You are going to love this list of 20 rice cooker recipes that go way beyond basic white grain. I use my appliance daily for everything from curry to soup and it makes life so much easier.
Get your appetite ready because we are diving into some serious flavor today!
1. Rice Cooker Chicken Curry
I never thought Japanese rice curry could happen in just 30 minutes but here we are! This dish gets extra loaded with tender chicken and potatoes alongside the grains.
The flavor profile is spot on with a thick and creamy texture that brings the perfect amount of spice.
2. Rice Cooker Southwest Style Quinoa
Say hello to the first non rice dish on our list today! Quinoa acts as a nutritious superfood base that brings a lovely nuttiness and crunch to your bowl.
You combine it with black beans and tomatoes plus taco seasoning for a hearty Mexican feast.
3. Rice Cooker Fried Rice
This simple hack is perfect if you are craving fried rice but do not want the extra calories. You coat the grains in sesame oil to get that aromatic flavor right from the start.
It cooks alongside bacon and garlic plus fresh vegetables for a guilt free version of your favorite takeout order.
4. Rice Cooker Saffron Rice
This golden dish shines brighter than the sun! The fragrant aroma from the saffron will absolutely drive you crazy in the best way possible.
While the spice costs a pretty penny it is totally worth it for that mildly sweet and earthy floral taste.
5. Rice Cooker Asian Chicken Rice
I just adore the simplicity of this meal. Tender and juicy steamed chicken meets perfectly fluffy white grains in one pot.
The sauce brings huge flavors from ginger and garlic plus miso and red chili so I highly recommend you double the recipe for it.
6. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
I bet you did not know you could make mac and cheese in your countertop appliance! This recipe proves just how versatile your machine really is.
The result is just as cheesy and creamy as the stovetop version but it is a lot easier to make.
7. Easy Spanish Rice
You can fill your burritos with this aromatic and flavorful Spanish side dish. Flavor your favorite grains with tomatoes and spices to make your Taco Tuesday a certified hit.
You simply dump all the ingredients into the nifty appliance and wait for the magic to happen.
8. Scallops and Rice
Pair classic white grains with nutty and buttery scallops for a scrumptious meal you will not soon forget. This one pot meal is fancy as can be!
The seafood mixes with butter and chives to create a stunning dinner that is easy enough for your weekly rotation.
9. Rice Cooker Vegetable Thai Curry
This vegetable curry uses a Thai flair and proves you do not need meat to make a complete dish. The red Thai curry paste contains tomato and chili plus shrimp paste and galangal for big flavor.
It is phenomenal and quite different from the more popular curries you might know.
10. Rice Cooker Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken and Andouille sausage join Cajun spices to create one of the most delicious dishes in the world.
I was under the impression this was complicated but imagine my joy when I found out it is a breeze! It just takes 45 minutes in your machine and you are all set.
11. Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
Fragrant jasmine rice gets a teriyaki flair care of ginger and brown sugar in this simple dish. Fresh shrimp add sweetness and texture contrast to the meal.
Think of it as shrimp fried rice that is steamed instead so it is not as heavy on the calories.
12. Ginger Chicken and Rice
This recipe makes the classic chicken pairing even more interesting with bouillon and ginger. It is so creamy and savory thanks to the addition of coconut milk!
You top the dish with spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
13. Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
Just the smell of coconut milk boiling in the pot already makes my mouth water. It is amazing how such a simple ingredient can transform basic steamed grains into an epic experience.
You can serve it as is or sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a perfect finishing touch.
14. Taco Soup in the Rice Cooker
All the things you love in a taco combine here to make one thick and hearty soup. You have beans and chicken plus corn and tomatoes all coming together in just one pot.
If you forgot to prep dinner you can always lean on this 45 minute recipe.
15. Quick White Rice
You cannot always rely on takeout so you should learn to cook your own classic white grains. It is easy as long as you nail the water ratio because the machine takes care of everything else.
The best part is that you can cook a ton in one go to feed a hungry crowd.
16. Spanish Rice With Chicken and Shrimp
Throw in chicken and shrimp to this mix and you get a complete meal that stands alone. Soft and fluffy grains cook in chicken broth and tomatoes for maximum flavor delivery.
It seems like a lot but you dump the ingredients in all at once with no babysitting needed.
17. Rice Cooker Chicken
While this recipe is not exactly authentic it is 100 percent effective for a classic Asian meal. I love how it cooks both the grains and the bird at the same time in the same pot.
All you will need is 10 minutes of prep and you can leave the rest to the machine.
18. Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Rice
Hearty grains join juicy chicken and meaty mushrooms to make a great combination. This classic Chinese dish is bursting with flavor and the earthy colors make it so appetizing.
Both the meat and fungi marinate in a magnificent sauce to bring out their lovely flavors even more.
19. Perfect Basmati Rice
Basmati grains are used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines so you better master the art of cooking them. Thankfully it is very easy to do in your machine.
This recipe even has a bunch of tips to make sure you nail it on your first attempt!
20. Sushi Rice
Sushi is hands down my favorite food in the world whether it is nigiri or maki. Soft and perfectly flavored sticky rice is at the core of every single roll.
Fortunately you will not have to be a sensei in Japanese cooking to nail this recipe.
