If you are looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender, juicy chicken with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, this dish brings together simple ingredients into a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The beauty is in how effortless it is—everything cooks together in one pot, making dinner time both satisfying and stress-free. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and keep going back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the rice provides a soft, fluffy base, while the chicken brings protein and savory depth. Aromatics like onion and garlic add warmth, and herbs and spices lift the dish with bright, earthy notes. It’s a perfect balance of taste and texture without any fuss.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Offering tender, juicy protein that pairs beautifully with rice.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice): The foundation of the dish, choose white for quicker cooking or brown for nuttier flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Adds moisture and depth, simmering the rice and infusing it with savory goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and a pleasant aroma to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a gentle but essential kick of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herbal note that’s cozy and inviting.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a mild smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To brighten all the flavors and balance the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter): Helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): Pops of color and subtle sweetness that make every bite more interesting.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by rinsing your rice under cold water. This small step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from turning overly sticky during cooking. Next, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to infuse flavor right from the start. If you want to boost flavor even more, a quick sear in a hot skillet with olive oil will develop a beautiful golden crust, but if you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip this.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Rice Cooker
Add the rinsed rice directly to your rice cooker pot, then pour in the chicken broth or water. The liquid is essential for cooking the rice perfectly and keeping the chicken tender. Place your seasoned chicken breasts gently on top of the rice to let the flavors meld together. Scatter chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas over the chicken. Finally, drizzle with olive oil or add a small pat of butter to enrich the overall flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Meal
Close the lid of your rice cooker and set it to the “Cook” function. The beauty of this recipe is the simplicity of throwing everything in one pot. It generally takes about 25 to 30 minutes, though if you opt for brown rice, your cooking time might be slightly longer. Trust your rice cooker’s timing, but keep an eye on it just in case you need to give it a bit more time.
Step 4: Check for Doneness and Serve
Once the cooker switches off, open the lid and check the chicken’s internal temperature—it should be 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If it isn’t quite there, simply close the lid for a few more minutes. Likewise, if the rice needs a bit more cooking, add a splash of broth or water and run the cooker again for a short while. When everything looks perfect, remove the chicken and fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the onions and peas. Slice the chicken and serve on top of the rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add that final pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your plate isn’t just about looks—it’s the finishing touch that elevates the entire meal. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while a squeeze of lemon juice can bring a zingy contrast to the savory flavors. For extra texture and flavor, toasted nuts or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan works beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal on its own is wonderfully balanced, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad can freshen the palate. Roasted root vegetables or a warm, lightly dressed coleslaw also complement the dish nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the chicken on top of the rice straight from the cooker with a sprinkle of parsley. To impress guests, arrange the sliced chicken neatly alongside a molded dome of rice and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You can even wrap the rice and a piece of chicken in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the rice and chicken together helps the flavors meld even more, but if you prefer, separate containers work well too to preserve texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When freezing, be sure to cool completely to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently to maintain moisture. The microwave works fine—just cover the dish and add a splash of broth or water to help steam the rice back to softness. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of extra broth, stirring occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just remember it needs a longer cooking time, so adjust your rice cooker settings accordingly and add extra liquid if necessary.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before cooking?
Searing the chicken is optional but recommended if you want an extra layer of flavor from the browned crust. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step since the rice cooker will still produce tender and delicious chicken.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the onions and peas for a veggie-packed version of the Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe.
What type of rice cooker works best for this recipe?
Any standard rice cooker with a “Cook” function will work perfectly. If your cooker has specific settings for mixed dishes or steaming, those could also enhance the texture, but aren’t required.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure there’s no pink in the thickest part of the chicken and the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe is truly a weeknight game changer—a comforting, flavorful dish made with minimal effort and maximum love. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or just in the mood for simple deliciousness, this recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen rotation!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rice, made effortlessly in a rice cooker. This recipe uses basic ingredients and minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting home-cooked meal without fuss.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, adjust cooking time accordingly)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Vegetables & 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps to prevent the rice from becoming too sticky when cooked.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. For enhanced flavor, you may optionally sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil for a few minutes on each side, but this step is not required.
- Layer Ingredients in Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker bowl, then pour in the chicken broth or water evenly over the rice.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas if using. Drizzle the olive oil or place a small pat of butter on top of the chicken to add richness.
- Start Cooking: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the “Cook” setting. The cooking process should take about 25-30 minutes, varying slightly based on your rice cooker model and whether you use white or brown rice (brown rice requires longer).
- Check for Doneness: When the rice cooker cycle finishes, open the lid and check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). If it’s not cooked through, close the lid again and allow it to cook for a few more minutes.
- Ensure Rice is Tender: If the rice appears undercooked, add a small amount of additional broth or water and cook for an extra 5-10 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the rice cooker and slice it. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the onions and peas evenly. Plate the sliced chicken atop the rice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor significantly.
- Brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
- Optional searing of chicken adds depth of flavor but is not necessary.
- Frozen peas are a convenient way to add vegetables; fresh peas or other vegetables can be substituted.
- Make sure chicken reaches proper internal temperature for food safety.
- Fluff rice gently to avoid breaking the grains.
