Meal prep ideas with rice are a game-changer! It saves time, money & effort while ensuring you always have a tasty meal ready.
Rice is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with almost anything—chicken, vegetables, beans, or even eggs.
Whether you want a hearty, protein-packed meal or a light vegetarian option, rice can do it all.
These meals are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and stay fresh for days when stored properly. No more last-minute cooking stress—just heat & eat!
In this blog, we’ll share three super easy meal prep ideas with rice that you can make in advance.
From a protein-rich chicken & rice combo to flavorful vegetable fried rice and a delicious Mexican-style rice and beans dish, these recipes will keep your meals interesting all week.
Let’s get started with these quick & delicious rice meal prep ideas!
1. Chicken and Rice Meal
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Steamed veggies (like carrots or broccoli) – optional
How to Make It?
- Cook the Rice: Wash the rice with water. In a pot, boil 2 cups of water or broth. Add the rice, lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for about 45 minutes until soft.
- Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and cook the chicken on medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully done. Let it rest before cutting into slices.
- Assemble: Divide the rice into meal prep containers. Add sliced chicken and steamed veggies. Allow them chill before storing them in the fridge.
2. Vegetable Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice cooked (best if it’s a day old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make It?
- Prepare Rice: If fresh rice is used, spread it on a plate and let it cool. This helps prevent it from getting mushy.
- Cook the Veggies: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add onions and mixed veggies. Stir-fry until soft.
- Add Eggs: Move the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs on the empty side. Scramble them until cooked.
- Mix Everything: Add the remaining oil and rice to the pan. Stir well to break up any clumps. Pour soy sauce and mix everything. Cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy!
3. Mexican Rice and Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make It?
- Cook the Rice: Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and cook until soft. Add some garlic & cumin and cook for another minute. Stir in the rice and mix well. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is done.
- Add Beans and Salsa: Once the rice is ready, mix in the black beans and salsa. Cook for another five minutes until each & everything is heated well.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Serve this rice meal with lime wedges for extra flavor.
Last Words: Rice-Based Meal Prep Ideas
Meal prepping with rice is a smart way to save time, money, and effort while ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready.
These three easy food recipes—chicken and rice, vegetable fried rice, and Mexican rice and beans—offer variety and nutrition.
Prep ahead, store properly, and enjoy stress-free, flavorful meals all week!
