Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked Japanese chicken rice, where tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice meld together in a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Tokyo. This effortless rice cooker recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines traditional Japanese cooking techniques with modern convenience, promising a restaurant-quality dish that can be prepared with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, shiitake mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the short-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, about 3-4 times. Drain well and transfer to the rice cooker inner pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil until well combined. Pour this liquid mixture over the rice in the rice cooker.
- Dice the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Prepare the mixed vegetables by chopping carrots into small cubes, slicing shiitake mushrooms, and ensuring peas are thawed if frozen.
- Sprinkle the diced chicken and mixed vegetables evenly over the rice and liquid mixture. Do not stir, as this can affect the rice's cooking texture.
- Close the rice cooker lid and select the "mixed" or "multi-cook" setting if available. If not, use the standard rice cooking setting.
- Allow the rice cooker to complete its cooking cycle, which typically takes 35-40 minutes. Do not open the lid during cooking.
- Once cooking is complete, let the rice rest in the cooker with the lid closed for an additional 10 minutes to allow steam to distribute evenly.
- Gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle or fork, mixing the chicken and vegetables throughout.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving hot.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Always use short-grain Japanese rice for the most authentic texture and flavor. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Maintain the precise liquid-to-rice ratio to ensure perfectly cooked rice that's neither too dry nor mushy.
- Don't Disturb While Cooking: Resist the temptation to open the rice cooker lid during cooking, as this can disrupt the steam and cooking process.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your vegetable mix, but cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Freshness Boost: Add a final garnish of green onions just before serving to introduce a fresh, crisp element to the dish.
- Let It Rest: The 10-minute resting period after cooking is crucial for allowing steam to distribute evenly and flavors to meld.
- Sesame Oil Tip: Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 225kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
