Name: Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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If you’re searching for a cozy, foolproof meal that basically cooks itself, look no further than Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice. This recipe brings together the tender juiciness of chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and a rainbow of vegetables in just one pot—thanks to the magic of your rice cooker! Every spoonful is packed with flavor, texture, and comfort, proving that weeknight dinners don’t have to be bland or complicated. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner in the kitchen, or simply craving a homemade classic, this dish checks all the boxes for a delicious, hearty, and wholesome family meal.

Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list or specialty ingredients for Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice; each item is easy to find but absolutely essential for building flavor and texture. Every component, from the rice to the veggies, plays its part in making this dish a real crowd-pleaser.

Long-grain white rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, it cooks up fluffy and absorbs every bit of flavor.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory depth you just can’t get from water.
Onion (finely diced): Adds sweet, savory notes that melt into the background for a flavorful base.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves bring a wonderful aroma and punch to the whole dish.
Frozen peas and carrots: No need to thaw—these add color, texture, and sweetness while keeping prep a snap.
Red bell pepper (diced): For a pop of color and a whisper of sweetness that makes the presentation cheery.
Soy sauce: Saltiness and rich umami tie the flavors together in every bite.
Paprika: Brings mild warmth and a beautiful golden color to the rice.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip the basics!
Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps keep the rice grains separated.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a burst of freshness that brightens each serving.

How to Make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Get your ingredients ready before you even turn on the rice cooker—or better yet, recruit some little helpers! Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cube the chicken, dice the bell pepper, and rinse your rice under cool water until the water runs clear. This ensures your rice cooks up perfectly fluffy and every bite is seasoned just right.

Step 2: Layer Flavors in the Rice Cooker

Add your rinsed rice straight to the rice cooker pot. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and your choice of olive oil or butter. Give everything a gentle stir so the liquids and seasonings are evenly distributed—think of this as setting the stage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Veggies

Evenly scatter the chicken pieces over the rice, then top with the diced onion, minced garlic, frozen peas and carrots, and red bell pepper. There’s no need to stir—letting the veggies and chicken sit right on top ensures even cooking and lets the flavors naturally meld into the rice as it steams.

Step 4: Cook in the Rice Cooker

Close the lid and set your rice cooker to the regular white rice setting. For most rice cookers, this will take about 35 to 40 minutes, but timing can vary. When it switches to “keep warm,” let the Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice rest, lid closed, for another 5 to 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors settle and allows the rice to finish gently steaming.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Open the lid and prepare to be wowed by the savory aroma! Grab a fork and fluff the rice gently, mixing the chicken and veggies throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately for ultimate comfort.

How to Serve Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A big scoop of Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice looks extra inviting with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If you love a bit of crunch, try some lightly toasted slivered almonds or crispy fried onions on top—just a little goes a long way!

Side Dishes

This is a complete meal in a bowl, but pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a simple miso soup really completes the table. Warm naan or pita works wonderfully for scooping up the last tasty grains.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice shine by serving it in colorful bowls or on a large platter for a family-style feast. For parties, scoop it into individual cups or ramekins, or stuff inside bell peppers and bake for a fun twist. It’s also delicious rolled into leafy lettuce cups for a light, handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next-day lunch or dinner even tastier. Just be sure to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain the perfect texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months, and you’ll have an effortless meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice (to keep it moist) and microwave in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If heating on the stovetop, use a nonstick pan and cover loosely, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. It’ll taste almost as fresh as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You sure can! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require a bit more broth. Adjust your rice cooker settings and check the consistency before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As long as you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari), Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free and safe for many diets. Double-check all labels if cooking for someone with allergies.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in whatever’s in your fridge, like corn, mushrooms, broccoli, or even spinach. The recipe is incredibly flexible and perfect for cleaning out odds and ends.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful choice since they stay moist even with longer cooking times. If you prefer chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook and cut them into evenly-sized pieces for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe?

If your rice cooker is large enough, you can absolutely double Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice for a crowd! Just be mindful not to exceed the “max fill” line, and you may need to add a little extra cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice is the definition of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and so adaptable to your mood or pantry staples. There’s something magical about tossing everything into one pot and coming back to a perfect home-cooked meal. Give it a try for your next busy weeknight or cozy family dinner, and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite at your table!

Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice recipe is a convenient one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables with flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Broth and Seasonings:

3 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 red bell pepper, diced

Garnish:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Add Rice and Seasonings: Add rinsed rice to the rice cooker pot. Stir in chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil or butter.
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Layer chicken pieces evenly over the rice, followed by onion, garlic, peas, carrots, and bell pepper.
Cook: Close the lid and cook on the regular white rice setting until the rice and chicken are fully cooked, about 35–40 minutes depending on your rice cooker.
Rest and Fluff: Once done, let the rice sit on the ‘keep warm’ setting for 5–10 minutes. Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and mix everything together.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.