This Jailhouse Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a fun and hearty meal that your family will love! It’s perfect to whip up on a busy weeknight or as a cozy Friday night dish. And the best part? You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken or sausage, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Jailhouse Rice
Ready to dive into this delightful dish? Let’s get started!
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want it shimmering before we throw in those veggies!
Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them until they start to soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. This step smells amazing!
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll want it to become fragrant but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Add the diced chicken or sausage to the skillet. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. You want everything to be mixed together nicely, letting those flavors meld!
Stir in the leftover rice, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix everything until combined.
Allow it to cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated throughout and the flavors are beautifully packed together.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions. And maybe a few additional toppings if you’re feeling fancy!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Jailhouse Rice is my go-to recipe when I’m exhausted after a long day but still want to put something delicious on the table. There’s just something so comforting about it; it’s like a warm hug after a hectic week! I’m a real sucker for dishes that are cozy and filling, and the best part is how adaptable it is. You can use whatever you’ve got on hand to make this meal! So if you’re wondering what to do with that leftover chicken or those random veggies, you know what to make!
If you loved this Jailhouse Rice, be sure to check out my Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, my Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe, or my Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto Recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Chop, sauté, and serve all done!
One Pot Adventure
Everything is cooked in one pot, so minimal cleanup is required! You’ll have just one skillet to wash afterward, leaving you more time with your family.
Budget-Friendly
It uses affordable, everyday ingredients. You can easily adjust it based on what you have in your pantry, making it a great option for family dinners without breaking the bank!
Customizable
The versatility is through the roof! You can swap out ingredients based on your family’s favorites, dietary restrictions, or what’s available in your fridge.
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and deeply satisfying, making it a classic comfort food dish that everyone loves!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve Jailhouse Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to mop up all those delicious flavors. You could also serve it with diced avocado or sour cream on top for some creamy goodness!
Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through until heated throughout. Alternatively, for a stovetop option, heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this dish is freezer friendly! To freeze, let the Jailhouse Rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plate of this delicious and cheerful Jailhouse Rice tonight! Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Jailhouse Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken or sausage to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the leftover rice, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow to cook for another 5-7 minutes until heated throughout and flavors meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.