Master a delicious chicken and bacon rice recipe that’s flavorful, quick, and family-friendly. Learn how to prepare this one-pot meal with tips, variations, and FAQs.
Why This Chicken and Bacon Rice Recipe Works
If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dinner, this chicken and bacon rice recipe delivers everything you want in one pot.
It combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned rice for a meal that’s full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. This easy one-pot chicken rice dinner keeps cleanup minimal while giving you restaurant-quality results at home.
The magic of this chicken and bacon rice lies in its simplicity—crispy bacon adds smoky depth, tender chicken brings protein, and fluffy rice ties it all together.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or using up leftover rice, this recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleasing solution.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Chicken and Bacon Rice Recipe
To make this flavorful chicken and bacon rice recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples that come together to create a rich, balanced meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, diced) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Bacon strips (chopped) | 5–6 |
| Cooked white rice (day-old or chilled) | 3 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Frozen peas or mixed veggies | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil or bacon fat | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or green onion | For garnish |
Pro Tip: For the best texture, use day-old rice or refrigerated cooked rice. It absorbs flavor beautifully and prevents your chicken and bacon rice from turning mushy. You can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for variation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon.
In a large skillet or pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon fat in the pan to enhance smoky flavor in your one-pot chicken rice. - Sauté the chicken.
Add diced chicken to the same pan. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Cook until golden brown and tender—about 5–7 minutes. The mix of tender chicken pieces and bacon fat creates an irresistible base flavor. - Add aromatics.
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, letting the flavors meld with the chicken and bacon. - Mix in the rice and vegetables.
Add chilled cooked rice and peas or mixed vegetables. Stir well, breaking up clumps. The key to great fried rice with chicken and bacon is tossing evenly so each grain is coated with flavor. - Season and fry.
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add the crispy bacon back in, tossing to combine. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. - Finish and serve.
Once hot and evenly mixed, remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
You’ll love how this chicken and bacon rice recipe comes together—with smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and flavorful rice in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture
- Use cold, cooked rice: Keeps grains fluffy and separate.
- Don’t skip bacon fat: it adds a rich, smoky flavor you can’t replicate.
- Sear chicken first: builds flavorful browned bits.
- Add soy sauce gradually: Ensures balanced seasoning and color.
- Add sesame oil (optional): Gives a restaurant-style aroma to your quick chicken rice meal.
These expert tips guarantee your flavorful rice skillet turns out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.
Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Chicken and Bacon Rice
This chicken and bacon rice recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these fun variations to make it your own:
- Cheesy Chicken Bacon Rice: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in jalapeños or chili flakes for a bold bacon chicken rice recipe.
- Veggie-Loaded Version: Include bell peppers, corn, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Asian-Inspired Flavor: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki or oyster sauce and add sesame seeds on top.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a double batch—this family dinner rice dish reheats beautifully.
No matter which version you try, this chicken and bacon rice recipe remains hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Advice
Serve your chicken and bacon rice hot from the pan with green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Keep portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave for a few minutes before serving.
This dish is ideal for meal prep dinner ideas—quick, nutritious, and ready-to-go.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chicken and Bacon Rice Recipe
1. Can I use brown or basmati rice?
Yes! Just ensure the rice is pre-cooked and chilled before frying.
2. What if I don’t eat pork?
Use turkey bacon or skip bacon altogether and add smoked paprika for a similar taste.
3. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves cooking time.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Use lean chicken breast, less bacon, and extra vegetables for a lighter version.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Final Thoughts on Your Chicken and Bacon Rice Recipe
A chicken and bacon rice recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With one skillet, simple ingredients, and 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-approved.
Whether for weeknight dinners, lunch prep, or weekend cravings, this easy chicken bacon rice will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
