Can you add raw chicken to rice?

The Short Answer

Yes, you can add raw chicken to rice, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. Cooking the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will help kill any bacteria that could make you sick. The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is to cook it separately from the rice first. Then you can add the cooked chicken to the finished rice. If you do choose to add raw chicken to uncooked rice, use caution and follow food safety guidelines closely. Undercooking chicken poses a risk of foodborne illness.

Food Safety with Raw Chicken and Rice

Raw chicken can contain bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature and cause foodborne illness when ingested. Thorough cooking is necessary to kill these pathogens and make the chicken safe to eat.

Here are some key food safety tips when working with raw chicken and rice:

• Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
• Do not rinse raw chicken, as this can spread bacteria to sinks, counters, and other foods.
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients.
• Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria.
• When adding raw chicken to rice, ensure the chicken cooks fully before the rice is done.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F.

Following proper food handling and cooking procedures is crucial. Undercooked chicken can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.

Can You Cook Raw Chicken and Rice Together?

Yes, it is possible to cook raw chicken and rice together in the same pot. However, special care must be taken to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while the rice cooks through.

Here are some tips for cooking chicken and rice together:

• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to help it cook faster.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs which take longer to cook than breasts.
• Start with simmering liquid like broth or water in the pot before adding rice and chicken.
• Bring the liquid to a boil then stir in rice and nestle chicken pieces into rice.
• Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, then check chicken temperature.
• Continue cooking over low heat until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
• White rice may be tender before chicken is done. Add extra simmering liquid as needed.
• When chicken is fully cooked, fluff rice with a fork and serve.

Closely monitoring the pot and frequently checking the chicken with a food thermometer is important. Chicken must reach a safe minimum internal temperature while cooking together with rice.

Is It Better to Cook Chicken Separately?

For optimal safety and best results, many cooking experts recommend fully cooking the chicken before combining it with rice. Here are some reasons why it’s better to cook chicken separately:

• Cooking chicken by itself allows you to better control and monitor its doneness.
• Chicken can develop harmful bacteria when undercooked. Separate cooking minimizes this risk.
• Pre-cooked chicken can be shredded, diced or left in pieces for easy addition to rice.
• Fully cooked chicken maintains moisture and flavor that can get lost when cooking together long-term.
• Separate cooking prevents overcooking the rice while waiting for chicken to finish.
• Partially cooked rice absorbs flavors well and finishes cooking gently with hot chicken.

Cooking chicken on its own requires little extra effort. The peace of mind knowing chicken has safely reached the proper internal temperature makes it worth the extra steps.

Tips for Adding Cooked Chicken to Rice

Follow these simple tips for safely adding fully cooked, delicious chicken to rice:

• Choose flavorful cooked chicken – Roast, grill, saute or bake chicken with seasoning to infuse rice with more flavor.
• Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces – Shred, chop or dice cooked chicken so it mixes evenly into rice.
• Cook rice until nearly tender – Undercook rice slightly so it can finish steaming with chicken. White rice takes about 15 minutes.
• Reheat chicken until hot – Heat cooked chicken to 165°F or hot to the touch before adding to rice.
• Add hot chicken to the rice – Gently stir or fold chopped chicken into par-cooked rice to heat through.
• Let rice steam and absorb flavors – Remove pan from heat, cover, and let rice sit 5 minutes to finish cooking.
• Fluff and serve – Use a fork to combine chicken and fluff rice before serving seasoned perfectly.

With flavorful chicken and perfect rice as a base, you can top this dish with sauces or veggies, or serve it on its own as a comforting meal any day of the week.

Complementary Seasonings and Add-Ins

Chicken and rice is a versatile combination that takes well to many herbs, spices, vegetables and other mix-ins. Consider adding any of the following to amp up flavor and nutrition:

• Fresh herbs – Cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, oregano
• Dried spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, curry powder
• Citrus – Lemon juice, lime juice, orange zest
• Sauces/Condiments – Soy sauce, teriyaki, hoisin, sriracha
• Vegetables – Peas, corn, bell pepper, spinach, kale
• Nuts – Peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios
• Cheese – Feta, cheddar, parmesan

Use fresh herbs at the end for a vibrant flavor pop. Spices, citrus and many sauces can be stirred in early on to allow the rice to fully absorb flavors as it cooks. Hearty veggies like peas and corn work well cooked right into the rice. Delicate greens like spinach can be stirred in at the end until just wilted. Top finished chicken rice with nuts or cheese for added crunch and creaminess.

Get creative with mix-ins that complement the seasonings used on the chicken. A simple side dish of chicken and rice can easily become a flavorful main meal with fresh add-ins and toppings.

Full Recipe: Easy Chicken and Rice

This simple staple recipe for chicken and rice uses the separation method for foolproof results every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat in 1 Tbsp oil. Cook until browned and chicken reaches 165°F internally, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board to rest.
2. In the same skillet over medium heat, saute onion in remaining 1 Tbsp oil until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more.
3. Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and onion mixture. Cook stirring frequently for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth and frozen peas. Bring to a boil, the cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Meanwhile, shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Reheat until warmed through either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
6. Remove rice from heat and add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped chicken. Gently fold together until combined and chicken is heated through. Add more broth if rice seems dry.
7. Cover and let steam off heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season to taste with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.

This simple chicken and rice recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try using chicken thighs or different seasonings on the chicken. Stir in vegetables like spinach or beans with the rice towards the end of cooking. Top with shredded cheese, herbs, nuts or a dollop of yogurt. Tailor the flavors to suit your taste and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal anytime.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a great make-ahead meal. Follow these guidelines to safely store and reheat leftover chicken rice:

• Store in airtight shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3-4 months.
• When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent dry rice. Cover and microwave until 165°F internally.
• You can also reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of broth until fully warmed through.
• Bring refrigerated leftovers to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
• Consume reheated chicken rice within 3-4 days for food safety.
• Do not reheat chicken rice more than once.

With proper storage, leftovers of this classic meal can be enjoyed again later in the week. A quick reheat and dinner is ready with no work needed.

Common Questions

Is it safe to cook chicken and rice in the same pot?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken and rice together in one pot safely as long as the chicken is cut in small pieces and cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to monitor it closely and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Does uncooked rice absorb bacteria from raw chicken?

It is possible for bacteria from raw chicken to transfer to dry, uncooked rice if they have direct contact. Proper cooking should kill any bacteria present, but best practice is to cook chicken separately from rice.

Can I use a rice cooker to make chicken and rice?

Most rice cookers are not designed to properly cook raw chicken. Pre-cook the chicken before adding to a rice cooker along with other recipe ingredients as it finishes the rice.

Is frozen chicken ok to add to rice?

Frozen chicken should be fully thawed before adding to rice. For food safety, it is still best to fully cook frozen chicken before combining with cooked rice.

What kind of rice works best with chicken?

Long grain white rice like jasmine or basmati has a fluffy texture that soaks up chicken flavor beautifully. Shorter grains like Arborio rice also pair nicely for a risotto-style dish.

The Bottom Line

Adding raw chicken directly to uncooked rice does come with some risks if not done carefully. For best results and food safety, fully cook chicken before combining with cooked rice. Monitor temperatures closely if cooking chicken and rice together in one pot. Whether you choose to cook the ingredients separately or together, proper handling and thorough cooking gives you the freedom to enjoy chicken and rice worry-free. This classic pairing is versatile enough for a simple weeknight dinner or impressive enough for a dinner party when dressed up with spices, vegetables and garnishes.