No Time To Cook? This Rice Cooker Chicken Hack Saves Dinner

If you’re like me—always on the go but still craving a home-cooked meal—your rice cooker might just be your new best friend. It’s not just for rice anymore! I’ve been experimenting with simple, no-fuss recipes, and this chicken and veggie rice cooker meal has become one of my go-to dishes. It’s hearty, healthy, budget-friendly, and perfect for students, work-from-home warriors, or anyone who loves a good one-pot wonder.

Rice Cooker Chicken & Veggie Rice

Servings: 2-3
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40–50 mins (depends on your rice cooker)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (jasmine or long grain works best)

• 1 ¼ cups water or chicken broth

• 1 piece chicken thigh or breast, cut into cubes

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)

• ½ small onion, diced

• ½ cup carrots, diced

• ½ cup green beans or frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil or butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: egg, green onions, sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and add it to your rice cooker pot with 1 ¼ cups of water or broth.

2. In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and a bit of pepper. Let it sit while you prep your veggies.

3. Add the marinated chicken on top of the rice (no need to mix yet).

4. Layer the veggies on top of the chicken. Sprinkle in your diced onions and a small pinch of salt.

5. Drizzle oil or place a small slice of butter on top for added richness.

6. Press ‘Cook’ and let your rice cooker work its magic! Depending on the model, this can take 40–50 minutes.

7. Once it clicks to “Keep Warm”, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid.

8. Fluff and mix everything gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Optional but tasty: Top with a fried egg, chopped spring onions, or sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• No chicken? Try canned tuna, chopped hotdogs, or leftover adobo!

• Add a kick with a bit of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.

• For vegetarians, skip the meat and add tofu or chickpeas instead.

This meal never fails to impress for something so simple. It’s also very forgiving—you can throw in whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand. The best part? Fewer dishes and no stove needed. Let your rice cooker do the work while you do literally anything else.

Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear your own twists and versions. ❤️