Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dinner made with seasoned Rice-A-Roni, tender chicken, and a simple buttery sauce. This easy one-pan meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole!
Rice-A-Roni Chicken Casserole is one of those old-school comfort meals that instantly reminds me of home. It’s warm, creamy, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy, the kind of recipe you throw together on a hectic night and everyone still goes back for seconds.
The seasoned rice adds tons of flavor while the chicken and creamy sauce make it hearty and satisfying. It’s a true weeknight winner that never disappoints!
If you are looking for more casserole recipes that my family will actually eat, you must try Cowboy Casserole, Chicken Noodle Casserole, Pizza Casserole and Hamburger Rice Casserole.
For even more family-friendly meals, browse the Quick and Easy Chicken Dinners Series.
What Is Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole?
Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole is a simple chicken and rice dish made with boxed Rice-A-Roni mix, cooked with seasoned chicken and finished into a creamy, comforting meal. It’s an easy shortcut casserole that uses pantry staples for a fast dinner.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
- Chicken Breasts – Save a few steps and use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken
- Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Rice a Roni Chicken – Use your favorite flavor
- Fresh Chopped Parsley – Optional, for topping
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole
Step 1 – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Step 2 – Add in the chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Let it sit without tossing it and let it brown for 3-4 minutes. Gently turn the chicken and cook the other size for 3-4 more minutes.
Step 4 – Add in the butter. Let it melt. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
Step 5 – Stir in the rice and saute for about 3 minutes until the rice is golden brown (tossing occasionally).
Step 6 – Mix in the seasoning packet from the box of Rice and Roni and the water.
Step 7 – Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the water is absorbed.
Step 8 – Remove the lid, let sit for a few minutes and then it’s ready to serve topped with the fresh parsley (if using) and sour cream and enjoy!
Rice a Roni Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil ($0.18)
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts cut into 1 inch pieces ($2.98)
- 1 teaspoon Salt ($0.02)
- ½ teaspoon Pepper ($0.04)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter ($0.50)
- 1 Box Rice a Roni Chicken 6.9 ounces ($1.48)
- 2 ½ cups Water
- 1 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Parsley optional, for topping ($0.20)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the skillet, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Let the chicken cook 3–4 minutes without tossing so it can brown, then gently turn and cook the other side for 3–4 more minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in 1 box (6.9 ounces) Rice-A-Roni Chicken and sauté for about 3 minutes until the rice is golden brown, tossing occasionally.
- Add the seasoning packet from the Rice-A-Roni box and 2½ cups water, then stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until most of the water is absorbed.
- Remove the lid, let it sit for a few minutes, then serve topped with 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional).
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Tips for the Best Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole
- Use low-sodium broth if your Rice-A-Roni packet is salty.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Brown the rice before adding water for extra flavor.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so it sets.
- Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
Variations Ideas
- Add Vegetables – You can add in 1 cup of veggies for a one pot meal if you would like. A cup of broccoli or green beans would be delicious in this meal.
- Top with Cheese – You can also top with 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese to add in a cheesy flavor if you’d like.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch – Add bacon and a little ranch seasoning for a delicious variation.
- Spicy Version – Add a can of diced green chiles or pepper jack cheese for a kick of flavor.
Serving Recommendations
We love to serve this Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole with a side of Roasted Zucchini, A Simple Salad, and Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls.
Other ideas are Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Zucchini and Squash and Air Fryer Asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Any flavor of Rice a Roni can be used for different flavors of this recipe.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Yes! Once the rice mixture has cooled, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Yes. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
More Easy Chicken Casseroles
If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly dinner that comes together fast and actually gets eaten, this Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole is one to keep in your weekly rotation. It’s comforting, filling, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it worked for your family. Your feedback helps other readers and allows us to keep sharing affordable, family-tested meals that make real-life dinnertime easier.
I add peas and carrots along with the water. When it’s done add a little soy sauce. Comes out like fried rice!
Kathy – That sounds delicious. Thanks for the feedback and tips!
I make this with chopped meat and once I didn’t have beef flavor so I used the broccoli cheese and it was even better. Definitely going to try the chicken version.
Yes! There are so many delicious variations. Thanks for sharing!
This is just boxed rice a Roni with chicken added this is not a casserole
Hey! Thanks for your feedback. We enjoy the simplicity of the recipe for busy weeknights but certainly understand it’s not for everyone. I hope you try some of our other casseroles.
So much flavor and made the best family dinner! This recipe is a keeper!