High Protein Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni
Upgrade your weeknight dinner game with this High-Protein Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni, a delightful twist on the comfort food classic that's loaded with flavor and better-for-you ingredients. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken bites, nutty toasted vermicelli, and fluffy long-grain rice simmered to perfection in a savory chicken broth infused with garlic, onion, and earthy herbs like parsley and thyme. A touch of soy sauce adds umami depth, while vibrant frozen peas bring pops of freshness and a nutritional boost. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family, this skillet meal is ready in just 45 minutes and packs a satisfying protein punch, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts and busy home cooks alike. Whether you’re craving hearty, wholesome comfort or looking to ditch the boxed version, this homemade chicken rice-a-roni recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 0.5 cup vermicelli pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Chop half of an onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the rice and vermicelli pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the oil, and continue to cook until the pasta is golden brown and slightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, then stir in the dried parsley, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the rice and pasta to simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and all the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork before serving, and enjoy your homemade high protein Chicken Rice-A-Roni.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1885 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.8 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 386 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 3770 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 175.2 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 181.2 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 230 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 2542 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
