Easy Chicken and Rice

2 tablespoons shortening

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces

¾ cup instant rice, uncooked

1 chopped green bell pepper

2 cups water

⅛ cup chicken rice soup mix

Melt the shortening in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute the chicken sections in the shortening for 2 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add the rice and green bell pepper, if desired, and saute for 3 minutes, or until slightly browned. Add the soup mix and water and stir together well. Bring this to a boil, then add the chicken, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.