken Fried Rice

Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Easy Chicken Fried Rice

This homemade fried rice is ready in less than 30 minutes, so save the money you would’ve spent eating out.

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Chicken Bog

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Bog

If you haven’t heard of chicken bog, get ready for the best Southern dinner you can make in 30 minutes.

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Shrimp Fried Rice

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Your kids will beg you to make this fried rice recipe all the time, and you won’t mind—it cooks in one pot in less than 30 minutes.

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Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples

This sheet-pan supper has tons of texture and flavor from chicken sausage, fennel, and apples that are tossed with apple cider vinegar.

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Chicken-and-Rice Soup with Mushrooms

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken-and-Rice Soup with Mushrooms

This hearty, comforting soup is what your family needs on a chilly night.

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Chicken, Shrimp, and Ham Jambalaya

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken, Shrimp, and Ham Jambalaya 

With chicken, shrimp, ham, and multiple veggies, this jambalaya is hearty and filling.

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Chicken with Curried Rice

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken with Curried Rice

Apples are the surprise ingredient in this delicious curried dish.

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Ham Fried Rice

Southern Living

Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Chopped ham and bacon add Southern flair to this version of fried rice.

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Wild Rice-and-Chicken Bowl

Southern Living

Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Chicken Bowl

Bowl recipes with rice and protein are an easy way to fill your family up on a weeknight.

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Island Chicken and Rice

Southern Living

Recipe: Island Chicken and Rice

Fresh pineapple is a delicious garnish with this island-inspired dish.

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Sweet-and-Sour Chicken and Rice

Southern Living

Recipe: Sweet-and-Sour Chicken and Rice

You won’t have any leftovers of this delicious sweet and sour recipe.

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