How to Make Chicken Flavored Rice: 3 Foolproof Methods Anyone Can Master

Want to spice up plain white rice? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve been making chicken-flavored rice for years, and let me tell you, it changes everything about weeknight dinners. My family fights over the last spoonful every time I make it!

Today I’m gonna share not just one but THREE different ways to make delicious chicken flavored rice that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re using a stovetop, Instant Pot, or looking for a quick shortcut, I’ve got you covered with these tried-and-tested recipes.

Why Make Chicken Flavored Rice?

Let’s talk about why chicken-flavored rice should be a regular part of your diet before we get to the recipes.

• Versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any protein
• Budget-friendly way to stretch your meals
• Kid-approved flavor that even picky eaters love
• Easy to customize with whatever herbs and seasonings you have on hand
• Makes great leftovers for meal prep and next-day lunches

Alright, let’s get cooking!

Classic Stovetop Chicken Flavored Rice

I always use the first method to make rice that is rich and flavorful. The secret? Toasting the rice before adding liquid!.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic (if using) along with the thyme. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice and stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes to coat each grain in butter. This toasting step adds amazing flavor!
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Season with black pepper, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with the lid.
6. Simmer for 15-17 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork, season with salt to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips:

• Use converted white rice (like Uncle Ben’s) for best results
• Don’t peek under the lid while cooking – you’ll release the steam!
• If your rice is too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth next time

One of my readers, Debbie, commented: “Delicious! I can never make good rice, it always turns out mushy! This was very flavorful. I liked the little crisp pieces in the bottom of the pan!”

Fancy Orzo & Rice Blend

Want to step up your chicken-flavored rice to the next level? This version mixes rice with orzo pasta for a great contrast in textures that will wow everyone you serve it to!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chicken base or bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onion
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan (about 2½-3 quarts) over medium heat.
2. Add the rice and orzo when the butter is melted and foamy. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become lightly golden in spots.
3. Add the dehydrated onion, black pepper, and chicken broth to the saucepan.
4. Stir in the chicken base until fully dissolved.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is almost gone and the rice and orzo are visible on the surface (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Lower heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for approximately 20 minutes until tender. Only stir once halfway through.
8. Fluff with a fork when done to allow steam to escape.
9. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Why This Works:

The orzo adds a delicious texture and cooks perfectly alongside the rice. The chicken base gives a deeper flavor than broth alone. One reader named Jeff said: “I love orzo & rice but had never cooked them together before. This was perfect! Already added it to the cookbook. Thanks so much!”

Instant Pot Chicken Flavored Rice

Got an Instant Pot? This method is a total game-changer! Not only is it hands-off, but it also creates the most perfectly textured rice EVER. Plus, I’ve included a special sauce that takes it to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

For the rice:

• 2 cups dry white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then drain well. (This removes surface starch that makes rice clumpy)
2. Heat the chicken broth in the microwave for 3 minutes or on the stovetop until boiling.
3. Add seasonings to broth – bouillon paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, seasoned salt, and vegetable oil. Whisk until combined.
4. Place rice and broth mixture in the Instant Pot and seal the lid.
5. Set for high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
6. During the last 5 minutes of natural release, combine all sauce ingredients, making sure the broth is hot enough to melt the butter. Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
7. Add sauce to cooked rice and stir until well combined while still in the Instant Pot (the residual heat helps thicken the sauce).
8. Serve warm with your favorite main dish.

Important Tips:

• Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level
• Don’t let the sauce sit too long before adding to rice as it will thicken quickly
• If your rice is watery, it’s undercooked; if hard or chewy, it needs more broth

Common Questions About Chicken Flavored Rice

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but cooking times will vary! Brown rice typically needs more liquid and longer cooking time. For stovetop, use 2 1/4 cups of broth per cup of brown rice and cook for 35-40 minutes. In the Instant Pot, set for 22 minutes with the same natural release time.

What if I don’t have chicken bouillon?

No problem! You can substitute with:

• Extra chicken broth (reduced to concentrate flavor)
• A chicken stock cube
• 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning + extra salt

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the Instant Pot version, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months! To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Why Your Rice Might Not Turn Out Perfect (And How to Fix It)

We’ve all had rice disasters! Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Serving Suggestions

Chicken flavored rice pairs beautifully with:

• Baked or grilled chicken (obvious but perfect combo!)
• Stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal
• Fish dishes like salmon or tilapia
• As a base for burrito bowls
• Stuffed into bell peppers with extra protein
• With a fried egg on top for a simple lunch

My Final Thoughts

After making chicken flavored rice about a gazillion times, I’ve learned that the little details matter – toasting the rice, using quality broth, and not rushing the process. But honestly? Even when I’ve messed up, it’s still turned out pretty darn good!

One of my favorite things about this dish is how it transforms leftover plain chicken into something special. Just shred some cooked chicken, warm it in a bit of broth, and serve it over this flavorful rice – boom, dinner is saved!

So which method are you gonna try first? The classic stovetop version? The fancy orzo blend? Or the hands-off Instant Pot method with that amazing sauce? Whatever you choose, I guarantee your family will be asking for seconds!

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later – trust me, you’ll want to come back to it again and again!