Easy Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, then this rice cooker chicken and rice recipe is just what you need. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish showcases the magic of one pot recipes, combining tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore one pot Chinese meals that are both flavorful and satisfying.
Cooking in a rice cooker is not only convenient but also ensures that every grain of rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the chicken and seasonings. This dish captures the essence of Asian rice and chicken, making it a beloved choice for families who crave comforting meals without the fuss.
One Pot Chinese Chicken and Rice Made Easy
This dish exemplifies the convenience of one pot food recipes, particularly with rice. When cooking in a rice cooker, the chicken thighs blend harmoniously with jasmine rice, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste, but also in its ease of preparation, making it a favorite among busy families.
Picture juicy chicken thighs nestled in perfectly cooked rice, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. The stunning aroma that wafts through the kitchen as it cooks sets the stage for a delightful family dinner. Using a rice cooker simplifies the process, allowing for minimal cleanup while maximizing flavor and comfort.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
This chicken and rice pot showcases a delightful mix of tender meat and fluffy grains that absorb delicious soy sauce and spices. With every bite, the savory essence of Asian rice and chicken comes alive, making it a beloved choice for any occasion.
Infused with fresh garlic, ginger, and onion, this dish offers a burst of flavor that complements the mild jasmine rice. The addition of sesame oil brings a nutty richness, while the garnishing of green onions adds a fresh touch that elevates the entire meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this memorable one pot Chinese chicken and rice, start with essential ingredients that you likely have on hand. Jasmine rice serves as the perfect base, while chicken thighs provide the heartiness needed for a fulfilling meal.
Pairing these main components with aromatic vegetables and seasonings results in a delicious medley. Each ingredient plays a role, from the fragrant garlic to the savory soy sauce. Together, they transform this dish into something extraordinary.
A Simple Cooking Process
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward cooking method. Begin by sautéing aromatics in the rice cooker, allowing the flavors to meld and develop depth. After browning the chicken thighs, add in the rinsed rice, broth, and soy sauce to create a rich cooking environment.
Setting the rice cooker to cook will handle the rest. In mere minutes, you’ll have a meal that looks as good as it tastes, with the rice absorbing all the delicious flavors from the chicken and broth.
One Pot Chinese Chicken and Rice Made Easy
This easy rice cooker chicken and rice dish features juicy chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful broth, combined with fragrant jasmine rice. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both savory and comforting, perfect for any day of the week.
The taste is a delightful blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, infused with soy sauce and aromatic spices. Each bite reveals the delicious harmony of flavors that make this a standout one pot chicken and rice instant pot recipe.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer, stirring with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky.
Once rinsed, drain the rice well. Next, peel and finely chop the onion, then mince the garlic and ginger into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced distribution of flavor.
If your rice cooker has a ‘sauté’ function, turn it on. If not, you can briefly preheat the pot by turning the cooker on before adding ingredients. Pour about a tablespoon of sesame oil into the rice cooker pot and let it warm for a few seconds.
When heated, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger, stirring frequently. Allow them to cook for about two to three minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
Place the chicken thighs in the rice cooker, skin side down, and let them cook for about five to seven minutes, allowing the skin to develop a golden-brown color. If the rice cooker does not get hot enough to brown the chicken, you can briefly sear them in a pan before adding them. Flip the chicken over and cook for another two minutes to seal in the juices.
Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the pot, spreading it evenly around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring gently to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid while being careful not to disturb the chicken too much.
Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the ‘cook’ function or standard rice cooking mode. Let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
If your rice cooker automatically switches to ‘keep warm’ mode, let the dish sit for an additional five minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Once done, carefully open the rice cooker lid and check the texture of the rice and doneness of the chicken. Use a fork or rice paddle to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Once cooked, fluff the rice and serve this dish garnished with bright green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. It’s a visually appealing creation that invites everyone to dig in.
Feel free to customize this one pot chicken and rice instant pot recipe by incorporating seasonal vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your preference. The flexibility of this dish ensures that it can be tailored to suit any palate, making it a staple for weeknight dinners.
Enjoying a Warm Family Meal
The inviting aroma of this dish makes it a centerpiece for family gatherings, creating a warm dining atmosphere. The rustic wooden table adds to the charm, encouraging everyone to gather around and enjoy a hearty meal together.
With its combination of flavors and ease of preparation, this chicken and rice recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. Embrace the comfort of one pot recipes with rice and indulge in a satisfying experience that brings loved ones together.
Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or a traditional rice cooker, this one pot food recipe is guaranteed to please everyone at the table with its simplicity and taste.
Recipe Card: Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice
Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice
One pot Chinese chicken and rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the rice cooker, set it to the 'sauté' function (if available). Add sesame oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the rice cooker, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, followed by chicken broth and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the 'cook' function. Cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with chopped green onions on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 1664mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 35g
Nutritional details are calculated from the ingredients used in this recipe. You should calculate nutritional values based on ingredients you have access to.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]