Microwave Chicken and Rice
Prep Time
12 minsCook Time
20 minsFree Time
do that 7-minute circuit workout (3 times, if you want!)
Every adult needs a savings account, a matching sheet set, and this go-to chicken and rice dish for everything from busy weeknights to romantic dinners and dinner parties. (Trust us, it’s way more exciting than savings and sheets!) This microwave recipe simplifies the cooking process—just add all the ingredients to the Anyday dish and let the microwave do the work. We do recommend adding the peas at the end to preserve their vibrant color, but we’re confident you can handle it!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ½ cup (60g) onion, diced small
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup (30g) red bell pepper, diced small
- 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
- ½ cup (120g) marinara sauce
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- ⅓ cup (40g) peas, frozen or fresh
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Add rice to an Anyday dish and rinse under cold tap water, swirling the rice around gently until the water becomes cloudy. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
- Add all remaining ingredients, except the chicken, to the dish and mix well. Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper, then arrange them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish with the lid, ensuring the knob is lifted.
- Cook in the microwave for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Allow to cool for 2 minutes with the lid still on. Serve and enjoy!
Serving suggestions & tips
- Sauce swap: Not feeling marinara tonight? Substitute salsa, curry, or any tomato-based sauce you prefer for a tasty twist.
- Veggie variation: You can also swap peas for any vegetable you like—lima beans or green beans work great.
- Chicken alternatives: Use chicken breast cut into quarters or a boneless alternative for different yet delicious results.
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a deliciously melty finish.
- Discover more chicken recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Poke the chicken thighs with a fork over the surface to reduce loud popping sounds as it cooks.
- Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Make Chicken and Rice in the Microwave
What is chicken and rice?
Chicken and rice is a comforting and versatile dish made with tender chicken pieces cooked alongside fluffy rice, often flavored with spices, herbs, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce. It’s a staple meal that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or special occasions.
Can I make chicken and rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can make chicken and rice in the microwave! Using an Anyday dish makes the process simple and efficient — just add all the ingredients and let the microwave do the work. With Anyday, you can also cook perfectly fluffy white and brown rice, as well as tender chicken breasts, drumsticks, and thighs.
Why do I need to rinse the rice? How many times should I rinse it?
Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch, which can cause the grains to become sticky and clump together during cooking. Thoroughly rinsing the rice helps it cook up light and fluffy, with each grain staying perfectly separate. Use the Anyday Strainer to make the process quick and easy. Using an Anyday Strainer, rinse and drain the rice repeatedly until the water runs clear—this usually takes about 3 to 4 rinses. Properly rinsing the rice also improves its texture and overall quality in the finished dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare chicken and rice in advance, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an Anyday dish with the lid on. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep. You can also freeze this recipe directly in the Anyday dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow the dish to cool before covering it with the lid and freezing.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken and rice?
To reheat from the fridge, simply transfer the dish to the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, depending on the serving size. For frozen chicken and rice, heat at full power for about 6-8 minutes, checking and stirring as needed for even heating. For more information about reheating frozen food, check our blog: Reheating Frozen Food.
