Homemade Seasoned Rice Mix

Instead of buying boxed rice mixes, you can make your own and save money.  Here’s a recipe for the rice mix, along with a Chicken Rice Casserole that uses the rice mix. You can also save money by purchasing the herbs in bulk at a natural foods store, or in the natural foods section of your grocery store.  Be creative and add dried vegetables to the rice mix!

Homemade Seasoned Rice Mix

3 cups uncooked long grain rice
2 Tablespoons instant chicken bouillon granules
¼ cup dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Combine ingredients; store in an air tight jar.

To prepare mix as a side dish:
Bring to a boil 2 cups water and 1 Tablespoon butter.  Stir in 1 cup mix.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until cooked.  (Brown rice will take twice as long to cook.)  Yield:  6 servings.

Chicken Rice Mix Casserole

2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup Homemade Seasoned Rice Mix
½ cup chopped onion
4 oz. can mushroom pieces, drained
2 cups water
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
¼ teaspoon onion salt
¼ teaspoon dry thyme
½ cup crushed potato chips (optional)

In a greased 2 quart casserole, combine chicken, vegetables, rice mix, onion and mushrooms.  Combine water, soup, and seasonings; mix well.  Pour over the rice mixture; stir to combine.  Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 55-65 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with potato chips.  Yield:  6-8 servings.