Cooking with Rice & Herbs

Best Rice for Weight Loss 

Brown rice. Wild rice. Cauliflower rice (lowest calorie). Jasmine rice (portion controlled). Quinoa mix.

Rice & Herb Recipes

Garlic Herb Butter Rice

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp chives
  • Salt & pepper

INSTRUCTIONS: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in rice and toast 1 minute. Add broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered 15–18 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Lemon

Herb Rice

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dill
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook rice.

Stir in lemon juice, oil, dill, parsley, and salt after cooking.

Great with chicken or fish.

Mediterranean Herb Rice

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onion.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook rice in broth.

Stir in herbs and olive oil when done.

Creamy Parmesan Herb Rice

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup parmesan
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Black pepper

Mix everything into hot rice until creamy.

Best Herbs

for Rice

  • Parsley – fresh bright flavor
  • Thyme – savory and earthy
  • Rosemary – bold, great with chicken
  • Dill – fresh and tangy
  • Basil – sweet and aromatic
  • Chives – mild onion flavor
  • Cilantro – fresh for Mexican dishes

One-Pan Chicken Herb Rice

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb chicken pieces
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp parsley

Brown chicken then add all ingredients, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

Healthy Version

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • 4–5 oz cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded)
  • 2–3 tbsp Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot style)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light ranch drizzle)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1–2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • Green onion (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: Cook rice and place in bowl. Toss cooked chicken in Buffalo sauce until coated. Add chicken over rice. Top with celery, carrots, and green onion. Drizzle Greek yogurt or light ranch on top. Add blue cheese if desired.

Healthier Swaps (important for weight loss)

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch (cuts calories, adds protein)
  • Choose brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • Use grilled chicken instead of fried
  • Go lighter on Buffalo sauce if sodium-sensitive

Rice Bowls

Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup cooked brown rice
  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast
  • Cucumber slices
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Spinach
  • 1 tbsp feta (optional)
  • Lemon juice + parsley

Why it works: High protein + fiber keeps you full.

Garlic Shrimp & Veggie Rice Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup rice
  • 4–5 shrimp
  • Broccoli
  • Zucchini
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil spray
  • Red pepper flakes

Why it works: Low calorie, high protein.

Fat-Loss Rice Bowl Formula

Use this simple formula:

  • ½ cup rice
  • 4–5 oz lean protein
  • 1–2 cups veggies
  • Healthy fat: avocado / olive oil / nuts (small amount)
  • Flavor: herbs, salsa, lemon, vinegar

Avocado Turkey Rice Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup cooked jasmine or brown rice
  • 4 oz lean ground turkey
  • ¼ avocado
  • Bell peppers
  • Onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Cilantro

Tip: Use taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Egg & Veggie Breakfast Rice Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup rice
  • 2 eggs or 1 egg + 2 whites
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Salsa

Great for breakfast or dinner.

Southwest Bean Rice Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup brown rice
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Tomato
  • Lettuce
  • Salsa
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice

High fiber and plant-based.

Buffalo Chicken Healthy Bowl

INGREDIENTS :

  • Shredded chicken
  • Brown rice or lettuce base
  • Celery, carrots
  • Light ranch or Greek yogurt dressing
  • Buffalo sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix chicken with buffalo sauce and assemble bowl.