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Rice a Roni Chicken Casserole Recipe

4.6 from 126 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make Rice a Roni Chicken Casserole featuring tender browned chicken pieces cooked with seasoned rice, simmered to perfection in a savory broth, and optionally topped with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 Box Rice a Roni Chicken (6.9 ounces)
  • 2 ½ cups Water
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the chicken.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to brown on one side without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a good sear.
  3. Brown the other side: Gently turn the chicken pieces over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
  4. Add butter and scrape pan: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen and incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the dish.
  5. Sauté the rice: Stir in the rice from the Rice a Roni box and sauté for about 3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the rice turns a golden brown color.
  6. Add seasoning and water: Mix in the seasoning packet included in the Rice a Roni box and pour in the 2 ½ cups of water.
  7. Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the lid and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to finish absorbing any remaining moisture. Serve topped with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a fresh flavor boost.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or diced onions while sautéing the chicken.
  • Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Covering the skillet tightly during simmering helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all flavors.
  • Optional parsley garnish adds a bright and fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: Rice a Roni, chicken casserole, easy dinner, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, skillet casserole