From rice bowls and casseroles to soups, stews and desserts, easy rice cooker recipes range from the bold and savory to the simple, sweet and comforting. An indispensable kitchen tool, the rice cooker is a gadget that does far more than its name might imply. Yes, it churns out pot after pot of impeccable, fluffy, tender rice. But did you know that it can also be called into action to make simple rice cooker recipes, like risotto, rice pudding, fried rice and other one-pot meals?

Efficient, convenient and mostly hands-off, the rice cooker is a true kitchen workhorse. Unlock its potential, with a little know-how, the right ingredients and the promise of easy rice cooker recipes that satisfy!

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Rice Cooker Meals

A go-to gadget for sides, it’s time to let the rice cooker shine! Easy rice cooker recipes do just that, combining the efficiency of this simple appliance with a world of bold flavors. Learn how to maximize your rice cooker with these tips and tricks.

  • A process that involves little more than measuring rice, water and pressing a button, making rice in a rice cooker is easy to master. Though rice cookers can cook any type of rice, jasmine and basmati work particularly well, thanks to their long grains and moderate starch content. Try RiceSelect® Premium Jasmine or Premium Basmati Rice for the best results.

  • Beyond choosing the right rice, a tempting rice cooker meal begins with delicious seasonings and add-ins. To flavor rice from the get-go, replace the water used to cook the rice with broth, add herbs and spices to the pot, or a little butter and salt. Many one-pot rice cooker meals call for aromatics, such as onion and garlic, sauces, vegetables or proteins. For desserts, you can add sugar, cream, fruit and warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, to the mix.

  • Despite their range, rice cookers aren’t great for cooking every type of protein and vegetable. You’ll want to opt for hardy ingredients, cut into bite-sized pieces, if large. To begin, try carrots, green beans, potatoes, chicken, ground meat and seafood. Legumes also work well.

One-Pot Rice Cooker Meals

Meals that save you from a pile of dishes, these one-pot rice cooker meals are perfect for your busiest nights.

Garlic and Ginger Rice Blend

A premium multi-grain mix—from RiceSelect® Royal Blend and Arborio—combines in this fragrant, nutty, aromatic dish. Flavored with garlic, ginger and bouillon, this meal is delicious as is but if you’re looking for added protein, layer cubed salmon or chicken over the rice before cooking.

Pico de Gallo Rice Bowl

Bold and unique RiceSelect® Texmati Rice forms the basis of these hands-off rice bowls. A great way to repurpose leftover chicken, fish or grilled vegetables, this easy rice cooker recipe is ready to serve in just 15 minutes.

Other Easy Rice Cooker Recipes

Expand your culinary repertoire with recipes that can easily be adapted to be made in a rice cooker. Though these aren’t all one-pot dishes, using your rice cooker will speed them along and save you some muscle power.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Put your rice cooker to good use, making this fluffy, nostalgic, comforting casserole. Combine the rice and broth in the rice cooker, then top with broccoli, onion and garlic, either sautéed or raw. Once cooked, cover with cheese and set to warm until melted.

Mushroom Risotto

Once you’ve had rice cooker risotto you might never go back to the classic! Hands-off and brimming with earthy mushroom flavor, this one-pot wonder can make any weeknight feel special.

Spring Greens Risotto

A bounty of spring greens—from asparagus to watercress and peas—make this lush risotto a seasonal must-have. While the risotto cooks in your rice cooker, make the dandelion pesto on the side.

Harissa-Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas with Brown Rice

This vegetarian weeknight feast requires a little tossing, a little roasting and a little bit of downtime! Blast a colorful mix of seasoned vegetables in a hot oven while your rice cooker takes care of the RiceSelect® Texmati Brown rice. Before you know it, dinner will be served.

Mexican Shakshouka with Rice

Chorizo, fire-roasted tomatoes and a flurry of seasonings give this zesty shakshouka a Southern soul. Either cook the eggs atop the rice in the rice cooker or fry them in a separate pan to serve on top.

Jasmati® Rice Bowl with Flavored Hoisin Sauce

Aromatic RiceSelect® Jasmati Rice is the tender, Thai-inspired core of these fresh and fragrant rice bowls. Follow the recipe as is or replace the suggested chicken and veggies with your favorites.


Panang Chicken Curry

Cooked in a rice cooker, seasoned chicken becomes silky, tender and irresistible. Paired with curry-scented coconut rice, it’s a complete meal that will have everyone at the table clamoring for seconds.

Lemon and Rhubarb Rice Pudding

Sweet, sticky RiceSelect® Sushi Rice transforms into a refined springtime dessert in this super-simple recipe. Try apricot, blueberry or cherry preserves for something new.

Forget what you think you know about cooking in a rice cooker. Easy rice cooker recipes go well beyond simple sides to include complete meals—all made in one pot! Flavorful and straightforward, they make the most of premium RiceSelect® products, getting dinner on the table in record time.