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
Scale
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.
