What To Serve With White Rice

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Looking for the perfect main dish to serve with fluffy white rice? My Famous Butter Rice is the most buttery, delicious rice dish you’ve ever had, and in my opinion, the best way to enjoy it. This collection has you covered with everything from saucy chicken dinners to savory beef, pork, and even salmon recipes—so you’ll have plenty of tasty ideas to pair with your rice.



 

\White rice is one of the most versatile sides, which makes it easy to pair with recipes for any occasion. If you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, dishes like stir fry, chicken skewers, or teriyaki meatballs are simple and satisfying. Hosting a backyard barbecue? Smoked ribs, wings, or pork butt are perfect alongside a bowl of rice. For cozy family meals, recipes like French onion chicken, meatloaf, or baked pork chops bring comfort and heartiness to the table. And when you’re entertaining guests, elegant options like salmon, prime rib, or Tuscan chicken elevate your spread while keeping things balanced with the classic simplicity of rice. No matter the event, there’s always a rice-friendly recipe to match.

What To Serve With White Rice (35+ Amazing Dishes)

1
Burrito Bowls
Low Carb Burrito Bowls
Low carb burrito bowls means enjoying Mexican food without all the guilt. Or tortillas. Lots of veggies in this recipe, plus all the toppings you can handle.
Check out this recipe
2
Grilled chicken skewers coated in a glaze are arranged on a round plate. A sprig of basil is placed beside the plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
These Garlic, Honey Parmesan Chicken Skewers are ready in less than 20 minutes, thanks to the air fryer! Seasoned, air fried, then smothered in a delicious butter, garlic and parmesan sauce that is sure to please.
Check out this recipe
3
Honey BBQ Chicken on a plate
Honey BBQ Chicken
Honey BBQ Chicken is made with my homemade Honey BBQ sauce and tender boneless skinless chicken thighs. So easy to do on the grill, oven, cast iron skillet…or even the air fryer!
Check out this recipe
4
orange chicken on white rice
Orange Chicken
Homemade Orange Chicken couldn't be more flavorful and easy to make. Move over take out menu, this is full of savory & orange citrus flavors, topped with sesame seeds & scallions.
Check out this recipe
5
tuscan-chicken on plate with fork
Tuscan Chicken
This is the most delicious chicken you can possibly make! Sometimes called "Marry Me Chicken" (because it's that good!), my Tuscan Chicken Recipe uses thin chicken breasts, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan cheese and a creamy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Serve with pasta, a vegetable or a salad.
Check out this recipe
6
scooping out a chicken breast with melted cheese on top of it
French Onion Chicken
If you've never tried a French Onion Chicken recipe before, buckle up. This is the juiciest, most flavorful chicken topped with melty gruyere cheese and smothered with caramelized onions.
Check out this recipe
7
Smoked Chicken Wings on Platter
Smoked Chicken Wings
Smoked chicken wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with deep, smoky flavor throughout. Easy to prep and packed with bold seasoning, these wings are always a hit.
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8
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata
Simply amazing Chicken Piccata, made in 20 minutes! Browned chicken topped with sauce made from butter, lemon juice, capers, chicken stock and wine.
Check out this recipe
9
Whole Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chicken
The Best Roast Chicken is a simple and straight forward recipe that feeds the whole family! Crispy skin, full of flavor with oh, so juicy!
Check out this recipe
10
Chicken Drumsticks
Sticky Chicken Drumsticks
Sticky Chicken Drumsticks are gorgeously delicious. They belong in the chicken drumstick recipes hall of fame because they are THAT good!
Check out this recipe
11
A plate of thai chicken bites on a table with a fork and knife.
Thai Chicken Bites
These Chicken Bites are everything you want in a Thai Chicken recipe! Crispy, salty, sweet nuggets of pure joy and the recipe is pretty simple to make too!
Check out this recipe
12
honey mustard chicken
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken topped with bacon is a sweet and tangy delight. Serve with rice and enjoy all the honey mustard gloriousness.
Check out this recipe
13
Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with Teriyaki Sauce
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are packed with fresh pineapple, chicken, peppers, and red onions and basted with a delicious sweet teriyaki sauce.
Check out this recipe
14
honey-soy-chicken-kabobs on oval wooden tray with bowl of sauce
Chicken Kabobs
Chicken Kabobs are ready in less than 10 minutes and pair well with a side of rice and vegetables! Perfect for grilling or broiling.
Check out this recipe
15
kung pao chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
This Kung Pao Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy, all stir-fried together in about 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
16
Two cooked salmon fillets topped with sliced green onions, black and white sesame seeds, and cracked black pepper.
Asian Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Asian Salmon is marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, then cooked to tender perfection in just 10 minutes. A quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
17
Smoked Beef Tenderloin sliced on platter
Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Smoked Beef Tenderloin is MADE for a special occasion! This show stopping main course will wow your guests and they'll think you're some kind of master chef.
Check out this recipe
18
korean-beef on lettuce
Korean Beef
This Korean Beef recipe is simple, tasty and perfect for when you only have minutes to get dinner on the table. Serve with rice.
Check out this recipe
19
Smoked Prime Rib cooked and sliced
Smoked Prime Rib
This Smoked Prime Rib Roast recipe with an amazing garlic herb rub is the only one you'll ever need. Get ready to impress your guests.
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20
cut prime rib on wooden cutting board
Prime Rib
Perfect for Christmas, this Prime Rib recipe couldn't come sooner. With step-by-step instructions you can't go wrong this Holiday season!
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21
A close up of a plate of Meatloaf
Moist Meatloaf Recipe
This is the BEST Meatloaf Recipe out there! Moist and delicious, this easy to make meatloaf will leave you wanting more.
Check out this recipe
22
Teriyaki Glazed Garlic Kale Meatballs with Mango Avocado Salsa
Teriyaki Meatballs with Mango Avocado Salsa
Add kale to these tasty Teriyaki Meatballs for a little extra nutrition, serve over rice or quinoa then pile high with mango avocado salsa.
Check out this recipe
23
Swedish Meatballs in a pan with sauce
Swedish Meatballs
This Swedish Meatball recipe is quick, easy, and tasty! With a simple sauce, serve these Swedish Meatballs over egg noodles or rice and potatoes!
Check out this recipe
24
A plate of meatballs
Easy Meatball Recipe
Add this basic, easy meatball recipe to your arsenal tonight! Moist and tender meatballs, baked to perfection in the oven that can be adapted and added to nearly any recipe.
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25
A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with green onions, served with toothpick skewers.
Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe is so simple to make and are perfect appetizers. Odds are you have all the ingredients already on hand!
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26
oven baked ribs sliced on serving board
Easy Oven Baked Ribs
Oven Baked Ribs…the simplest recipe and method for baking pork baby back ribs in the oven. Only 3 ingredients needed! Finger licking good!
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27
Smoked Pork Butt
Smoked Pork Butt
This Smoked Pork Butt is going to turn into the most delicious Pulled Pork you've ever had. Low and slow is the name of the game here!
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28
tongs holding cooked pork chop with sauce
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and oh so flavorful. Plus they're easy to make creating fabulous results every time!
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29
Pork Roast
Rosemary Maple Mustard Pork Roast Recipe
This Rosemary Maple Mustard Pork Roast Recipe is a fabulous way to cook up aa easy, big, tasty roast and impress a crowd. Enjoy!
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30
A vibrant stir fry featuring chicken, broccoli, snap peas, baby corn, and carrots dances in a sizzling skillet, with a trusty wooden spatula at the ready.
Stir Fry Recipe with Frozen Vegetables
A quick, easy and delicious Stir Fry Recipe your family is sure to love! Serve hot and with rice or noodles.
Check out this recipe
31
Sliced pork on a blue plate with herbs and a fork, served with ranch dressing.
Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin is easy to throw together, delicious and kid-friendly. Pair with a salad and that's dinner!
Check out this recipe
32
zucchini-boats on wooden board
Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a great low carb meal that is delicious and one of the best ways to eat zucchini! Enjoy!
Check out this recipe
33
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps are an easy, healthy, low-carb and delicious meal that is ready to eat in about 15 minutes! Eat plain or top with peanuts, bean sprouts and cilantro!
Check out this recipe

So, there you have it—white rice, the unsung hero of countless meals. Remember, the best meals often kick off with a simple bowl of perfectly cooked rice.

What can I add to white rice for more flavor?

You can boost white rice with simple additions like garlic, butter, soy sauce, or fresh herbs. Pairing it with saucy recipes such as orange chicken, Kung Pao chicken, or sweet and sour meatballs also infuses the rice with extra flavor.

How can I match flavors so the rice doesn’t feel like a side afterthought?

Pick sauces or seasonings in your main dish that complement rather than overpower the rice. For example, savory Asian glazes (teriyaki, sesame, sweet chili), citrusy dressings (lemon, lime), or bold spice mixes (cumin, chili, garlic) help lift the whole plate. Also, finish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of acid (lemon or lime) to brighten the combo.

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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Hi, I'm Katie, a professional recipe developer who spends countless hours perfecting recipes so you can know with confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.

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