Rice Cooker Chicken Rice with Scallion Oil (Easy One-Pot Recipe)
This rice cooker chicken rice is one of those meals that feels almost too easy for how good it turns out.
Everything cooks in one pot in the rice cooker. The rice soaks up all the flavor from the chicken, and the scallion oil ties everything together with that fresh, savory finish!
If you’re looking for a low effort, high reward kind of meal where you just toss all your ingredients into your rice cooker, this is exactly that!
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What Is Rice Cooker Chicken Rice?
Rice cooker chicken rice is a simple cheat code for that one pot meal where raw chicken and uncooked rice are cooked together in a rice cooker.
As everything cooks, the chicken releases juices into the rice, creating a really flavorful base without needing much extra work. This version is finished with scallion oil, which adds a fresh, slightly aromatic flavor that balances out the richness of the chicken.
Rice cooker: Simple Cheat Code for Easy Dinners
If you’re not already using your rice cooker for more than just plain rice, you’re missing out!
It’s basically a hands-off way to cook an entire meal with almost no effort. You just add everything in, press a button, and let it do its thing.
For recipes like this, it’s even better because the chicken cooks right on top of the rice, and all those juices soak in as it cooks. You end up with something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. It is my favorite cheat code to an easy yet complete meal on days I am too tired to cook up something more elaborate.
This is the rice cooker I have now and I am truly amazed by its capabilities to make delicious meals easily!
Tips for the Best Rice Cooker Chicken Rice
Use chicken thighs
- They stay juicy and add more flavor to the rice. You could dice the chicken thighs into bite-size or leave it intact and slice them after cooking.
Do not skip rinsing the rice
- This helps the texture come out clean and not overly sticky. As always, you should be washing your rice to get rid of any dust or tiny rocks in your bag of rice.
Let the rice rest after cooking
- Give it a few minutes before opening the lid so everything settles.
Use hot oil for the scallion oil
- This is what brings out the aroma from the green onions and ginger. Make sure you heat up your oil in a pan until it smokes and pour into your aromatics to bloom them.
What Is Scallion Oil and Why Does it Work So Well?
Scallion oil is a simple but really flavorful sauce made by pouring hot oil over chopped green onions and ginger. You will commonly find chicken dishes like Hainanese chicken served with this.
The heat brings out all the aroma, turning a few basic ingredients into something super fragrant and savory.
It might seem like a small step, but it adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that balances out richer dishes like this chicken rice. Once you get the hang of it, you can start pairing your favorite chicken rice dishes with this addicting sauce.
More Easy Rice Cooker Recipes to Try
Once you start using your rice cooker for cooking things beside just rice, it’s hard to go back. It’s one of the easiest ways to make quick, low-effort dishes without sacrificing flavor.
Here are a few ideas to try next:
- Rice cooker chicken and mushroom rice
- Cantonese Black Sticky Rice Dessert
- Easy Rice Cooker Congee
They all follow the same idea. Minimal prep, one pot, and really solid results every time!
More Quick Dinner Recipes:
How to Store and Reheat
How To Store:
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you can, keep the scallion oil separate so it stays fresh and vibrant when you’re ready to eat again.
How to reheat
- Reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water. This helps bring the rice back to life and keeps it from drying out.
- If you stored the scallion oil separately, add it after reheating for the best flavor.
Meal Prep Tips for Rice Cooker Chicken Rice
This rice cooker chicken rice works really well for meal prep because everything is already cooked together and holds up nicely in the fridge.
Once the rice is done, divide it into individual portions while it’s still warm. This makes it easier to grab and go during the week. For the best flavor, keep the scallion oil in a separate container. Add it fresh after reheating so it stays fragrant and doesn’t lose its brightness.
Stored properly in the fridge, this will last up to 3 days and still taste great. If you are prepping for more than 3 days, freeze the rest.
Variations and Substitutions
Garlic scallion oil
Add minced garlic for extra depth.
Spicy version
Add chili oil or chili flakes to the scallion oil.
Chicken breast option
You can use chicken breast, but it will be slightly less juicy.
Add vegetables
Mushrooms or carrots can be added into the rice cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook raw chicken in a rice cooker with rice?
Yes. As long as the rice cooker completes its full cycle, the chicken will be fully cooked and safe to eat.
What is the best cut of chicken for chicken rice?
Chicken thighs are best because they stay juicy and add more flavor to the rice.
How do you make scallion oil?
Finely chop green onions and ginger, then pour hot oil over them and season with salt and sugar.
Can I make this without scallion oil?
Yes, but the scallion oil adds a lot of flavor and is highly recommended.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly.
Ingredients
Chicken Rice
- 2 cups White rice
- 2 cups Water
- 4 boneless Chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Cooking wine
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Corn starch
Scallion Oil
- 2 stalks Green onions (scallion)
- 10 slices Ginger
- 1/3 cup Vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
Instructions for Chicken Rice with Scallion Oil
1. Marinate the chicken
Cut boneless chicken thighs into cubes and season with soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the rice.
2. Prepare the rice
Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then add it to your rice cooker. Fill the water line to the corresponding amount of cups of rice you have added. There is no need to reduce or use additional water than you normally do.
3. Add the chicken
Place the marinated chicken directly on top of the rice. Spread chicken pieces out and mix any sauces into the rice water. Close the lid and cook using the standard rice setting.
4. Make the scallion oil
While the rice is cooking, prepare the scallion oil.
Finely chop or blend green onions and ginger, then place them in a heatproof bowl. Heat oil until hot, then carefully pour it over the mixture.
Season with salt and sugar, then mix well.
5. Add scallion oil and mix well
Once the rice is done, add scallion oil into the rice cooker pot and mix well. All the rice and chicken should be coated by the sauce. Enjoy!
Rice Cooker Chicken Rice with Scallion Oil (Easy One-Pot Recipe)
Ingredients
Chicken Rice
- 2 cups White rice
- 2 cups Water
- 4 boneless Chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Cooking wine
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Corn starch
Scallion Oil
- 2 stalks Green onions (scallion)
- 10 slices Ginger
- 1/3 cup Vegetable oil, heated until smoking
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:Cut boneless chicken thighs into cubes and season with soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the rice.
- Prepare the rice:Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then add it to your rice cooker. Fill the water line to the corresponding amount of cups of rice you have added. There is no need to reduce or use additional water than you normally do.
- Add the chicken:Place the marinated chicken directly on top of the rice. Spread chicken pieces out and mix any sauces into the rice water. Close the lid and cook using the standard rice setting.
- Make the scallion oil:While the rice is cooking, prepare the scallion oil. Finely chop or blend green onions and ginger, then place them in a heatproof bowl. Heat oil until hot, then carefully pour it over the mixture. Season with salt and sugar, then mix well.
- Add scallion oil and mix well:Once the rice is done, add scallion oil into the rice cooker pot and mix well. All the rice and chicken should be coated by the sauce. Enjoy!
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