15 Quick Rice Lunch Recipes for Every Taste

Rice is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your kitchen.

These 15 rice lunch recipes prove that it can be turned into something delicious, comforting, and satisfying any day of the week.

From flavorful stir-fries and hearty rice bowls to refreshing salads and casseroles, there’s something for every craving.

Perfect for quick lunches, meal prepping, or family meals, these recipes make rice the star of your table.

Discover how easy it is to create flavorful, filling lunches with this humble grain.

15 Quick Rice Lunch Recipes for Every Taste

With these 15 rice lunch recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for a delicious midday meal.

They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you prefer light and healthy or rich and comforting, rice can adapt to any style.

Use your favorite ingredients and spices to make each dish your own.

Try one today and see how simple, satisfying, and versatile rice can be for your next lunch.

Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful, hearty lunch perfect for busy days.

Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with garlic, mixed vegetables, and rice in a rich buttery sauce.

It’s satisfying, protein-packed, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

A wholesome meal that’s both filling and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium option)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions:

• Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Cook diced chicken until golden and fully cooked.
• Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
• Season with black pepper and top with green onions before serving.

This fried rice is savory, rich, and satisfying.

The garlic butter and soy sauce infuse the rice with flavor.

Vegetables add crunch and nutrients to every bite.

A complete lunch that’s quick, delicious, and filling.

Lemon Herb Rice with Grilled Salmon

Lemon Herb Rice with Grilled Salmon is a light, fresh lunch packed with flavor.

Fluffy rice is infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs, complementing perfectly grilled salmon fillets.

It’s a healthy, protein-rich, and satisfying meal.

Ideal for a balanced and flavorful midday lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp chopped dill
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat grill or skillet and brush salmon with olive oil.
• Season salmon with black pepper and grill 4–5 minutes per side until cooked.
• In a bowl, combine cooked rice, lemon zest, juice, parsley, and dill.
• Serve grilled salmon atop the lemon herb rice.
• Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

This dish is light, aromatic, and satisfying.

Lemon and herbs enhance the natural flavors of both rice and salmon.

It’s a wholesome, nutritious lunch perfect for a healthy day.

A quick and elegant rice-based meal full of flavor.

Veggie Coconut Rice Bowl

Veggie Coconut Rice Bowl is a creamy, low-sugar lunch with tropical flavors.

Coconut milk is cooked with rice to create a rich, flavorful base, then topped with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs.

It’s a wholesome vegetarian option that’s hearty yet light.

A satisfying and nutrient-rich midday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook rice with coconut milk and water until fluffy and creamy.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté broccoli and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
• Mix cooked vegetables into the coconut rice or serve on top.
• Season with black pepper and garnish with cilantro.
• Serve warm.

This rice bowl is creamy, flavorful, and wholesome.

Coconut milk adds a subtle richness without sugar.

Vegetables provide color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.

A balanced and satisfying lunch suitable for vegetarians.

Spanish-Style Rice with Chicken and Peppers

Spanish-Style Rice with Chicken and Peppers is a hearty, colorful lunch full of flavor.

Rice is cooked with diced chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, and paprika for a mildly spiced, satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for a filling midday option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

A vibrant lunch that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
• Add bell peppers, tomato, paprika, and black pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.
• Stir in rice and 1 cup water, cover, and cook until rice is tender.
• Serve warm as a hearty lunch.

This dish is colorful, hearty, and flavorful.

Paprika and vegetables infuse the rice with aromatic notes.

Chicken provides protein and makes it filling.

A well-balanced, satisfying lunch with natural flavors.

Mediterranean Rice with Chickpeas and Spinach

Mediterranean Rice with Chickpeas and Spinach is a healthy, fiber-rich lunch.

Fluffy rice is combined with chickpeas, spinach, garlic, and olive oil for a light yet filling meal.

It’s vegetarian, naturally flavorful, and perfect for a midday energy boost.

A nutritious, easy-to-make lunch that’s satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Stir in cooked rice and chickpeas, mixing thoroughly.
• Add lemon juice and black pepper; cook for 2–3 minutes.
• Serve warm.

This rice bowl is hearty, nutritious, and flavorful.

Chickpeas add protein and fiber, making it filling.

Spinach and garlic enhance the natural taste of the dish.

A wholesome Mediterranean-inspired lunch that’s easy, healthy, and satisfying

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is a flavorful, balanced lunch perfect for seafood lovers.

Grilled salmon is served atop steamed rice with sautéed vegetables and a homemade low-sugar teriyaki glaze.

It’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare.

A wholesome lunch option with bold flavors and colorful presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• 2 tbsp low-sugar teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet and sauté broccoli and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
• Grill or pan-sear salmon fillets until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Drizzle salmon with teriyaki sauce and toss vegetables with remaining sauce.
• Serve salmon atop rice, topped with vegetables and sesame seeds.

This rice bowl is colorful, aromatic, and satisfying.

The teriyaki glaze adds a sweet-savory balance without excess sugar.

Vegetables provide crunch, nutrients, and freshness.

A complete, protein-rich lunch that’s filling and healthy.

Chicken and Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Chicken and Mushroom Rice Pilaf is a savory, hearty lunch that’s easy to prepare.

Tender chicken and earthy mushrooms are cooked with rice, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful dish.

It’s protein-rich, satisfying, and perfect for a midday meal.

A wholesome, home-cooked lunch option full of natural flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.
• Stir in mushrooms and thyme, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
• Add rice and 2 cups water, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
• Serve warm.

This pilaf is hearty, aromatic, and satisfying.

Mushrooms provide umami flavor while chicken adds protein.

The herbs enhance the natural taste of the rice without salt.

A wholesome, filling lunch perfect for busy days.

Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Bowl

Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Bowl is a fiber-rich, vegetarian lunch.

Chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives are combined with rice and dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.

It’s light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.

A satisfying and wholesome lunch option that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup olives, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives in a bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, tossing to mix evenly.
• Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

This rice bowl is colorful, nutritious, and satisfying.

Chickpeas provide protein and fiber for fullness.

Vegetables and lemon dressing enhance freshness and flavor.

A light, wholesome lunch perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a healthy meal.

Shrimp and Vegetable Fried Rice

Shrimp and Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful lunch packed with protein.

Juicy shrimp are stir-fried with rice, mixed vegetables, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for a satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for a fast, nutritious, and filling midday option.

A colorful and wholesome lunch that’s naturally delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked.
• Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 3–4 minutes.
• Add rice and soy sauce, tossing to combine.
• Season with black pepper and serve warm.

This fried rice is savory, satisfying, and nutrient-rich.

Shrimp adds protein while vegetables provide color and crunch.

It’s a complete lunch that’s flavorful without excessive sodium.

Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weekdays.

Thai Coconut Rice with Tofu

Thai Coconut Rice with Tofu is a creamy, fragrant lunch with Southeast Asian flair.

Rice is cooked in coconut milk and paired with sautéed tofu and vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

It’s satisfying, vegetarian-friendly, and perfect for a midday energy boost.

A wholesome, aromatic lunch that’s both filling and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook rice with coconut milk and water until fluffy.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté tofu until golden.
• Add bell peppers and cook until tender-crisp.
• Mix cooked rice with tofu and vegetables.
• Season with black pepper and garnish with cilantro before serving.

This dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Coconut milk adds richness while tofu provides protein.

Vegetables add freshness, texture, and nutrients.

A wholesome, filling, and easy lunch perfect for vegetaria

Cajun Chicken and Rice

Cajun Chicken and Rice is a spicy, flavorful lunch full of protein.

Chicken breast is sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices, then combined with fluffy rice for a hearty meal.

It’s quick to make, filling, and packed with bold flavors.

A satisfying, nutritious lunch perfect for busy weekdays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
• Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked.
• Sprinkle paprika, cayenne, and black pepper, stirring to coat evenly.
• Mix in cooked rice and cook 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
• Serve warm.

This dish is spicy, aromatic, and filling.

Cajun spices add bold flavor without overwhelming the natural taste.

Chicken provides protein and rice adds heartiness.

A complete, satisfying lunch that’s quick and delicious.

Shrimp and Pineapple Fried Rice

Shrimp and Pineapple Fried Rice is a sweet and savory lunch full of tropical flavors.

Juicy shrimp and tender rice are combined with pineapple, peas, and carrots for a colorful, protein-packed meal.

It’s satisfying, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Perfect for a lively, midweek lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup diced pineapple
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup diced carrots
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional low-sodium)
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté shrimp until pink.
• Add carrots and peas, cooking 3–4 minutes until tender.
• Stir in rice and pineapple, tossing to combine.
• Add soy sauce if using and season with black pepper.
• Serve warm.

This fried rice is sweet, savory, and colorful.

Shrimp adds protein while pineapple adds natural sweetness.

Vegetables provide crunch and nutrients.

A wholesome, satisfying, and easy-to-make lunch.

Mediterranean Rice with Lamb

Mediterranean Rice with Lamb is a hearty, flavorful lunch inspired by classic Mediterranean cuisine.

Tender lamb pieces are cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then served over fluffy rice for a complete meal.

It’s protein-rich, satisfying, and full of rich aromas.

A wholesome, filling lunch perfect for a midweek meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup diced lamb
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion until soft.
• Add lamb and cook until browned on all sides.
• Stir in tomato, cumin, paprika, and black pepper; cook 5 minutes.
• Serve lamb mixture over cooked rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

This dish is rich, aromatic, and filling.

Lamb provides protein and depth of flavor.

Rice balances the spices for a satisfying lunch.

A hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s wholesome and delicious.

Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl is a protein-packed vegetarian lunch full of flavor.

Crispy tofu cubes are combined with sautéed vegetables and rice, then drizzled with a low-sugar teriyaki glaze for a satisfying meal.

It’s quick, colorful, and nutritious.

Perfect for a midweek vegetarian lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp low-sugar teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Black pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook tofu until golden and crispy.
• Add vegetables and sauté until tender-crisp.
• Stir in rice and teriyaki sauce, mixing thoroughly.
• Season with black pepper and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
• Serve warm.

This rice bowl is flavorful, colorful, and satisfying.

Tofu provides protein while vegetables add crunch and nutrients.

Teriyaki sauce enhances taste without excess sugar.

A wholesome, quick, and filling vegetarian lunch.

Spanish Rice with Chorizo

Spanish Rice with Chorizo is a spicy, savory lunch full of bold flavors.

Rice is cooked with diced chorizo, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty and colorful meal.

It’s filling, protein-rich, and perfect for a satisfying midday dish.

A flavorful lunch that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• ½ cup diced chorizo
• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
• Add chorizo and cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato, smoked paprika, and black pepper; cook 5 minutes.
• Add rice and 1 cup water, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
• Serve warm.

This dish is bold, hearty, and flavorful.

Chorizo adds protein and a smoky depth.

Rice balances the spices for a satisfying meal.

A complete, filling, and vibrant lunch perfect for spice lovers.