Red Beans and Rice with Chicken is a hearty meal that is bursting with delicious flavors. Make this a quick dinner by using smoked chicken and canned beans.

Bowl of red beans and rice with chicken.

On the weekends we like to fire up the grill and cook large portions of meat to make easy meals throughout the week. Meal Prep Chicken is one of our favorites and this easy Red Beans and Rice with Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients Needed (full measurements found in the recipe card below)

Ingredients for red beans and rice with chicken.

Grilled Chicken – Any leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken will also work.
Onions – We are using a few of our garden onions + a yellow onion, any combination that you have will work.
Bell Peppers – We use red and green, any sweet bell pepper will work.
Fresh Garlic
Olive Oil
Chicken Broth – Homemade chicken broth will add the most flavor if you have it on hand.
Red Beans – We love to cook dry beans and freeze them for quick meals. Canned beans work just as well, just rinse and drain.
Kosher Salt
Seasonings – We kept the seasonings minimal for this recipe, add Creole Seasoning, Italian Seasoning or your favorite all purpose seasoning.
Cooked Rice for serving.

Step-By-Step Directions for Quick Red Beans and Rice

Shred smoked chicken combining white and dark meat. Set aside.
Dice the onions and bell peppers and mince the garlic.

Collage cooking peppers and onions for red beans and rice.

In a dutch oven or large pot, add olive oil. Add onions, peppers and garlic and cook over medium-high heat.
Stir occasionally, cooking until vegetables are softened.
Add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan.

Collage adding beans, chicken and broth to soup pan.

Add the beans, chicken and remaining broth. Season with salt and desired herbs.
Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower to simmer until ready to serve.

Red Beans and rice in a bowl with pan of cornbread.

Serve over cooked rice with a side of Cornbread.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store leftover red beans and chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Freeze in a freezer container up to 3 months. Store rice in a separate container up to 4 days, I don’t recommend freezing the rice.
Reheat: Place chicken and red beans mixture into a pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until heated through. To reheat rice, place in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of water and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Variations: Add sliced smoked sausage in with the chicken if desired for an even heartier meal.
Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeno to the onions and bell peppers for a spicier version.

Ladle of red beans and rice with chicken soup.

More Recipes to Make with Smoked Chicken

Bowl of chicken, red beans and rice soup.

Red Beans and Rice with Chicken is a comforting and delicious meal that is budget friendly. A great weeknight dinner that will feed a hungry crowd.

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