Rice cookers are no longer just for plain white rice. With a little creativity, this humble kitchen appliance can become your go-to tool for making full meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who loves simple home cooking, these 17 rice cooker recipes will save time without sacrificing taste.

Why Rice Cooker Recipes Are a Game Changer
Rice cooker cooking is popular because it’s:
- Time-saving – set it and forget it
- Beginner-friendly – no cooking skills required
- Budget-friendly – uses simple ingredients
- One-pot cooking – less cleanup
If you’ve only used your rice cooker for rice, you’re missing out. Let’s dive into these 17 rice cooker recipes that prove how versatile this appliance really is.
1. Classic Vegetable Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, corn)
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse rice and add it to the rice cooker.
- Add water, vegetables, oil, and salt.
- Close the lid and press “Cook.”
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
2. Rice Cooker Chicken Biryani

Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 200 g chicken (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp biryani masala
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices.
- Add everything to the rice cooker.
- Stir once and start cooking.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the rice cooker.
- Stir gently and cook.
- Once done, fluff and enjoy.
4. Rice Cooker Fried Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 egg
- ½ cup mixed vegetables
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oil
Instructions
- Add oil and vegetables, cook for 5 minutes.
- Crack in the egg and stir.
- Add rice and soy sauce, mix well.
- Cook until heated through.
5. Rice Cooker Lentil Khichdi

Ingredients
- ½ cup rice
- ½ cup yellow lentils
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash rice and lentils.
- Add all ingredients to the cooker.
- Cook until soft and creamy.
6. Rice Cooker Tomato Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- Salt
Instructions
- Add oil and cumin, let it heat.
- Add tomatoes and rice.
- Add water and cook normally.
7. Rice Cooker Beef Pulao

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 250 g beef cubes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2½ cups water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the rice cooker.
- Mix gently and cook until rice is done.
8. Rice Cooker Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 tbsp oil
- Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves)
Instructions
- Add everything to the cooker.
- Cook until fragrant and fluffy.
9. Rice Cooker Oatmeal

Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk or water
- Honey or sugar
Instructions
- Add oats and liquid.
- Cook and stir once.
- Sweeten before serving.
10. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup grated cheese
- Salt
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in water.
- Drain excess water if needed.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
11. Rice Cooker Spanish Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1½ cups water
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients.
- Cook until rice absorbs liquid.
12. Rice Cooker Chicken Curry

Ingredients
- 200 g chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add everything to the cooker.
- Stir and cook until the chicken is tender.
13. Rice Cooker Lemon Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in cooker.
- Add rice and lemon juice.
- Mix and heat gently.
14. Rice Cooker Egg Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups water
- Salt
Instructions
- Add rice and water, start cooking.
- Crack eggs halfway through.
- Stir gently and finish cooking.
15. Rice Cooker Coconut Rice

Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- Salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients.
- Cook until creamy and aromatic.
16. Rice Cooker Rice Pudding

Ingredients
- ½ cup rice
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- Cardamom
Instructions
- Add everything to cooker.
- Cook and stir occasionally until thick.
17. Rice Cooker Chocolate Cake

Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients into a batter.
- Pour into greased rice cooker pot.
- Cook until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts on 17 Rice Cooker Recipes
These 17 rice cooker recipes prove that you don’t need a full kitchen to make delicious, satisfying meals. From savory biryani to sweet chocolate cake, your rice cooker can handle it all. The best part? Minimal effort, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor.
