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9 Creative Rice Recipes for Your Pantry Staple

ByCamila Eats

Nov 1, 2025

9 Creative Rice Recipes to Reignite Your Love for This Pantry Staple

Rice is a pantry staple that everyone has but not everyone knows what to do with! Here are 9 creative rice recipes that will make rice an exciting ingredient again!

Honestly, we are not a huge rice family. However, the kids absolutely love rice. While my husband and I may opt for cauliflower rice, the kids are happy to enjoy any and all varieties! Their favorite is my chicken plov (recipe below), but honestly, they love it all. The only downside is cleaning up the floor from all the rice grains that fall after these little minions finish eating. But that’s what the vacuum is for, I suppose!

How to Cook Basmati Rice (Cilantro Garlic Rice)

With this ridiculously easy method, I will teach you how to cook basmati rice perfectly every time without the grains sticking together! This particular basmati rice is loaded with cilantro and garlic flavors, making it a perfect side dish or even a main entrée!

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Russian Plov: A One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Plov is the ultimate Russian comfort food. This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is packed with flavors and spices, taking just a few steps to achieve ultimate rice perfection. Expect perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly freezer-friendly!

Russian Plov One Pot Chicken Rice Recipe

Cheesy Arancini: Italian Rice Balls

These delightful Italian Rice Balls are loaded with cheese, making them perfect for any gathering! Crispy on the outside and filled with tender risotto, these flavorful bites are best enjoyed freshly fried, but they also reheat wonderfully!

Cheesy Arancini Mexican Rice Balls

Quick and Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

Learn how to prepare Restaurant Style Mexican Rice in a quick and healthy way! It mimics the flavors of your favorite restaurant but is made in half the time and with half the fat!

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

One Pot Roasted Greek Chicken and Rice

An incredibly easy and scrumptious chicken and rice dish made all in one pot! It’s a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Arroz con Pollo: One Pot Mexican Rice and Chicken

This dish, filled with aromatics, tender rice, and succulent chicken on the bone, is my go-to comfort food. With its one-pot convenience and freezer-friendly nature, it’s hard not to love!

Arroz con Pollo One Pot Mexican Rice and Chicken

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs

Discover how to make porcupine meatballs—the most tender and savory meatballs you’ll ever taste! They are packed with fresh herbs and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce that’s so delicious you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!

How to Make Porcupine Meatballs

Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup

Transform your Thanksgiving turkey into a comforting and healthy soup in only 30 minutes with just a few ingredients!

Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup

One Pot Chicken Fajitas and Rice

This one-pot chicken and rice dinner gives a fresh spin to a classic Mexican dish. My One Pot Chicken Fajitas and Rice is bursting with garlic, onions, peppers, and a sweet secret ingredient that makes it truly irresistible!

One Pot Chicken Fajitas and Rice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of rice for these recipes?
Basmati rice, Arborio rice, and medium-grain rice are excellent choices depending on the dish.
Can I freeze leftover rice dishes?
Yes, most of these recipes can be frozen for future meals. Just ensure they are stored in airtight containers.
How can I enhance the flavor of plain rice?
Cooking rice in broth instead of water, adding herbs, or mixing in spices can significantly enhance its flavor.
Are rice recipes suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Many rice dishes hold up well in the fridge and are easy to reheat for quick meals.
What other grains can I use instead of rice?
Quinoa, farro, and barley are great alternatives that can be used in similar recipes.

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