If you have a rice cooker and want a fuss-free, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, you are going to love this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice all done in one pot. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and the best part is how straightforward it is to make—no complicated steps or stress, just deliciousness from start to finish. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a weeknight go-to that’s both satisfying and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe are simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and making this dish so comforting. From aromatic garlic and onion to savory chicken broth and a touch of paprika and thyme, everything works together beautifully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): The star protein, tender and perfect for cooking gently in the rice cooker.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice): Rinsed for fluffiness, it soaks up all the delicious broth and seasonings.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Adds depth and moisture to cook the rice and chicken perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and texture, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle aromatic kick that makes every bite taste home-cooked.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it enhances the overall seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that balances all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter): Adds richness and helps marry the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): A pop of green color and sweet freshness, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh finish.
How to Make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This step is key to washing away excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from turning mushy and keeps each grain fluffy when cooked.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Give your chicken breasts a good coating of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. If you have a few extra minutes and want a fragrant, golden crust, sear the chicken briefly in a skillet with olive oil—but it’s perfectly fine to skip this step for convenience.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Rice Cooker
Add the rinsed rice directly into the rice cooker bowl. Pour in your chicken broth, then nestle the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
Step 4: Add Onions, Garlic, and Peas
Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas (if using) over the chicken and rice. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil or drop a small pat of butter over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture during cooking.
Step 5: Cook
Seal the lid and set your rice cooker to the “Cook” mode. It usually takes about 25-30 minutes for the chicken and rice to cook perfectly, but if you’re using brown rice, expect a longer cook time—check your cooker’s manual for best results.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Once the cycle ends, open the lid cautiously and check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If it’s not quite done, simply close the lid and give it a few more minutes.
Step 7: Finish Cooking if Needed
If the rice isn’t tender yet, add a splash more broth or water and let it continue cooking for 5-10 minutes. This helps ensure the grains are perfectly soft without becoming overcooked.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the chicken breasts from the rice cooker and fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the lovely cooked onions and peas. Slice the chicken and arrange it on top of the rice, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten everything up.
How to Serve Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnish with this recipe. Not only does it add a burst of vibrant green color, but it also brings a light, herbaceous freshness that lifts the dish. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of grated Parmesan if you want to switch things up.
Side Dishes
This comforting main pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots. Steamed asparagus or a simple cucumber salad also work beautifully for a balanced, hearty meal that’s still light enough to enjoy any day.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the rice as a bed on large plates and fan the sliced chicken on top, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley. You can also turn it into a delightful rice bowl by adding sliced avocado, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and some crunchy toasted nuts for extra texture and interest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and flavor retention.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but separate the chicken from the rice when possible to maintain the best texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Covering the dish while reheating helps trap steam and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but it requires a longer cooking time. Make sure to check your rice cooker’s instructions and adjust the liquid quantity and cooking time accordingly.
Do I have to sear the chicken before cooking?
Searing the chicken is optional but recommended if you want extra flavor and color. If you’re short on time, seasoning and cooking it directly in the rice cooker works perfectly fine and still yields tender results.
Can I add vegetables other than peas?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that some vegetables might alter cooking times slightly.
Is it safe to cook raw chicken and rice together?
Yes, cooking raw chicken and rice together in a rice cooker is safe as long as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to check doneness before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu. The rice cooker will still do all the hard work.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy kitchen days when you want something tasty, hearty, and hands-off. I love how every ingredient shines with minimal effort, and how the rice cooker makes the whole process so simple. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal that brings joy to your table again and again.
Print
Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Rice Cooker (considered stovetop/electric cooking appliance but mainly categorizing as Rice Cooker – closest primary method: Stovetop)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts and perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with aromatic herbs and vegetables, all prepared effortlessly in a rice cooker. A quick and convenient one-pot meal, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or simple family dinners, delivering comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, but adjust cooking time)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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, which helps the rice cook up fluffy and less sticky. Prepare the other ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Optionally, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side to add extra flavor, but this step is not required.
- Layer Ingredients in the Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice to the bottom of the rice cooker. Pour in the chicken broth or water evenly over the rice to ensure it’s fully submerged.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice. Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional frozen peas around the chicken. Drizzle olive oil or place a small pat of butter on top for added richness.
- Cook the Meal: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the ‘Cook’ setting. The cooking should take approximately 25-30 minutes for white rice; if using brown rice, the cooking time may be longer—consult your rice cooker manual.
- Check Doneness: Once the cooker completes the cycle, open the lid carefully and check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, close the lid and cook for a few more minutes.
- Ensure Rice is Tender: If the rice is not fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the rice cooker and slice it. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the onions and peas. Plate the rice and top with the sliced chicken.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Using white rice will yield the best results with the specified cooking times; brown rice requires longer cooking and more liquid.
- Searing the chicken before adding it to the rice cooker enhances flavor but is optional.
- Frozen peas add color and nutrition but can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your broth.
- If you prefer, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Letting the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking can improve texture.
