Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further! We have a delicious recipe for skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni and green beans that will elevate your dinner game to a whole new level.
Imagine tender chicken thighs or drumsticks, perfectly browned to perfection, served over a bed of homemade rice-a-roni that is bursting with flavor. And to complete the meal, a side of sautéed green beans that add a fresh and healthy touch. It’s a complete one-pan meal that will impress your family and friends.
Intrigued? Interested in learning the secrets to making this delicious skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni and green beans recipe? Let’s dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover a simple and flavorful recipe for skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni and green beans.
- Learn how to make your own homemade rice-a-roni and elevate its flavors.
- Find out the technique to perfectly brown chicken and infuse the rice with its delicious juices.
- Master the art of sautéing green beans for a vibrant and nutritious side dish.
- Explore the fascinating history of Rice-A-Roni and how it inspired this homemade version.
Homemade Rice-A-Roni Recipe
The homemade rice-a-roni recipe is a game-changer. Forget about the boxed version, because this homemade version is so much better. It calls for simple ingredients like rice, spaghetti, chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic powder. The process is super easy, and you can even make kits in advance for quick and convenient side dishes during the week. Say goodbye to the boxed stuff and hello to flavorful homemade rice-a-roni.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Spaghetti, broken into small pieces | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken bouillon | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- In a skillet, toast the rice and broken spaghetti over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add the chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, and 2 cups of water to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice and pasta are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Skillet Chicken Recipe
The skillet chicken in this recipe is the star of the show. You’ll be browning chicken thighs or drumsticks to perfection, adding them back to the pan as the rice-a-roni finishes cooking. This technique infuses the rice with the chicken’s fond and juices, adding incredible flavor to the dish. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves you from washing multiple dishes and creates a cohesive and delicious meal.
“The chicken’s fond and juices infuse the rice with incredible flavor.”
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Rice-a-roni
- Seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, paprika)
- Vegetable oil or butter
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil or butter.
- Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, prepare the rice-a-roni according to the package instructions.
- Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the rice.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. Add herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer a crispier chicken skin, you can sear the chicken in a separate pan before adding it back to the skillet.
- Consider adding vegetables like diced carrots or peas to the skillet for an extra boost of nutrients.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings |
Green Beans Recipe
To complete this meal, we have a simple and tasty green beans recipe. You’ll be sautéing the green beans with garlic for a flavorful and nutritious side. The process is quick and easy, allowing the green beans to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the skillet chicken and homemade rice-a-roni, adding a fresh and healthy element to the meal.
“The green beans in this recipe add a burst of freshness to the savory skillet chicken and homemade rice-a-roni. The sautéed green beans with garlic complement the other flavors perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.” – Cook’s Tips
Ingredients for Green Beans:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
And there you have it! Delicious and nutritious sautéed green beans to accompany your skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni. This recipe is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal while keeping it quick and easy. Enjoy!
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sautéed Green Beans | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
The History of Rice-A-Roni
Rice-A-Roni has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1940s in San Francisco. An Armenian woman named Pailadzo Captanian taught Lois and Tom DeDomenico, a couple renting a room from her, how to make a rice pilaf using broken bits of pasta. This creative twist on a traditional dish eventually led to the creation of Rice-A-Roni.
In 1958, Rice-A-Roni was introduced to the market as a mixture of rice, macaroni, and dehydrated chicken stock. It quickly gained popularity as a convenient and flavorful side dish option. The iconic product was sold in a box, which contained both the rice and seasoning mix, making it easy to prepare. Rice-A-Roni became a staple in households across America, offering a quick and delicious addition to meals.
Our homemade version of rice-a-roni pays homage to this beloved convenience food, while also elevating the flavors and using fresh ingredients. By making it from scratch, we ensure that each component is carefully chosen and prepared to create a truly satisfying and tasty dish.
“Rice-A-Roni is not just a brand; it represents a journey of flavors and traditions. Our homemade version captures the essence of this iconic dish while allowing you to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.”
Recipe Instructions
Now that you have an overview of the recipe components, it’s time to delve into the detailed instructions. Follow these steps carefully to create a delicious homemade rice-a-roni and green beans skillet recipe with easy skillet chicken:
Browning the Pasta and Rice
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add broken spaghetti and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in rice and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the rice grains are lightly toasted.
Adding the Seasonings
3. Dissolve chicken bouillon in boiling water and pour it into the skillet with toasted spaghetti and rice mixture.
4. Add Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cooking the Chicken
5. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper.
6. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the browned chicken to the skillet with the rice mixture, nestling it into the rice.
Sautéing the Green Beans
8. In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add more olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
9. Add green beans to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
10. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the dish to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Serving
11. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken on top.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a flavorful homemade rice-a-roni and green beans skillet recipe with easy skillet chicken ready to be enjoyed!
Note: The image above is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact outcome of the recipe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni and green beans recipe is a true culinary delight. The combination of the flavorful homemade rice-a-roni, the perfectly browned chicken, and the sautéed green beans creates a satisfying and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner for your family or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress your guests, this recipe is the perfect choice. The one-pan convenience of this meal makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the incredible flavors and textures will make it a standout at any gathering.
So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering and comforting meal that combines the rich flavors of skillet chicken with homemade rice-a-roni and the freshness of sautéed green beans. It’s a winning recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.