Rice Cooker Chicken Rice -30 Minute One Pot Meal 

Rice cooker chicken rice is the ultimate one pot meal made in just 30 minutes. This is a savory, fragrant and flavorful dish made of seasoned Jasmine rice with juicy bite sized chicken. Make this easy meal for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner for two (or more)! 

Why this rice cooker recipe works

• 30 minute meal - cook a one pot meal with a press of a button- press start and walk away!
• Filling and flavorful - rice, protein, and optional veggies will make for a complete meal. 
• Simple ingredients - Easy to find staple ingredients, with minimal prep.
• Works in any rice cooker - from a basic or multi function rice cooker

Ingredients

Rice - Use Jasmine rice for best results or other long grain rice like Basmati. 

Chicken - Use boneless and skinless chicken for easy handling. I prefer chicken thighs for juicy and flavorful chicken. Chicken breast may be used but may be on the dry side. 

Chicken broth - using broth gives a deeper chicken and rice flavor. 

Butter - for a smidge of fat to combine all the flavors together. 

Seasoning - salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder,  bay leaf.

Optional - Add diced carrots or peas. 

Equipment Notes

One function rice cooker - like a Tayama - is an efficient and effective basic cooker. Cook your rice with just a click of a button. There is also a steamer basket where you can steam veggies along with your meal!

These one function models are basic and sometimes may not adjust the cooking time with heaver ingredients that are added to the rice. This can sometimes result in undercooked rice. In that case, the rice can be stirred and run another cook cycle to finish cooking.

Multi-function rice cooker/Smart rice cooker 

Fancy cookers like a Tiger or Cuckoo are nice to have if you are cooking daily for a family. It has multiple program modes to help cook a variety of rice dishes like porridge, brown rice, GABA rice, baby food, and steaming vegetables. 

These rice cookers may automatically adjust the temperature or timing, giving more consistent results for mixed ingredients.  

Instructions

Rinse the rice - thoroughly at least 2 - 3 times or until the water runs mostly clear. Important to drain well! Too much liquid can result in mushy rice.

Prep the chicken -  Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and season. 

In the rice cooker pot - Add the rice, seasoning, butter and chicken broth, give it a quick stir. Place  the chicken pieces on top of the rice, spreading them evenly. 

Cook - Wipe any water off the outer part of the rice cooker with a towel. Place the pot in the cooker and press the cook button.

Undercooked rice ? - Gently stir everything, press cook again and let it complete another cook cycle.

Serve -  When the rice is done, give it a quick fluff and enjoy with a side of fresh cucumbers, lettuce or steamed vegetables. Add hot sauce for a kick. 

Rice Cooker Tips and Troubleshooting 

Rice measurement - Use the standard 1-cup US measuring cup, not the small cup that comes with your rice cooker. 

Undercooked rice - Sometimes the weight of ingredients in the rice cooker throws off the cooking time (especially with a one function cooker) and results in undercooked rice. To troubleshoot this, just mix the rice, and 1-2 tablespoons of liquid (if needed) and press cook to and let it complete another cycle of cooking. 

Rice is too mushy - this may be a result of too much liquid. Next time, be sure to drain the rice well. Or try to reduce the liquid by 1-2 tablespoons. Try to cook the rice on another cook cycle to help absorb some more of the liquid. 

Chicken isn’t fully cooked - chicken should be cut into bite sized pieces for quick and even cooking. If chicken looks undercooked, press cook again for another cook cycle.

Add vegetables - smaller vegetables, like peas and carrots or cut up broccoli will cook well. 

Chicken and Rice variation

Looking for an asian inspired recipe? Try my Rice cooker Hainanese chicken rice - made with tender and juicy chicken with flavorful rice that is infused with ginger, and garlic or make a chicken fried rice following this rice cooker fried rice recipe. 

Try my highly rated Rice cooker Mexican rice and top it with bite size chicken for a complete meal. 

Sides to serve with chicken and rice

Pair your meal with vegetables with this quick and easy oven roasted corn on the cob , air fryer sweet potato, or air fryer roasted broccoli. 

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. 

Reheat -Place the chicken in a microwave safe bowl, covered loosely with a microwave safe lid. Reheat in 1-2 minute intervals in the microwave until warmed through. 

FAQ

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