Skip the stovetop and simplify dinner with cooking rice in the crockpot, a hands-off method that produces tender, fluffy rice with very little effort. It's a convenient option when you need a reliable side dish without watching a pot.
Whether you use water or broth, cooking rice in the crockpot makes it easy to prepare rice while focusing on the rest of your meal. This small-batch recipe is perfect for serving one or two people.
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I started making rice in the slow cooker when I needed my stovetop free for other dishes and didn't want to keep checking on a pot of rice. It works especially well for small batches when cooking for one or two people. It's a simple, hands-off option that lets me focus on the rest of the meal while the rice cooks on its own.
This method has become one of my favorite ways to prepare a side dish for recipes like crockpot pepper steak or ground pork stir-fry. I like to check the rice toward the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft, since slow cookers can vary quite a bit. When it turns out light and fluffy, it's an easy addition to weeknight dinners without needing another appliance or extra attention.
Ingredients
To make rice in the slow cooker, you'll need the most basic ingredients: rice, water, and salt. The type of rice you choose is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Long grain white rice is a popular choice for slow cookers because it cooks evenly and doesn't become mushy.
Here's what you'll need to make this rice recipe:
- long-grain white rice
- hot water (vegetable or chicken broth can be used instead)
- salt
- onion powder (optional)
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Rinse the cup of rice in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed rice and water or broth. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and onion powder if desired.
After 1 hour, check the rice for doneness. It should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is not done yet, continue cooking, checking every 15 to 30 minutes. When done, fluff it with a fork and serve.
Hint: Once you've set the slow cooker, let it do its thing undisturbed. Opening the lid releases steam and interrupts the cooking cycle, potentially leading to unevenly cooked rice. Trust the slow cooker to create perfectly tender rice, and only check on it once the recommended cooking time has passed.
Tips
Top tip: Grease the crock pot with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This simple step prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom, ensuring easy cleanup and perfectly cooked grains.
- Place a clean kitchen towel under the slow cooker lid before covering it. The towel will absorb excess moisture, preventing it from dripping back onto the rice.
- Check the rice around the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking and maintain a desirable texture.
- Let the rice sit with the lid on for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and ensures a consistent texture.
- Each slow cooker can vary. Finding the perfect settings and timing for your specific appliance might take a couple of tries.
Variations
You can easily change up this basic recipe with various add-ins. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Herbs and spices - add garlic, thyme, or even a sprinkle of curry powder to up the flavor.
- Vegetables - mix in some cooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers halfway through the cooking process.
- Tropical - substitute half of the water with coconut milk and toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist on this classic side dish.
You can even make Mexican rice by adding canned diced tomatoes, red chili, onions, and garlic.
Storage
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 6 days. It's important to let the rice cool down to room temperature before storing it, as hot rice can create condensation inside the container.
Another option is to freeze leftover rice for longer storage. Frozen rice can be stored for up to 6 months and reheated by microwaving or steaming when needed. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Yes, you can use different types of rice such as brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or wild rice in a slow cooker. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the specific rice type used for best results.
Absolutely! You can add vegetables, herbs, spices, or even proteins like chicken or tofu when cooking rice in a crock pot. Just ensure that there's enough liquid and consider the additional cooking time required for these extra ingredients.
To prevent mushy slow-cooked rice, avoid lifting the lid during cooking (to retain steam), measure water accurately according to the specific kind of rice used, and follow recommended cooking times closely. Using less water than usual can help achieve firmer textured cooked grains.
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Recipe
Slow Cooker Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups hot water or broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed rice and water or broth.
- Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and onion powder if desired.
- Give a stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Cook on Low setting for 1-2 hours, covered.
- After 1 hour, check the rice for doneness. It should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is not done yet, continue cooking, checking every 15-30 minutes.
- When done, fluff it with a fork and serve.
Ysabel says
I cooked my rice using a slow cooker, and I can say that it's better than my normal way of cooking rice. The rice is perfect—not too mushy and not undercooked. My favorite chicken curry is the perfect complement to my rice!
Jake B says
Just bought our slow cooker and this was the first time we tried making rice in it. It came out perfect and tender just like you said! Thanks for all these tips. Looking forward to reading more of your recipes (-:
Joan says
Didn't know you can make rice in a slow cooker and I can't believe I'm missing out on how convenient this was! Love that it's hassle-free and the rice came out perfectly fluffy. Love it!
Jessica says
I don't know what I did wrong. I followed the directions to the tee. The rice came out so mushy, but parts of the rice were still undercooked. Winded up going straight into the garbage, waste of a cup of rice and 2 cups of broth. I would not attempt to make this ever again.
Lisa MarcAurele says
Your slow cooker may not have an even distribution of heat. I find this recipe works best in a round versus oblong slow cooker.
Sonia says
Such an amazing recipe! So easy and so good!
Arlene says
5 stars for the concept. 3 stars for the results.
I was delighted to find a recipe for slow cooker rice. After years of making perfect rice, lately I have been struggling with rice on the stove top.
This recipe would probably work if I had a smaller, round cooker. I doubled the recipe for my large, oval cooker. It took hours for the liquid to be absorbed. Turned out mushy. Tasted OK, so I'll use it. Four cups of cooked rice is a lot!
Lisa says
if you use broth does it have to be hot broth?
Lisa MarcAurele says
Room temperature broth is fine to use.