On days when you want something warm, filling, and homemade (but still quick enough to make during nap time or between school runs), this dairy-free chicken rice is such a good one to have up your sleeve. It feels like a proper meal, it’s naturally dairy-free, and it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in the cupboard.
If you love easy allergy-friendly meals, don’t forget to check out my Dairy-Free Shepherd’s Pie, too. It’s just as comforting and perfect for batch cooking.
Ingredients
For the rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
For the chicken
- 1 cooked chicken breast (or leftover roast chicken), shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Handful of peas
- A handful of sweetcorn
- 4 tbsp coconut milk or dairy-free cream
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley or spring onion
Method
1. Cook your rice from scratch
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This prevents it from becoming sticky. Add your rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest heat, cover, and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat but don’t lift the lid; let it steam for another 5 minutes while you prep the chicken.
2. Start the flavour base
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add the chicken
Tip in your shredded chicken and stir it through the onion mixture. Let it warm for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add veggies and seasoning
Add the peas, sweetcorn, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything is coated and colourful.
5. Make it creamy (without dairy!)
Pour in the coconut milk or dairy-free cream. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
6. Fluff the rice
Lift the lid and fluff your rice with a fork. It should be light and steamy — the perfect base for this dish.
7. Build your bowl
Scoop the rice into bowls and spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the top. Finish with spring onion or parsley. This will give you a fresh touch.
Why this recipe works
It’s simple, comforting, and quick — but still tastes like you’ve made something “proper”. And because it’s naturally dairy-free, it slots perfectly into busy family life. This dairy-free chicken rice is one of those meals you’ll end up making again and again.
Helpful link
For trusted allergy guidance and ingredient safety checks, I always recommend Allergy UK — they’re a brilliant source for families dealing with allergies.