Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re craving a hands-off, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings, all coming together effortlessly in your rice cooker. This dish not only saves time and minimal effort, but it delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making dinner a breeze on busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each plays an essential role in crafting the delicious harmony of flavors and textures in this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe. The chicken brings protein and juiciness, the rice acts as a soft, absorbent base, and the aromatics and spices add layers of cozy depth.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Tender and juicy protein for a hearty main.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice): Provides the perfect fluffy base—brown rice works too but needs a longer cook time.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Adds richness and moisture to infuse the rice with savory flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite that mellows while cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends aromatic warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb that enhances the chicken’s flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter): Adds richness and helps meld the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): Pops of green and sweetness for color and texture contrast.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a lovely presentation touch.
How to Make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before jumping in, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This little step reduces excess starch and helps keep the rice from turning gummy or sticky as it cooks. Meanwhile, chop the onion and mince the garlic so everything’s ready to go when you start layering the rice cooker.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Give your chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. These spices bring warmth and depth that make the chicken the hero of the dish. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, take a moment to sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil. It’s optional but definitely worth it for that golden crust and added richness.
Step 3: Layer the Rice in the Cooker
Pop the rinsed rice into the rice cooker bowl. This forms the foundation of your meal, keeping the rice evenly cooked and perfectly tender.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Pour in the chicken broth or water over the rice. The broth gives you an extra punch of savory goodness, soaking into every grain for incredible flavor from the inside out.
Step 5: Place the Chicken on Top
Carefully lay the seasoned (and seared, if you chose) chicken breasts right on top of the rice and broth. Cooking the chicken on the rice lets its juices drip down, infusing the rice with even more flavor.
Step 6: Add Onion, Garlic, and Peas
Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional frozen peas around the chicken. These little bursts of flavor and texture soften and blend beautifully as everything cooks together. Drizzle your olive oil or add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.
Step 7: Cook Everything
Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the “Cook” setting. In about 25–30 minutes (depending on your rice cooker model), the chicken will be tender, perfectly cooked, and the rice will be fluffy with all those delicious flavors melding.
How to Serve Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely burst of green color. It’s those final touches that make your meal look and taste all the more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even roasted carrots. These sides keep the meal balanced and fresh, bringing complementary flavors and textures that highlight the rich comfort of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice cooker chicken and rice in individual bowls garnished with avocado slices or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. You can also invite family or friends to add their favorite hot sauce or yogurt dips to customize their plates and add layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep them for up to 3 days, making this dish perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions to save for later by placing cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen chicken and rice stay good for about 1 to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the rice. Covering the dish while reheating helps trap steam and keeps the chicken tender and rice fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe but requires slightly more cooking time and more liquid. Just be sure to adjust your rice cooker settings or add about 1/4 cup extra liquid to compensate.
Do I have to sear the chicken before cooking?
Searing is optional but highly recommended if you want extra flavor and a lovely golden color on your chicken. You can skip it for convenience and still end up with delicious results thanks to the seasoning.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water, but keep in mind the broth adds depth and richness. For extra flavor, you might add a bouillon cube or some soy sauce to water as a substitute.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or extra peas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a tasty, veggie-packed version of this dish.
How long does it take to cook in the rice cooker?
Most rice cookers will take about 25 to 30 minutes to cook this dish, depending on your model and rice type. Keep an eye on your cooker’s settings and check doneness after 25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe a try because it’s truly one of those meals that feels like pure comfort with hardly any fuss. It’s warm, flavorful, and so satisfying, perfect for just about any night of the week. Once you get it down, you’ll love how flexible and forgiving it is, allowing you to make it your own with different add-ins or spices. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is a convenient and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Using a rice cooker, tender chicken breasts are cooked alongside aromatic rice and seasonings, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, but adjust cooking time)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from becoming too sticky while cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Optionally, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil for a few minutes on each side to develop extra flavor, but this step is not required.
- Layer Ingredients in Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker bowl.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water over the rice.
- Place Chicken: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the rice cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Optional Peas: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas (if using) to the rice cooker. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil or place a small pat of butter on top of the chicken for added flavor.
- Cook the Meal: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the “Cook” setting. Allow the rice cooker to cook until it automatically switches to the “Warm” setting, which typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on your rice cooker model.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken and rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- If using brown rice, extend the cooking time accordingly, as it takes longer to cook.
- Searing the chicken before cooking adds flavor but is optional to save time.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Ensure the rice and chicken are fully cooked by checking internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Rice Cooker
- Cuisine: American
