One-Pan Chicken and Rice a Roni Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs (or chicken legs)
- 1 box (6.9 oz) of your favorite Rice-A-Roni
- 1/4 cup extra rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 seasoning pack from the Rice-A-Roni box
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Your favorite chicken marinade (if marinating)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs (or legs) with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Optional: If time allows, marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for a couple of hours.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- In a casserole dish, pour the entire box of Rice-A-Roni.
- Add an extra 1/4 cup of rice to the mix for added volume.
- Sprinkle the seasoning pack over the rice.
- Pour 2.5 cups of water into the dish and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Place the Chicken:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to trap the moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake:
- After 50 minutes, remove the foil to expose the chicken and rice.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the rice is tender.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken on a bed of flavorful Rice-A-Roni, and enjoy your budget-friendly, easy, and toddler-approved one-dish meal!
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables or herbs to the rice mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Additionally, you can pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to make it a more well-rounded meal.
Q: Can I use a different type of chicken? A: Absolutely! The recipe is flexible, and you can use chicken thighs, chicken legs, or even bone-in chicken pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of chicken you choose.
Q: Can I use a different brand of rice mix? A: Yes, feel free to substitute with your preferred brand or flavor of rice mix. Just ensure that the quantity of rice and water is adjusted according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the dish? A: Certainly! Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or broccoli to the rice mixture before baking. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q: How do I know if the chicken is cooked thoroughly? A: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken pieces.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: While the dish is best when served fresh, you can prepare the components (seasoned chicken and rice mixture) ahead of time and assemble just before baking. Refrigerate the components separately and combine before baking.
Q: What can I serve as a side dish? A: Consider serving the One-Pan Chicken and Rice a Roni Delight with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple coleslaw. It complements well with a variety of sides.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of water to the rice if it becomes too dry.
Q: Can I freeze the dish? A: It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked dish as the texture of the rice may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the seasoned raw chicken separately and the dry rice mix. Thaw before assembling and baking.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of the extra white rice? A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly or partially cook it before assembling the dish.
Q: Can I use a different cooking method, like a slow cooker or Instant Pot? A: While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can adapt it for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Adjust cooking times and liquid quantities accordingly and follow the specific instructions for your chosen method.
