Effortless Rice Cooker Chicken & Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Ever wondered how a simple rice cooker can turn ordinary chicken & rice into a mouthwatering meal that saves you time and effort?

Weeknight dinners just got way more delicious and stress-free.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this foolproof dish.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this comforting recipe without breaking a sweat.

Perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice come together in one convenient appliance.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of seasoned protein and perfectly cooked grains.

Grab your rice cooker and let’s make dinner magic happen!

Why You’ll Love Easy Rice Cooker Chicken & Rice

• Streamline Meal Preparation: Toss ingredients into the rice cooker and let it do the hard work, creating a complete meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combine protein, vegetables, and grains in a single dish that delivers balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
• Adaptable to Preferences: Customize the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or adding different proteins to suit family tastes and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a delicious meal that feels satisfying and home-cooked without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken & Rice in the Rice Cooker

• White Rice: A staple grain that forms the foundation of this one-pot meal.
• Chicken: Protein-rich cubed meat that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deep savory flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Adds rich umami and authentic Asian-inspired taste to the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a robust flavor base for the rice cooker meal.
• Frozen Vegetables: Optional addition that boosts nutrition and adds color to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a bright, crisp finish to the completed meal.

How to Cook Chicken & Rice the Easy Way

Step 1: Prep the Rice Base

Grab your rice cooker and give the rice a thorough rinse under cool water until the liquid turns crystal clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy, separated grains that will make your dish extra delicious.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Step 3: Add Protein and Veggies

Gently fold in tender chicken cubes and your favorite frozen vegetable medley. The vegetables will cook perfectly alongside the rice, creating a complete meal in one pot.

Step 4: Start the Cooking Magic

Secure the rice cooker lid and press the Cook button. Let the appliance work its wonder, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Step 5: Rest and Finish

After the cooker switches to Warm mode, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes. This steaming period helps the flavors meld and ensures every bite is succulent.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top, and serve hot. Your one-pot wonder is ready to wow everyone at the table!

Pro Tips for Fluffy Chicken & Rice Every Time

• Clear water ensures perfectly clean, fluffy rice without excess starch.
• Use exact chicken broth measurements to prevent soggy or dry rice texture.
• Toss in mixed vegetables during last cooking stage to maintain crisp, fresh texture.
• Layer flavors with soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh garlic for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Allow 5-10 minutes resting time after cooking to enhance moisture and distribute heat evenly.

Chicken & Rice Variations for More Flavor

• Gluten-Free Chicken & Rice: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian Rice Cooker Meal: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and replace frozen vegetables with corn and black beans for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth, omit added salt, and season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste without sodium.

Sides That Go Well With Chicken & Rice

The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the soy sauce’s umami flavor.

Create a refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds to balance the warm, hearty main course.

Add a spicy, tangy Korean fermented side that provides a zesty contrast to the mild chicken and rice, boosting overall flavor complexity.

Mix sriracha and mayonnaise for a creamy, spicy condiment that adds a kick and brings extra excitement to the simple rice cooker meal.

How to Store Chicken & Rice for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months. Prevents freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour contents into skillet with splash of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook until thoroughly heated, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time compared to white rice.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before adding it to the rice cooker?

No, marinating isn’t necessary for this recipe. The chicken will absorb flavors from the broth, soy sauce, and seasonings during cooking, ensuring a tasty result.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can use water with an extra pinch of salt, or substitute with vegetable broth. The key is to add enough liquid for the rice to cook properly and prevent burning.

Easy Rice Cooker Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory rice cooker chicken & rice delivers a comforting one-pot meal straight from Korean home kitchens. Tender chicken and perfectly fluffy rice combine in a simple, delicious dinner you can prepare with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

Grains and Liquid:

• 1.5 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 0.5 cup frozen peas and carrots
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid becomes transparent, then transfer to rice cooker pot.
2. Pour in fragrant chicken broth, introducing layers of umami with soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle aromatic onions and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and cracked pepper.
3. Gently incorporate tender chicken cubes and colorful frozen vegetable medley, distributing ingredients evenly across the surface.
4. Secure rice cooker lid firmly and activate standard cooking cycle, allowing appliance to transform raw components into a harmonious meal.
5. When cooking completes and device automatically shifts to warming mode, permit dish to rest and steam for approximately 7-8 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and rice to achieve perfect fluffy texture.
6. Using a light touch, separate rice grains with fork, creating airy consistency and releasing trapped steam.
7. Elegantly garnish with freshly sliced green onion ribbons, presenting a vibrant finishing touch that adds subtle sharpness and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while temperature remains warm, ensuring optimal taste and enjoyment of this comforting one-pot wonder.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Consider marinating chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
• Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for a more vibrant and nutritionally rich meal.
• For gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the umami taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg