I always look for meals that bring bold flavor and real nourishment. Whole ingredients excite me, especially when they add something special to a dish. After testing dozens of combinations in my kitchen, I landed on my go-to black rice recipe chicken.
This one’s a showstopper. It’s full of deep, earthy taste from the rice and juicy tenderness from the chicken. I didn’t want something ordinary—I wanted a dish that feels good and tastes even better. Every bite delivers a mix of texture, warmth, and comfort.
I make this when I need something reliable but still impressive. It’s one of my top all-time recipes for a reason. If you want a meal that hits every note, this one’s for you.
What’s Good About Black Rice Recipe Chicken?
What I love about black rice recipe chicken is how it brings together nutrition, flavor, and balance in one dish. The nutty, slightly chewy black rice is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein, making it far more nutritious than white rice.
Paired with tender, seasoned chicken, it becomes a high-protein, energy-boosting meal that keeps me full for hours. Plus, the natural earthiness of black rice absorbs seasonings beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.
It’s a meal that supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and fuels my body without feeling heavy. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile—I can tweak the flavors, add different veggies, or adjust the spice level to match my mood. Healthy, delicious, and easy—this dish has it all.
Can You Eat This Recipe Every Day?
I could honestly eat this black rice recipe chicken every day—and sometimes I do. It’s that satisfying and well-balanced. The combination of high-protein chicken and fiber-rich black rice keeps me full and energized without feeling heavy.
Since it’s made with whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, it fits right into a clean eating lifestyle. I just switch up the vegetables or seasonings to keep it interesting from one day to the next. Plus, it’s easy on the stomach and supports my overall wellness goals.
As long as I balance it with a variety of other meals throughout the week, this recipe makes a great daily staple. It’s comforting, nourishing, and never boring.
How To Prepare Black Rice Recipe Chicken?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Moderate
Cuisine: Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Black Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Place the black rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Steam and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
Preparing the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables and Combining
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serving
- Plate the Dish: Spoon a serving of black rice onto each plate. Top with a chicken breast and a portion of the vegetables.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of whole-grain crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices from the chicken and vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Tips and Variations
One thing I love about this black rice recipe chicken is how flexible it is. If I want to add more color and crunch, I toss in extra veggies like snap peas, zucchini, or baby spinach.
When I’m in the mood for a bit of heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce. Sometimes I switch up the seasoning—using smoked paprika or fresh thyme gives it a new twist without extra effort.
For a creamier version, I stir in a spoonful of coconut milk or Greek yogurt at the end. And if I have leftovers, I often turn them into a quick stir-fry or even a rice bowl the next day. It’s a dish that adapts to whatever I’m craving.
How To Store?
When I have leftovers of this black rice recipe chicken, I make sure to store everything properly so it stays fresh and flavorful. I let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Then, I pop it in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. If I want to store it longer, I divide it into portions and freeze it—both the rice and chicken freeze beautifully.
When I’m ready to reheat, I usually use the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture, but the microwave works fine in a pinch. Keeping it stored right means I always have a healthy, homemade meal ready to go whenever I need it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, this black rice recipe chicken checks every box. It’s colorful, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying—something I keep coming back to whenever I want comfort without compromise.
The bold taste of black rice and the juicy tenderness of seasoned chicken make this dish feel like a treat, even on a weeknight. I’ve made it part of my regular meal rotation because it’s simple, balanced, and always delivers.
Give it a try, and you’ll see how easy it is to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special. Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear your take on it!