Homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni

Better Than the Box and more than a quick side dish

Some recipes become pantry staples because they’re easy, while others stay because everyone asks for them again. This homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni is both.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s an inexpensive meal starter or side dish that tastes better than the boxed version. I love keeping a few jars mixed and ready so dinner comes together in minutes.

Pantry Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup broken angel hair pasta
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp parsley
• 2 tsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Mix everything together and store in a mason jar.

When you’re ready to cook it up:

Melt one stick of butter over medium-high heat.

Add the mix and toast for several minutes.

Pour in 4 cups water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.

Serve It Up

Enjoy beside grilled chicken, roast beef, pork chops, or as the base for a hearty skillet meal.

From My Kitchen

I always keep a jar or two of this mix tucked away in the pantry because it’s one of those recipes that comes to the rescue on busy nights. With just a little butter and broth, dinner starts itself while I work on the main dish or finish chores around the house. It’s simple, affordable, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand.

Making pantry mixes like this has become one of my favorite ways to save both time and money. Instead of buying another box from the grocery store, I can make a larger batch myself and know exactly what’s in it. Sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones you reach for the most, and this one has definitely earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.