Apple Chicken and Rice

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon butter, divided
1 packages (6 ounces) chicken flavored rice mix (Rice-a-Roni)
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple juice
1 medium apple, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup dried cranberries

In a large skillet, brown chicken in 1 tablespoon butter until juices run clear; remove and keep warm.  Set seasoning packet from rice mix aside.  In the same skillet, saute rice mix in remaining butter for 5 minutes or until golden brown.  Add water, broth, apple juice, apple, mushrooms, onion, cranberries, and contents of rice seasoning packet; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20  minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.  Return chicken to the pan; heat through.  Yields 4 servings.  Enjoy!