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Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni

A cozy one-pot dinner made with tender chicken, toasted vermicelli, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings for a better-than-boxed comfort meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Dish
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 0.5 cup broken vermicelli pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice optional

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook chicken with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until lightly golden.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Toast vermicelli in remaining butter until golden brown.
  5. Add rice and toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning.
  8. Return chicken to the pan and stir gently.
  9. Cover and simmer on low for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender.
  10. Rest for 5 minutes, fluff with fork, stir in parsley and lemon juice, then serve.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a little parmesan cheese before serving. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for a quicker version.