High Protein Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this High Protein Homemade Chicken Rice-A-Roni, a healthier, flavor-packed twist on the classic boxed favorite. Loaded with tender bites of sautéed chicken breast, nutty toasted vermicelli and rice, and a savory medley of garlic, onion, and soy sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Simmered to perfection in chicken broth and accented with dried herbs, it’s balanced with a pop of color from sweet, tender peas. Ready in just 45 minutes, this protein-packed one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ideal for meal preppers, families, and anyone looking for a wholesome, homemade alternative to store-bought sides!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Chop half of an onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Fluff with a fork before serving, and enjoy your homemade high protein Chicken Rice-A-Roni.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1747.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1884.7

Total Fat 47.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 385.6mg	0%
Sodium 3769.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 15.1g
Protein 181.2g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 230.4mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 2541.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.2%

Protein: 39.1%

Carbs: 37.8%