15 Spicy Chicken and Rice Recipes to Spice Up Your Week – Happy Muncher (2024)

Bring on the heat!

This collection of my best spicy chicken and rice recipes will help you fire up your dinner routine in no time.

Whether you’re looking for something to spice up an ordinary weeknight meal or just want to show off with a creative dish that’s packed with flavor, these 15 recipes combine the perfect pairing of chicken and rice with lots of delicious heat (but it won’t be so spicy that you can’t enjoy it!).

So get ready—it’s time to bring some serious flavor to dinnertime.

1. Firecracker Chicken

I tried this recipe after seeing how easy it looked and I was not disappointed!

The Firecracker Chicken had great spicy, sweet flavors that worked well together.

It took a little longer to cook for me than the recommended time – but the extra minutes were worth it because it was so juicy and flavorful.

My only suggestion would be to add more red pepper flakes as I thought it could have been spicier.

Give this one a try and you won’t be sorry!

—Caroline Whitcom, Austin, Texas

2. One Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice

I made this recipe for a weeknight dinner and it really hit the spot!

The Cajun seasoning was a great addition, and I loved that it was made with only one pot/pan.

We opted to leave out the mangoes (not in season), but I think it could be an interesting addition – next time!

The only suggestion I have is that if you want more intense flavor, increase the cajun seasoning by 1/4 teaspoon.

Other than that, quick, easy, and flavorful!

—Chris Jorgensen, Dodge City, Kansas

3. Mexican Chicken and Rice

I tried this recipe the other night and I must say that it was delicious!

The flavors blend nicely together and it has a great depth of flavor. It is easy to make, too.

My only suggestion would be to add more spices such as cayenne pepper or jalapeno peppers for an extra kick!

All in all, this was a successful dinner option and one I will add to my regular rotation.

—Lila Wu, Atlanta, Georgia

4. Spicy Korean Chicken

This was so easy and delicious!

I paired it with some white rice, which worked perfectly. I did make a few adjustments – when cooking the chicken in the skillet, it took about 8 minutes on each side rather than 4-5 as indicated in the recipe.

Also, I used fresh minced garlic and ginger instead of powder and omitted the pepper flakes.

All in all my family loved this spicy Korean Chicken dish – even the picky eaters! Performance-wise, this is definitely a 10/10 would recommend it!

—Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

5. Spicy Chicken Fried Rice

I swapped out the jalapeno and serrano peppers for milder bell peppers instead, used a touch less of the fish sauce, and cut back on the red pepper flakes since my family doesn’t prefer overly spicy dishes.

This was a super simple one-pan recipe that still managed to be packed with flavor!

Delicious, nutritious, and perfect for busy nights!

—Maggie Johnson, Boise, Idaho

6. Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Sometimes, making a big meal on busy weeknights can feel daunting — but this Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is an absolute must-try!

It cooks up in under 30 minutes and the one-pot lineup of ingredients takes minimal time to prep.

The mix of spices gives the dish amazing flavor without being too spicy while keeping it light and flavorful at the same time.

I would suggest adding a few more cloves of garlic next time for an extra kick of flavor, or maybe some black beans if you’re looking for something with fewer carbs.

All in all, this will become a regular part of our rotation — a new favorite!

—Amelia Whiteley, Seattle, Washington

7. Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken and Rice Bowls

Even though I’m not an expert in the kitchen, I found this recipe to be really easy to follow.

It was delicious and the flavor was just perfect; it had just enough heat without being too spicy for our taste.

The texture of the rice and chicken was also great – moist with a nice bite.

My only suggestion would be to use cooked brown rice instead of minute rice for a better texture.

All in all, a fantastic dish that we will definitely make again!

—Alejandra Aranda, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

8. Spicy Chicken Rice Soup

A little spice can go a long way, especially when it comes to soup.

This spicy chicken rice soup is the perfect combination of creamy and savory flavors with just enough heat to keep you coming back for more.

The base of this delicious dish is cauliflower rice, which gives it a unique texture and adds great nutrition too.

We then add in some avocado chunks for creaminess, chicken broth for flavor and depth, butter for richness, and green chilies for that extra kick of spice.

It’s an easy meal that’s bursting with flavor and will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

9. One Pot Cuban Style Rice (with Chicken and Sausage)

Delicious and full of flavor, this one-pot Cuban-style rice is a great way to get your weeknight dinner on the table quickly.

This flavorful dish has it all – juicy chicken thighs, smoky sausage slices, black beans for protein and fiber, peppers for crunchy veggies, plus a delicious homemade spice mix that adds lots of flavor.

To make things even easier, everything cooks together in one pot!

This means no need to prep separate dishes or dirty several pots and pans – just throw it all together and let it simmer away.

Serve with some fresh coriander and lime wedges for an extra hit of citrusy tanginess.

10. Spicy Basil Fried Rice with Chicken

I used to think fried rice was boring, until I discovered how easy it is to spice it up.

This recipe for Spicy Basil Fried Rice with Chicken is sure to be a hit!

It’s packed full of flavor, and the combination of chilies and basil give it the perfect kick.

The great thing about this dish is that you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

The key is to make sure everything is cooked through so that all the flavors mingle together in harmony.

It’s also important to use day-old cooked white rice as fresh rice will not get crispy when fried like this.

This dish makes an excellent weeknight dinner or even weekend lunch – give it a try!

11. Spicy Peruvian Chicken and Loaded Rice

Loaded with classic Peruvian flavors, this chicken and rice dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of tender chicken cutlets, jasmine rice, and zesty fajita spices make it a perfect meal for any night of the week.

Plus, the addition of sour cream gives it just enough creaminess to balance out the heat from the jalapeno peppers.

It’s easy to make and even easier to devour!

12. 30-Minute Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

30 minutes is all you need to whip up this delicious Thai-inspired fried rice.

Made with jasmine rice, chicken, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs, this dish packs in tons of flavor and is sure to satisfy your craving for a spicy dinner.

The best part?

It’s ready in half an hour!

Just make sure you have the ingredients prepped before you start cooking — that way everything will come together quickly and easily.

This fragrant fried rice can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish.

13. Spicy Thai Chicken and Brown Rice Bowls

If you don’t mind spending a few extra minutes in the kitchen, this Thai-style chicken and brown rice bowl is worth it.

The combination of flavors work perfectly together – from the rich peanut butter to the kick of cayenne and red curry paste.

Plus, it’s super nutritious thanks to all the vegetables and lean protein in the mix.

It’s an easy meal that’s full of flavor, so give it a try next time you’re looking for something new!

14. Spicy Sesame Chicken and Ginger Rice

Not too long ago, I was looking for a way to recreate my favorite take-out dish.

After some experimentation, I discovered this amazing recipe for Spicy Sesame Chicken and Ginger Rice!

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone in your family will love.

The chicken is marinated in an irresistible mixture of honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.

Then it’s pan-fried until golden brown and served with fragrant ginger rice and fresh broccoli florets.

To top it all off, you add a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds and a drizzle of pomegranate juice for a slightly tart finish.

Trust me – this dish will be on heavy rotation at your house!

15. Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Thai Basil & Thai Chillies

Oh my, this spicy chicken stir-fry is amazing.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, packed with tender chicken and fragrant herbs.

You can make it as mild or as fiery hot as you like by adjusting the amount of chilies you use.

The best part is that it takes just minutes to cook before dinner is on the table.

Serve over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!

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