Description
This Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice is a simple, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cook simultaneously with flavorful seasoned rice, onions, garlic, and peas in your rice cooker, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish with minimal effort and cleanup.
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)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky while cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Optionally, sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil for a few minutes on each side to enhance flavor.
- Layer the Rice: Place the rinsed rice in the rice cooker pot.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water over the rice.
- Add Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Add Vegetables and Fat: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas (if using) on top. Drizzle olive oil or place a small pat of butter over the chicken.
- Start Cooking: Close the rice cooker lid and set to the ‘Cook’ setting.
- Cook the Meal: Let the rice cooker cook for about 25-30 minutes until the cycle finishes. If using brown rice, cooking time may be longer, so refer to your rice cooker’s instructions.
- Check Doneness: Open the lid and check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If needed, close lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Ensure Rice is Cooked: If rice is not tender, add a little more broth or water and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the Chicken: Remove chicken from the rice cooker and slice.
- Fluff the Rice: Use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing through onions and peas evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Place sliced chicken on top of the rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- If you prefer more color and flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the rice cooker.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to your taste; adding a bay leaf or a pinch of chili flakes can add variety.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Monitor cooking times and liquid amounts closely if using brown rice or alternative grains.
