Chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni is the kind of cozy, one-pot meal every busy family needs in their weeknight rotation. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes of hands-on time. In this article, I’ll show you how to make it step by step, using chicken thighs and boxed Rice A Roni for maximum flavor with minimum prep. Plus, we’ll talk about what happened to Rice A Roni, whether it’s healthy, and if you can cook two boxes at once. This is your go-to guide to a truly satisfying classic that’s always worth making.
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A comforting favorite from my kitchen
Chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni has earned a permanent place in our family dinner rotation—and it all started with one hectic weeknight. I was staring into the pantry, trying to pull together a meal before my daughters’ soccer practice, and there they were: two boxes of chicken-flavored Rice A Roni. A quick scan of the fridge revealed a pack of chicken thighs. That night, this easy, flavorful dinner was born.
Now it’s a recipe I go back to again and again. It’s a classic comfort dish—tender chicken, seasoned rice, buttery vermicelli—all made in one pot. Every time I make chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni, it disappears fast. Even picky eaters love it.
What makes this casserole so good is how the Rice A Roni seasoning infuses the whole dish. Browning the vermicelli first deepens the flavor and gives the rice a slightly nutty finish. I also love that it’s one of those recipes you can make your own—sometimes I’ll throw in fresh herbs, sometimes just a squeeze of lemon. It works every time.
If you’re looking for more flexible, flavor-packed recipes like this, try pairing it with these Low Carb Chicken Recipes. They’re perfect sidekicks to this cozy dish.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole with Rice-A-Roni: Easy Family Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy and flavorful one-pot chicken and rice casserole made with Rice-A-Roni. Quick to prep and full of comforting goodness.
Ingredients
1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter
2 packages (6.9 ounces each) chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni
4 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon parsley
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat pot to Sauté and melt butter. Brown chicken on one side for 3 minutes. Transfer to plate.
3. Add Rice-A-Roni to the pot and toast vermicelli until golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Add 4 cups water, scraping the pot bottom well. Stir in 1 or 2 seasoning packets.
5. Place chicken on top. Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes.
6. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
7. Dice chicken, add lemon juice to rice and fluff. Stir in fresh parsley.
8. Return chicken to pot and mix until well combined.
Notes
Use 1 seasoning packet for lower sodium.
Add steamed veggies at the end for extra nutrients.
Stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Why this recipe works for busy families
There’s something comforting about knowing dinner is just one pot and 30 minutes away. That’s the beauty of chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni—it’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding kids or looking for easy leftovers, this recipe always delivers. It’s the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor meal every busy cook needs in their back pocket.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole with Rice A Roni (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients that make this dish shine
What I love most about making chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni is that the ingredient list is short but delivers big flavor. It starts with tender, juicy chicken thighs that soak up all the goodness from the seasoned rice. Using Rice-A-Roni gives you that signature buttery vermicelli and spice blend, making the flavor profile incredibly satisfying without much effort.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 boxes (6.9 oz each) chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness!)
- 1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
You don’t need fancy pantry staples, and this recipe is totally adaptable. Swap thighs for breasts, or stir in some veggies at the end if you want. It’s just as flexible as it is flavorful. I’ve even shared similar tricks in my Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe that work beautifully here, too.
Simple technique with maximum payoff
Start by seasoning the chicken well—don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Using the Sauté setting (or stovetop), brown the chicken in butter until golden on one side. This step locks in flavor and gives the rice extra richness.
Next, add the Rice-A-Roni and stir frequently until the vermicelli starts to brown. Scrape the bottom of the pot well to loosen all those tasty bits. Pour in the water, stir in one or two seasoning packets (to taste), and nestle the browned chicken back on top.
Pressure cook on High for 7 minutes, let the pressure release for 5 more, then quick-release. Dice the chicken, add a splash of lemon juice, stir everything together, and garnish with parsley.
That’s it—easy, fast, and absolutely delicious. Need more comforting weeknight meals like this? Browse my other Low Carb Chicken Recipes that keep dinner stress-free.
Make-Ahead Tips & Serving Ideas for Chicken and Rice Casserole with Rice A Roni
How to serve this dish like a pro
A warm bowl of chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni is pure comfort, and the way you serve it can elevate the experience. Once pressure-cooked, the rice is fluffy, the chicken tender, and the flavor rich from the buttery vermicelli base. I love to plate it hot, sprinkle it with fresh parsley, and add a little lemon zest to brighten everything up.
Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted broccoli, or even Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe if you’re aiming for something a little unexpected. Want even more flavor-packed ideas? Try serving it alongside my Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe for a complete meal.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish always hits the mark.
Storing leftovers & make-ahead options
One reason I rely on chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni so often is how well it stores. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, stir in a bit of broth or water to refresh the texture and moisture.
For busy nights, you can prep it ahead by browning the chicken and toasting the rice mixture in advance—store both in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Feel free to freeze the cooked portions in advance — they’re perfect for quick, ready-to-eat meals.
The balance of convenience and flavor makes chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni a dependable go-to in any meal plan. It’s no surprise this one-pot wonder is always on repeat in our kitchen.
Is Chicken and Rice Casserole with Rice A Roni Healthy?
What’s really in your Rice-A-Roni?
When it comes to cooking chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni, many home cooks wonder about nutrition. Let’s break it down. Rice-A-Roni is a boxed rice and vermicelli mix seasoned with a blend of herbs, spices, and often sodium. While it’s not a health food in the strictest sense, it offers convenience and flavor in one affordable package.
The health factor really depends on how you prepare it. In our recipe, we’re using real chicken thighs—a rich source of protein—and you’re in full control of the sodium levels. If you’re watching salt intake, you can use just one of the seasoning packets instead of both, or add your own seasonings.
Also, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies or a crisp salad, making it a more balanced meal overall. I’ve found similar approaches in other recipes like this Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe which also blend comfort with mindful choices.
Expert Tips & Variations for Chicken and Rice Casserole with Rice A Roni
Make it your way every time
One reason I come back to this chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni again and again is its flexibility. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, prepping for guests, or just trying to clean out the fridge, this recipe adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand.
Here are my top tips:
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just cut them into halves so they cook evenly.
- Add vegetables like frozen peas, chopped carrots, or broccoli florets right before cooking. They blend beautifully with the rice and add a nutrition boost.
- Adjust the seasoning by using only one Rice-A-Roni packet to lower the sodium. You can also stir in garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder for more flavor without added salt.
- Swap in broth instead of water for an even richer base.
- Try cheese on top! A sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella before serving makes it even more comforting.
Fun variations to try
- Give it a Tex-Mex flair by mixing in black beans, corn, and a dash of taco spices.
- Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese after cooking for a creamy texture.
- Spicy option: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before pressure cooking.
However you mix it up, this chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni always delivers warm, satisfying flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a classic but tastes fresh every single time.
Conclusion
Chicken and rice casserole with Rice A Roni is everything a weeknight meal should be—fast, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s been a favorite in our house for good reason: it’s easy to customize, comes together in one pot, and even the leftovers are great. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, prepping for a busy week, or just need comfort food that doesn’t cut corners, this dish has you covered.
If you enjoyed this, don’t miss other reader-favorites like Chicken Crust Pizza Recipe or Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe.
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FAQS
What happened to Rice-A-Roni?
Rice-A-Roni is still widely used and remains a favorite pantry item in countless households. Some flavors may be harder to find due to product rotation or supply changes, but the brand remains widely available and even offers newer, microwaveable formats.
Is Rice-A-Roni a healthy food?
It’s best considered a convenience food. While not the healthiest option due to its sodium content, when paired with fresh protein like chicken thighs and served with veggies, it can absolutely be part of a balanced meal.
Can you cook 2 boxes of Rice-A-Roni together?
Absolutely—it works perfectly in dishes just like this. Just double the water and butter, and use one or both seasoning packets based on your taste preference.
Is chicken rice rice healthy?
If you’re making it with lean protein, real broth or water, and watching the sodium, it can be a very wholesome, filling dinner.