Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice

Sometimes, you just need a simple, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. That’s where this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice comes in! Imagine a dish where juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings come together effortlessly in one pot. No need to babysit the stove or stress about timing—just toss everything into your rice cooker and let it work its magic. The result is a perfect, no-fuss dinner that’s tender, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a relaxed get-together, this dish is a game-changer.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You get all the goodness of a complete meal—protein, carbs, and vegetables—all in one bowl. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable! You can add your favorite veggies, tweak the seasonings, or even experiment with different types of chicken. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why You’ll Love Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice

Effortless Cooking

Once you add your ingredients to the rice cooker, you can sit back and relax while it does the work. No need to stir, check, or babysit the dish. Perfect for busy nights!

One-Pot Wonder

Everything cooks together in the rice cooker, making cleanup a breeze. You won’t have to worry about dirtying multiple pans or dishes.

Super Versatile

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Want to add peas, carrots, or bell peppers? Go for it! You can even switch out the chicken for pork, beef, or a vegetarian protein.

Comfort Food in No Time

This dish is warm, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for when you need a comforting meal but don’t have the time or energy for something complicated.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish. They cook up tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors of the rice and seasonings.
• Long-Grain White Rice: The rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken and cooks to perfection in the rice cooker.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a savory base flavor to the dish. If you love a little extra depth, try caramelizing it first!
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant punch to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the onion and garlic (if you’re doing a little pre-cooking) and adding richness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Spices (optional): You can add some paprika, thyme, or rosemary for additional flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper works wonders if you like a little heat.
• Frozen or Fresh Vegetables (optional): Peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn all work beautifully in this dish. Just add them in when the rice is almost done cooking for added color and flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this effortless meal? Here’s how to make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like. You can either use whole chicken breasts or thighs, or cut the chicken into chunks if you prefer.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Optional)

If your rice cooker has a sauté function, heat a little olive oil or butter in the cooker. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. If your rice cooker doesn’t have a sauté option, you can skip this step and just add the raw onion and garlic directly into the cooker with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Rice, Chicken, and Broth

Add the uncooked rice to the rice cooker, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine everything, ensuring that the rice is evenly spread out. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Set your rice cooker to the “white rice” or “cook” setting. Depending on the model, it may take about 30-40 minutes for everything to cook through.

Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)

If you’re using vegetables, now is the time to add them! If using frozen peas or carrots, throw them in about 5-10 minutes before the cooking cycle is complete to ensure they’re heated through but not overcooked.

Step 6: Check and Serve

Once the cooking cycle completes, check the rice cooker. If the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, you’re ready to go. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve everything together. If you feel the chicken needs a bit more time, you can let it sit for a few extra minutes to finish cooking.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 70mg
  Sodium: 500mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
  Protein: 35g
  Vitamin A: 4%
  Vitamin C: 8%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes

How to Serve Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice

With a Side Salad

Pair this dish with a fresh, crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. A simple side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the chicken and rice.

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add some roasted vegetables to the mix, try roasting some carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. Their caramelized flavor pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

Topped with Cheese

For an extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated cheese (parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella) on top right before serving. The cheese will melt into the hot rice, creating a deliciously creamy bite.

Additional Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor

For an even more flavorful dish, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones release more flavor into the rice and broth while cooking.

Double the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients and cook in a larger rice cooker.

Add a Kick

If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or add a chopped jalapeño along with the onions and garlic for a spicy twist.

Make it with Brown Rice

You can swap out the white rice for brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid (broth or water), as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Make it a Meal Prep Hero

This dish is fantastic for meal prep! You can cook a big batch at the beginning of the week and store individual servings in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take a little longer to cook. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q2: Can I add more vegetables?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach are all great choices. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables.

Q3: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A3: Yes! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, but it will take longer to cook. If you use bone-in pieces, check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Q4: Can I use another type of rice?
A4: While this recipe works best with long-grain white rice, you can use other types of rice like jasmine or basmati. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to rehydrate the rice.

Q6: Can I make this without a rice cooker?
A6: Yes! You can make this dish in a regular pot or Dutch oven. Simply follow the same steps, but cook it on the stovetop, simmering the rice and chicken until done.

Q7: Can I use instant rice?
A7: Instant rice cooks much faster, so you’d need to adjust the cooking time. We recommend using regular long-grain rice for the best texture.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a chopped jalapeño to give this dish a spicy kick.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little more liquid to keep the rice moist.

Q10: What kind of chicken should I use?
A10: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish. Both cook evenly and are easy to shred or serve alongside the rice.

Conclusion

Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice is one of those meals that hits the sweet spot of being simple, flavorful, and versatile. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. Plus, the best part is that it’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Give it a try, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort!

Print