10+ Rice Cooker Recipes Easy for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Rice cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you create a variety of simple and delicious meals. Easy rice cooker recipes allow you to prepare tasty dishes with minimal effort, making dinner time a breeze. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who enjoys cooking, using a rice cooker can save you time while still providing satisfying meals.

With a little creativity, you can whip up everything from fluffy rice to flavorful stews and even desserts. You will discover that rice cookers are not just for cooking rice; they can be your secret weapon for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice is a tasty and simple dish that you can easily make in your rice cooker. It pairs well with many meals and adds a savory flavor.

To get started, gather your ingredients. You’ll need Jasmine rice, minced garlic, butter, chicken broth, and salt. This dish uses just a few ingredients, making it quick to prepare.

First, rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice to the rice cooker. Next, mix in the minced garlic, butter, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt.

Set your rice cooker to the regular rice setting. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the rice gently before serving to mix in the garlic and butter.

This dish brings comforting flavors to your table and is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Jasmine rice
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse Jasmine rice until clear.
2. Place rice in the rice cooker.
3. Add minced garlic, butter, chicken broth, and salt.
4. Set the rice cooker to the regular setting.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes.
6. Stir gently before serving.

2) Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a simple and flavorful dish you can make in your rice cooker. This recipe combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs all in one pot. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. This meal comes together with very little prep time, making it ideal for busy schedules.

The rice cooker does all the work. You will end up with fluffy rice coated in lemon and herb flavor, along with juicy chicken. It’s a complete meal that is satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top.
4. Sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the lid and cook until the rice cooker switches to warm (about 20-30 minutes).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Cheesy broccoli rice is a simple and tasty side dish. You can make it in your rice cooker for an easy meal prep.

Start with 1 cup of uncooked rice. Add 2 cups of water or chicken broth for extra flavor. You can use a mix of white or brown rice based on your preference.

Next, add 2 cups of frozen broccoli to the rice. This makes it quick and easy since you don’t need to thaw the broccoli beforehand.

To enhance the flavor, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese before the rice is done cooking. You can use cheddar or your favorite cheese.

Cook the mixture in the rice cooker until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes on the white rice setting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 cups frozen broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Add rice and liquid to the rice cooker.
2. Stir in the frozen broccoli.
3. Close the lid and start cooking on the white rice setting.
4. After 12-15 minutes, check for doneness.
5. Stir in the cheese and serve warm.

4) Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice

Coconut cilantro lime rice is a tasty side dish that’s easy to make in your rice cooker. The creamy coconut milk pairs perfectly with the freshness of lime and cilantro. This dish can elevate any meal.

To start, rinse your rice until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch for fluffier rice. Next, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt to your rice cooker.

Set your rice cooker to the white rice setting and let it do the work. Once it finishes, let the rice sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time lets the steam escape and makes the rice even better.

Finally, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving. It’s a delightful addition to any Asian-style meal or just as a tasty side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water is clear.
2. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in the rice cooker.
3. Cook using the white rice setting.
4. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
5. Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.

5) Mushroom Risotto

Making mushroom risotto in your rice cooker is simple and rewarding. This creamy dish is perfect for dinner or as a side. You can have a rich and flavorful meal without much hassle.

Start with some arborio rice and get ready for flavor. Add your favorite mushrooms for a tasty twist. The rice cooker will do most of the work for you.

In about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish. This recipe can be customized based on your taste preferences. You can make it vegetarian or add some chicken for extra protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the arborio rice under cold water.
2. Combine rice, stock, garlic, onion, and mushrooms in the rice cooker.
3. Cook on the regular setting for about 25 minutes.
4. Stir well and season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Sweet Rice Pudding

Sweet rice pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that you can easily make in your rice cooker. It’s creamy and delicious, perfect for any time of the day.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You can also add optional flavors like vanilla or cinnamon for an extra touch.

In your rice cooker, mix together 1 cup of rice, 5 cups of milk, ½ cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. For added flavor, you can stir in a teaspoon of vanilla or a stick of cinnamon.

Set your rice cooker to the regular cooking cycle. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Once it’s done, give it a good stir and enjoy your warm sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 5 cups of milk
• ½ cup of sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 cinnamon stick

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt in the rice cooker.
2. Add vanilla or cinnamon if desired.
3. Cook on the regular cycle for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Stir and serve warm.

7) Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in your rice cooker. It’s great for using leftover rice and fresh veggies. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Start by adding 2 cups of uncooked white rice and 3 cups of mixed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. You can double the ingredients if you’re using a larger cooker.

To cook, follow the instructions for your rice cooker. It usually takes about 20 minutes. Once done, you can stir in some soy sauce for flavor.

For a little extra protein, you can add scrambled eggs or tofu. Just mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Optional: eggs or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. Add rice and mixed vegetables to the rice cooker.
3. Pour in the recommended water amount.
4. Select the cook setting and start.
5. After cooking, stir in soy sauce and mix gently.
6. If using, add scrambled eggs or tofu and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

8) Japanese Sushi Rice

Making sushi rice in a rice cooker is simple and rewarding. The right rice is key. Look for medium-grain rice like Nishiki or Calrose for the best results.

Start by rinsing 3 cups of rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch, making your rice fluffy.

Next, add the rinsed rice to your rice cooker with 3 ¼ cups of water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Once ready, cook your rice until it’s soft and stick. After it’s done, mix in ⅓ cup of seasoned rice vinegar for flavor.

Let the rice cool to room temperature, and it’s ready for rolling into sushi.

Ingredients

• 3 cups medium-grain rice (Nishiki or Calrose)
• 3 ¼ cups water
• ⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rice in the rice cooker with water.
3. Soak for 30 minutes.
4. Start the cooker and let it finish.
5. Mix in seasoned rice vinegar once done.
6. Let it cool before using.

9) Spanish Rice with Chorizo

This Spanish Rice with Chorizo is a flavorful and easy dish to make in your rice cooker. It combines spicy chorizo and fragrant rice for a meal that’s sure to please.

Start by adding some olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic to your rice cooker. Sauté for a few minutes until soft. Then, add sliced chorizo and let it cook until browned.

Next, add bell peppers, peas, corn, rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, then close the lid. Set your rice cooker to the white rice setting. Once it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

This dish can be a complete meal and is great for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1-2 chorizo sausages
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In the rice cooker, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Stir in the sliced chorizo until browned.
3. Add the bell pepper, peas, corn, rice, and broth. Stir well and close the lid.
4. Cook on the white rice setting.
5. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

10) Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Teriyaki chicken and rice is a simple and delicious meal you can make in your rice cooker. The flavors blend perfectly, making every bite tasty. It’s an ideal choice for busy days when you want something quick and satisfying.

To start, marinate the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let it soak for about 15 minutes for maximum flavor. Then, rinse your rice with cold water to remove extra starch.

Next, place the marinated chicken on top of the rice in your rice cooker. Add water according to your rice’s cooking instructions—usually about 1 and 1/4 cups for every cup of rice.

Cook on the regular rice setting and let your cooker do the work. When it’s done, fluff the rice and serve. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 and 1/4 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for 15 minutes.
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly with cold water.
3. Place chicken on top of the rice in the rice cooker.
4. Add 1 and 1/4 cups water.
5. Cook on the regular rice setting.
6. Fluff the rice and serve.