16 Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipes for Any Night of the Week

Healthy food is many things: colorful, cozy, sometimes even comforting. It's feel-good food that's full of flavor and nourishment. And, when it comes to striking the perfect balance of protein and whole grains to keep you satisfied until your next meal, there's no better combination than chicken and rice (bonus points if you choose brown rice!).

Don't believe us? Take a look at this Cuban twist on a baked chicken. Pairing tender cuts of chicken with warming aromatics, strong spices, fluffy rice and pops of color in the form of sweet peas, this arroz con pollo, as it's referred to in Latin America, relies on spices like turmeric and cumin for a hit of color and flavor that keep things spicy, savory and satisfying.

If you haven't heard of paprikash before, don't feel bad: unless you're Hungarian or have dined in a variety of Jewish delis, chances are, your knowledge of chicken paprikash is limited. But, trust us when we say, it is one of the most comforting dishes you can make.

That's why we're sharing our spin on the classic: a one-dish dinner that seems old-school but gets a modern upgrade of color, flavor and texture with the other ingredients we invite to the party. Don't knock it 'til you try it — and once you do, you'll be knocking on our door for seconds (and thirds).

For a lot of people, healthy often means boring. And boring? Another synonym for 'bland.' Luckily, these fajita stuffed peppers are anything but bland and boring. Teeming with spices and topped with the heavy-hitter trio of sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo, these stuffed delights will have you saying, "Healthy? These? No...can't be!"

Chicken and broccoli. It's an age-old pairing, second only to beef and broccoli from your favorite Chinese takeout joint. There's just something about it — the toothsome chicken playing foil to an expertly cooked broccoli floret. It's the perfect balance between steamed and succulent. Add rice and you've got a well-rounded meal that's delicious and nutritious. What more do you need?

There are meals that we reserve solely for nights out. Whether those are splurge nights, date night, Michelin Mondays...call them what you will, but these are meals that, come hell or high water, you are not making at home. No sir. These are meals you treat yourself with, without any of the fuss. And up until now, chicken katsu was one of those meals.

Now, it doesn't have to be! This version only takes about 30 minutes to come together, from start to finish, and is a distinct makeup of two individual, easy parts. In fact, the hardest (or possibly most cumbersome) step of this recipe? Trimming the bok choy: we're not joking! Oh, and this ginger rice? Good for a standalone meal with a little dousing of soy sauce, all on its own.

You know the way to a 20-something's heart? Or even a 30-something's heart? Okay, let's face it, the way to anyone's heart is through their stomach...but the way to really win them over? Throw in the word 'easy' and voilà, you've got 'em hooked! No really, that's what happened with this recipe — over, and over, and over again. Fans love it, calling it 'so yummy and super easy' and the 'best recipe ever'.

When warm weather rolls around, there's nothing we like more than breaking out the grill for some 'fun in the sun' food. If you're trying to prioritize protein and fiber (while still participating in some 'grill and chill' vibes), look no further than this fiesta of a foil pack! Using what's called 'converted rice,' a variety that cooks faster than conventional rice due to its structural makeup, this is the perfect, one-pan meal for camping trips out in the wilderness or, simply, backyard barbecues with your friends, family and loved ones.

Some of the best chicken salads we've ever had call for grapes, and that includes this one right here. Sure, this one's a bit unconventional: it uses rice and doesn't have to be eaten ice-cold, but that's why it's great. It reinvents everything you've ever known about chicken salad (enter: just the right amount of juicy sweetness) — and it does it all in only 15 minutes. That's right; that's less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show, even if you skip the ads. That's hard to beat.

Find me a mom who doesn't own an Instant Pot, and I'll pay you a hefty prize. Like it or not, the Instant Pot has changed cooking irrevocably — and we no longer have to spend hours in front of the stove, cooking down bunches of greens or waiting for water to boil. Talk about a weeknight win!

In this chicken sausage dish, for instance, the multicooker simmers a load of collard greens, known for their tough and toothsome nature, into a tender, vibrant base in just an hour. Doused in a coconut milk gravy, the dish is rich and succulent while nourishing you from the inside-out.

You've heard of Chicken Tortilla Soup. You've heard of Chicken Enchiladas. But, have you ever heard of a Chicken Tortilla Rice Bake? No? We guessed as much. But we're certain that once you give this recipe a try, you'll never look back.

The secret? A good ol' store-bought rotisserie chicken. Full of flavor with a minimal amount of labor, simply throw it together in a skillet with the rice, some veggies, a few handfuls of cheese and some fresh cilantro, top it off with a layer of tortillas and even more cheese, and bingo: you've got a dish that can rival takeout from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Garnish it with a drizzle of sour cream and some pickled jalapeños, and you'll never dine out again.

Read the word 'brothy' and what comes to mind? Well, in the world of chicken, probably Chicken Noodle Soup. And in the world as a whole? Probably cold and flu season. But luckily, this recipe is neither chicken noodle soup, nor is it meant only for a specific time of the year. Brimming with aromatics and a healthy dose of edamame that gives this meal the popping fun that it needs, this bowl-ful is packed with protein, fiber and enough nourishment to keep you full all night long.

There are dishes — and dinners — that scream of sentiment and ooze nostalgia. You know the ones we're talking about: bowlfuls of mac and cheese, heaping helpings of chicken pot pie, slices of meatloaf doused in gravy (or ketchup, we don't judge!). They remind you of your mom's hugs, and well, this is one of those recipes.

Whether you're missing your mom's macaroni magic or her casseroles that carried the reputation of being 'one-pan wonders' on a busy weeknight, this dinner is for you. It uses a couple hacks to make it a little healthier than the one you remember, but don't worry: you won't taste the difference. That much, we can guarantee.

There are certain cooking methods that induce a fair amount of skepticism and well, let's face it, fear in a home cook. Sous-vide cooking is one of them. Parchment-packet cooking is another. After all, wouldn't the paper just burn inside an oven? Or stick to the food?

Not to worry — make this punchy, spicy, savory chicken-and-rice pouch, and all those fears and doubts will be cleared with the first taste. Thanks to a healthy dose of sambal, some toasted sesame oil, pungent rice vinegar and fresh ginger, this parchment-pouch meal is anything but bland, boring and beige. Topped with some toasted sesame seeds, it actually might become a weeknight favorite in your household. Surprised? Don't be — it's that good.

A Vietnamese delight, summer rolls are one of those dishes that are just as healthy as they look (if not more so). Loaded with fresh veggies and wrapped in translucent rice paper, they're light on the stomach and on the palate and yet, somehow, make up a whole meal with ease. These summer rolls get their substance from the protein-packed chicken stuffing that's mixed with rice instead of the usual rice noodles. Beware: The peanut dipping sauce is addictive.

Read the words 'Orange Chicken' and what comes to mind? Probably Chinese takeout. It's sentimental, it's nostalgic and more often than not, it's not followed by — or preceded by — the word 'healthy.'

That's where our twist comes in: from using chicken thighs that stay moist-as-can-be during the hour-long bake time to real, 100% natural orange flavor that gets amped up with the use of some aromatics and fresh herbs, we're throwing you an orange chicken that might even (gasp!) become your new favorite. There. We said it. Now you have to give it a try.