Learn how to make chicken flavored rice that’s buttery, fluffy, and full of savory comfort. This easy recipe combines rice, orzo, and chicken broth for a delicious side dish you’ll want to serve with everything. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or quick weeknight meals.
There’s something magical about a bowl of chicken flavored rice. It’s cozy, filling, and tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe takes plain rice and transforms it into something buttery, golden, and packed with flavor.
I love serving this rice with roasted chicken or grilled veggies, but honestly, it holds its own as a satisfying side dish any day of the week. The secret? Toasting the orzo and rice in butter before simmering them in savory chicken broth. The result is light, fluffy, and deeply comforting.
If you’ve ever grabbed a box of packaged rice mixes from the grocery store, this recipe is the homemade version you didn’t know you needed. If you want to learn the basics first, check out my guide on how to cook rice perfectly.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Chicken Flavored Rice
The beauty of chicken flavored rice is that it uses just a handful of pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that comforting taste. Let’s look at the star players.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness, helps toast the orzo and rice, and creates that irresistible golden base.
- Long Grain White Rice (1 cup): The foundation of this dish. Long grain rice stays fluffy and separate when cooked, which is exactly what we want.
- Orzo Pasta (½ cup): This little pasta adds texture, color, and a hint of nutty flavor once it’s toasted. It’s what makes this recipe stand out from basic rice.
- Dehydrated Onion (½ teaspoon): A simple way to add a savory note without chopping fresh onion. It blends right into the rice.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balances out the richness of the butter and broth with a gentle bite.
- Chicken Broth (3¼ cups): The liquid that infuses the rice with savory depth. A good-quality broth makes all the difference.
- Chicken Base (1 tablespoon): This concentrated flavor booster ensures the rice is truly chicken flavored. It’s like giving the broth an extra punch.
- Salt (optional): Only if needed at the end, since the chicken base and broth already bring saltiness.
- Fresh Parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness for a pretty finishing touch.
Each ingredient has its part to play, and when combined, they create a dish that’s way more than the sum of its parts.
Additional Ingredients
While the classic version of chicken flavored rice is already perfect, you might want to add or swap ingredients depending on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: For a more robust, savory punch. Or if you’re a garlic lover, you’ll also enjoy my step-by-step recipe for how to make garlic fried rice.
- Carrots and Peas: Stir them in toward the end for color and a veggie boost.
- Celery: Adds a mild crunch and extra flavor if sautéed with the butter at the start.
- Fresh Onion Instead of Dehydrated: If you have the time, dice a small onion and cook it with the butter for a fresher taste.
- Brown Rice: You can swap white rice for brown, but keep in mind it will need a longer cooking time and a little extra broth.
- Olive Oil Instead of Butter: If you’d like to make it lighter, olive oil works well and adds a Mediterranean flair.
Think of this recipe as your base canvas. Once you get the hang of it, you can adjust it to fit whatever meal you’re making.
Expert Tips
Making chicken flavored rice isn’t complicated, but there are a few little tricks that will make your dish taste restaurant-quality every single time.
- Toast the Orzo Properly: This is where the magic begins. Don’t rush this step. Let the orzo turn golden brown in the butter. It brings out a nutty flavor that gives the dish its signature taste.
- Rinse the Rice First: Washing your long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear removes excess starch. This helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy grains.
- Use Good Broth: Since broth is the main flavor source, quality matters. If you make homemade chicken broth, this is the time to use it. Store-bought works fine too, just pick a brand with rich flavor.
- Taste Before Adding Salt: Chicken broth and chicken base can already be quite salty. Always wait until the rice is cooked to taste, then sprinkle in extra salt if it’s truly needed.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once you add the broth, bring it to a boil just to get things started, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Boiling too hard can make the rice unevenly cooked.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, keep the pot covered for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the steam to finish fluffing up the rice.
- Fluff with a Fork: Instead of stirring (which can make the rice gummy), gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Make It Ahead: Chicken flavored rice reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. A splash of broth while reheating brings it back to life.
- Freezer-Friendly: Yes, you can freeze it! Pack cooled rice into freezer bags, flatten them for easy storage, and reheat later for a quick side dish.
These small steps might seem minor, but they really elevate your dish from “good” to “absolutely amazing.”
How to Make Chicken Flavored Rice
- Melt the Butter: Start with a large skillet or saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling gently.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and stir constantly until it turns golden brown. This should take about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice. Let it toast for 1–2 minutes to absorb some of the buttery flavor.
- Season the Base: Sprinkle in the dehydrated onion and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the Broth and Base: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the chicken base until it’s fully dissolved.
- Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and add salt only if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like a bright finish.
Additional Guide
Want to take your chicken flavored rice up a notch? Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a little heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or cheddar at the end for a creamy, cheesy variation.
- Herb Lovers’ Dream: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can bring a whole new layer of flavor.
- One-Pot Meal: Turn it into a full dinner by adding diced cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp directly into the pot toward the end of cooking. For more inspiration, you might like my hearty chicken thigh and rice recipes.
- Mediterranean Style: Toss in some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta for a bold, tangy variation.
This dish is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment.lavors.
FAQs About Chicken Flavored Rice
Can I make chicken flavored rice without orzo?
Absolutely. Just skip the orzo and increase the rice slightly. You’ll miss a bit of that nutty flavor, but it will still taste great.
How do I prevent mushy rice?
Make sure you’re measuring the broth correctly, simmering gently, and letting the rice rest before fluffing.
What can I add to chicken and rice for flavor?
You can boost the flavor of chicken and rice with simple additions like:
– Garlic and onion for savory depth.
– Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme for brightness.
– Spices such as paprika, cumin, or turmeric for warmth.
– Citrus juice or zest to add a fresh, zippy kick.
– Cheese like Parmesan for a creamy, rich finish.
Even a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce can instantly elevate your dish, depending on the flavor profile you’re craving.
Conclusion
There you have it, an easy, flavorful recipe for chicken flavored rice that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its buttery orzo, fluffy rice, and rich chicken flavor, this dish has all the makings of comfort food you’ll crave again and again.
I love making this recipe for Sunday dinners, but it’s just as perfect for a quick weeknight meal. And if you’re cooking outdoors, try something fun like chicken fried rice on Blackstone, which has that smoky, griddled flavor.
For a lighter pairing, you can also serve this with low carb Greek chicken bowls for a balanced meal that still feels satisfying.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to side dishes. After all, sometimes it’s the simplest recipes that bring the most joy.
Chicken Flavored Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 tsp dehydrated onion
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chicken base
- salt if needed at the end
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring often, until golden brown.
- Stir in the rice and let it toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the dehydrated onion and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the chicken base until dissolved.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.