Looking for the ultimate rice cooker recipes chicken dish? This easy, flavorful one-pot meal delivers juicy, marinated chicken with perfectly seasoned rice—all cooked in your trusty rice cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!
Hey there, food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you love meals that are both delicious and hassle-free. And let’s be real—who has time to juggle a dozen pots and pans on a busy evening? That’s where this simple yet satisfying rice cooker recipes chicken dish comes in.
Your rice cooker isn’t just for rice—it’s a game-changer for one-pot meals! With just a handful of ingredients and a push of a button, you get juicy, tender chicken paired with fragrant, flavorful rice. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is bound to impress. So, grab your rice cooker and let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients for rice cooker recipes chicken
To create this incredible dish, you’ll need a few simple, wholesome ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 3 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs – Juicy and full of flavor. If you prefer, you can swap for chicken breast, but thighs stay more tender.
- Salt and pepper – Enhances flavor and adds a balanced seasoning.
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos – A wonderful, slightly sweet soy sauce alternative.
- 2 tsp rice vinegar – Adds brightness and slight tang.
- 2 tsp avocado oil – Helps with browning and enhances richness.
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice – Soft, aromatic, and the perfect base.
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth – Infuses the rice with savory goodness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced) – Because everything is better with garlic.
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (minced fine) – Adds warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Because well-seasoned rice makes all the difference.
- 1 tbsp chopped green onion – For freshness and a pop of color.
Additional Ingredients & Substitutes
Want to tweak this dish to suit your taste? Here are a few additions or swaps you can try:
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
- Grains: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice (just add extra cooking liquid).
- Sauce Variations: Try adding a splash of sesame oil or a drizzle of sriracha for a little kick.
- Protein Swaps: Chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu can be great alternatives. Want something with a smoky twist? Try my Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet for a totally different vibe using sausage instead of marinated thighs.
Expert Tips for Success
Wanna make this dish absolutely foolproof? Here are my top kitchen secrets:
- Marinate the chicken ahead of time. Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps lock in flavor, but overnight? Next level!
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice. This removes excess starch and keeps it fluffy instead of gummy.
- Layer ingredients properly. Always place the chicken on top of the rice so it cooks evenly.
- Let it rest. Once the rice cooker switches to “keep warm,” let everything sit for 5–10 minutes before opening. It helps the flavors meld beautifully!
Recommended Techniques
For the best results, keep these simple techniques in mind:
- Sear the chicken first. If your rice cooker has a “sauté” function, give the chicken a quick sear before adding the rice. This deepens the flavor.
- Use warm broth. Adding warm (not cold) broth helps the rice cook more evenly.
- Fluff the rice gently. Once cooked, use a fork to fluff the rice instead of stirring, to keep it light and airy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Rice Cooker Recipes Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight).
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- Combine in the Rice Cooker: Add rice, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper to the rice cooker. Stir gently.
- Place Chicken on Top: Lay the marinated chicken on top of the rice (don’t mix it in).
- Start Cooking: Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the standard “white rice” setting.
- Let it Rest: Once cooked, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before opening.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with green onions, fluff the rice, and enjoy!
Additional Guide: Variations & Special Techniques
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
- Coconut Rice: Replace half the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy twist.
- Lemon-Herb Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving.
Love simple one-pot meals like this? Don’t miss my Hearty Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet. It’s another family favorite that comes together fast with smoky sausage and tender chicken!
FAQs
Yes! Brown rice works great but needs more liquid (around 1 ½ cups of broth) and a longer cooking time.
It’s best to thaw chicken first to ensure even cooking. But if you’re in a pinch, increase cooking time and check for doneness.
If it’s too wet, let it sit with the lid open for a few minutes. If it’s too dry, add a splash of warm broth and close the lid for a few extra minutes.
Yes! Rice cookers can cook raw chicken as long as you ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The steam and heat will cook it thoroughly.
Absolutely! You can cook raw meat like chicken or beef in a rice cooker, but make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Try adding herbs, spices, butter, or even a splash of soy sauce or coconut milk to enhance the flavor of your rice.
Yes! Using chicken broth instead of water adds depth and richness to your rice, making it even more flavorful.
Conclusion
And there you have it—an easy, delicious rice cooker recipes chicken meal that’s packed with flavor and cooked all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a total lifesaver. So, next time you need a quick and satisfying meal, just reach for your rice cooker!
Got any favorite variations? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
Easy & Flavorful Rice Cooker Chicken
Equipment
- Rice Cooker
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 3 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs Alternatively, use chicken breast
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos A soy sauce alternative
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper To taste
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice Rinsed until water runs clear
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth Warm
- 1 clove garlic Minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger Minced fine
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1 tbsp green onion Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Rinse the jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- In the rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice, warm chicken broth, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix.
- Lay the marinated chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture without stirring them in.
- Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the standard ‘white rice’ setting. Start cooking.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the dish rest in the rice cooker for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid.
- Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
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