How to Cook Chicken in Rice Cooker – A Simple and Delicious Guide

Overview

Chicken is a versatile and nutritious protein that can be cooked in many ways. One of the easiest and most foolproof methods is to use a rice cooker. A rice cooker is not only for cooking rice, but also for steaming, stewing, and braising various foods, including chicken. By cooking chicken in rice cooker, you can save time, energy, and dishes. You can also achieve moist and tender chicken that is infused with flavor from the marinade or sauce. Whether you want to cook a whole chicken or chicken portions, you can find a suitable recipe for your rice cooker. In this article, we will show you how to cook chicken in rice cooker with simple steps and tips. We will also share two delicious recipes that you can try at home: one for a whole soy sauce chicken, and one for chicken strips with peppers and onions.

How to cook chicken in rice cooker

To cook chicken in rice cooker, you will need a few basic ingredients and tools. You will need a rice cooker that has a regular rice setting and a keep-warm setting. You will also need a resealable plastic bag or a bowl for marinating the chicken, and a measuring cup and spoon for measuring the water and seasonings. Here are the general steps for cooking chicken in rice cooker:

1. Choose your chicken. You can use a whole chicken or chicken portions, such as thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or wings. Make sure the chicken fits in your rice cooker pot. If the chicken is too large, you may have to cut it into smaller pieces.
2. Marinate your chicken. This step is optional, but highly recommended for enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. You can use any marinade of your choice, such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, lemon, herbs, spices, etc. Place the chicken and the marinade in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Place the chicken in the rice cooker. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the rice cooker pot. If you are using a whole chicken, you may want to stuff some aromatics, such as lemon wedges or garlic cloves, inside the cavity for extra flavor. If you are using chicken portions, you can arrange them in a single layer or slightly overlapping.
4. Add water and seasonings. Pour enough water into the rice cooker pot to barely cover the chicken. You can also use broth or stock for more flavor. Add some salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice, such as bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, etc. You can also add some cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken the sauce later.
5. Cook the chicken on the regular rice setting. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the regular rice setting. This setting usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. Depending on the size and type of your chicken, you may need to cook it for longer or shorter time. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not done yet, set the rice cooker for another 10 or 15 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
6. Let the chicken rest on the keep-warm setting. Once the chicken is cooked through, switch the rice cooker to the keep-warm setting and let it rest for about 20 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat and make it more moist and tender.
7. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes. You can serve the chicken whole or cut into pieces on a platter. You can also spoon some of the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side. Enjoy your delicious rice cooker chicken with some rice, noodles, bread, salad, vegetables, or any other side dishes of your choice.

FAQs

If you are looking for a convenient and succulent way to prepare chicken, you might want to try cooking it in a rice cooker. This versatile appliance can steam and stew chicken thighs, yielding tender and flavorful meat with minimal effort. You can also add spices, vegetables, and sauces to enhance the taste and create a balanced meal. Here are some frequently asked questions and a brief conclusion about how to cook chicken in a rice cooker.

1. How long does it take to cook chicken in a rice cooker?

The cooking time depends on the size and cut of the chicken, as well as the settings of your rice cooker. Generally, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for boneless chicken thighs or breasts, and about an hour for a whole chicken. You can check the doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F (74°C).

2. What kind of marinade or sauce can I use for chicken in a rice cooker?

You can use any kind of marinade or sauce that you like, such as soy sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, honey, etc. You can also add fresh or dried herbs, garlic, ginger, onion, and other seasonings to boost the flavor. Just make sure to mix some cornstarch and water in the marinade or sauce to help thicken it and prevent it from burning.

3. Can I cook rice and chicken together in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can cook rice and chicken together in a rice cooker, as long as you have enough space and liquid in the pot. You can either place the chicken on top of the rice or mix them together. You can also add some broth, water, or soup to make the rice more moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken in a rice cooker is a simple and effective method that saves time and energy. You can enjoy moist and delicious chicken with various ingredients and seasonings. You can also experiment with different recipes and combinations to suit your preferences. Cooking chicken in a rice cooker is a great way to make a satisfying and nutritious meal for yourself or your family.