Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 6.9 ounces Chicken Rice-A-Roni (1 box)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato juice (optional, V-8 juice)
• 2 cups water
• 8 pieces chicken of choice (we add a variety of pieces, split breasts, thighs, and legs)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (optional, canola oil)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the Casserole Mixture: ---

2. 2

   add: In a 9 x13-inch casserole pan add tomato juice, water, and Rice-A-Roni seasoning packet. Stir to combine and set aside.

3. 3

   melt: In a small saucepan add butter and melt over low heat. Add rice to butter, increase heat to medium, and stir until rice is golden, being sure not to burn.

4. 4

   stir: Add rice to the casserole mixture and stir.

5. 5

   --- Cooking the Chicken: ---

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

7. 7

   Add flour, salt, and pepper to a ziplock bag.

8. 8

   Dip two chicken pieces at a time into the egg mixture and add to the ziplock bag.

9. 9

   coat: Close the bag and shake to coat the chicken pieces. Place coated chicken on a large plate.

10. 10

    Add the oil to a large skillet, and turn to medium heat. Test the temperature of the oil by dropping in a pinch of flour. Once the oil sizzles add the chicken pieces. This may have to be done in batches of 4 pieces depending on the size of your skillet.

11. 11

    brown: Fry the chicken until lightly golden on both sides. Remove and drain on a few paper towels. Note: Chicken is not completely cooked when added to the casserole pan, just browned.

12. 12

    Remove oil from the burner, allow to cool then discard.

13. 13

    --- Time to Use the Oven: ---

14. 14

    Add chicken to the casserole with the rice mixture, cover with a lid or foil. If using foil seal the edges. Place in the preheated oven.

15. 15

    bake: Cook for approximately 45-55 minutes or until liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender.

16. 16

    cool: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.