If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful side that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe is your new best friend. It combines perfectly toasted vermicelli, fluffy long-grain rice, and a blend of seasonings that taste like they’ve been simmered to perfection. Whether you’re serving a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish brings a delightful mixture of textures and chicken-inspired flavors without any fuss—something you’ll want to keep making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a dish bursting with taste, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender rice that soaks up all those savory notes to the toasted vermicelli adding a satisfying crunch and a golden hue.
- Vermicelli (2 oz, broken into half-inch pieces): Adds a delightful toasted flavor and a slightly crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft rice.
- Long-grain rice (1 cup): The heart of the dish, providing fluffy and separate grains for the perfect bite.
- Chicken bouillon (4 tsp): The secret seasoning that infuses every grain with rich chicken flavor without needing actual broth on hand.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A fragrant mix of herbs that brings a subtle, herby warmth to the dish.
- Dried parsley (1 tsp): Adds a pop of green color and a gentle freshness to the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (â…› tsp): Lends a hint of savory depth that rounds out the seasonings nicely.
- Water (2¾ cups): The base that cooks the rice and pasta perfectly while blending all the seasonings.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Used to toast the vermicelli and rice, enriching the dish with a golden color and luscious flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pasta and Rice
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the broken vermicelli and the long-grain rice. Stir frequently and cook until both the rice and pasta take on a light, golden-brown color. This toasting step is crucial—it builds a deep, nutty flavor base that makes the entire dish sing.
Step 2: Add Water and Seasonings
Next, pour in the 2¾ cups of water along with 4 teaspoons of chicken bouillon, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to dissolve the bouillon and evenly distribute the herbs and spices. Then bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which wakes up the rice, pasta, and seasoning flavors.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet. Let the rice and vermicelli cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. When all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender, your Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a bright, zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
This rice recipe makes an amazing side for a variety of mains. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled veggies, or even a crispy fish fillet. The versatility of the dish means it can complement just about any protein or vegetable, turning a simple meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or ramekins for an inviting individual portion. You could also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or peas to add even more texture and color, making the dish as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. The rice maintains its flavor and texture nicely with this simple reheating method.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice in this recipe?
While instant rice might seem convenient, using long-grain rice gives the best texture and flavor. Instant rice tends to become mushy when simmered with the vermicelli, so sticking to long-grain rice is ideal.
Is it necessary to break the vermicelli?
Yes! Breaking the vermicelli into smaller pieces ensures it toasts evenly alongside the rice and cooks at the same rate. It also makes the dish easier to eat.
Can I substitute chicken bouillon with broth?
Absolutely! You can replace the water and bouillon with 2¾ cups of chicken broth for a more natural flavor. Just reduce any added salt accordingly.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free vermicelli or omit it entirely and increase the rice portion. Make sure your chicken bouillon is gluten-free, too.
Can I add vegetables or protein directly to this dish?
Definitely! Adding sautéed vegetables or cooked shredded chicken will turn this side into a full meal, making it even more wholesome and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about a homemade dish that feels effortless yet packed with flavor. This Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe ticks all the boxes for a quick, tasty meal that feels extra special. Dive into this golden, buttery rice and pasta combo the next time you want to bring a little warmth and joy to your table—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni is a quick, flavorful side dish featuring toasted vermicelli pasta and long-grain rice cooked with chicken bouillon and herbs for a comforting, savory meal addition.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 oz vermicelli, broken into half inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (not instant)
- 4 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cup water
Fats
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Toast pasta and rice: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the broken vermicelli pieces and long-grain rice to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta and rice turn a light golden brown, which enhances their flavor.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Pour in 2 3/4 cups of water and add the chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until cooked: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all of the water is absorbed and the rice and pasta are tender.
Notes
- Breaking the vermicelli into smaller pieces ensures even toasting and cooking.
- Use long-grain rice for best texture; avoid instant rice varieties.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking on the bottom of the skillet.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with chicken broth.
- This dish pairs well as a side with grilled or roasted chicken and vegetables.
