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Overhead view of glistening Homemade Rice-A-Roni grains with cracked black pepper and dried parsley. (Homemade Rice-A-Roni)

Homemade Rice-A-Roni: The Ultimate Fluffy and Buttery Recipe

This Homemade Rice-A-Roni features fluffy long-grain rice and golden toasted vermicelli pasta. Simmered in a savory chicken broth reduction and finished with a glistening butter glaze, it's the perfect 30-minute side dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice-A-Roni Base
  • 1 cup (185g) Long-Grain White Rice Rinsed until clear
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Broken Vermicelli Pasta Broken into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp (42g) Unsalted Butter Divided
  • 2.5 cups (600ml) Chicken Broth Low sodium preferred
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet with Lid A wide pan ensures even toasting.
  • 1 Fork For fluffing the rice.

Method
 

Toasting Phase
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broken vermicelli and sauté for 3-5 minutes until deep amber gold.
  2. Add the long-grain rice to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes until every grain is glistening with butter.
Simmering Phase
  1. Pour in chicken broth and add all seasonings. Bring to a boil.
  2. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

Rinse your rice thoroughly to ensure maximum fluffiness.
Watch the vermicelli closely; it goes from golden to burnt very quickly.