Ginger Chicken and Corn Rice in a Rice Cooker

Rice cooker meals are great for anyone because they offer convenience, simplicity, and versatility. A rice cooker allows you to prepare a complete meal with minimal effort and clean-up, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or those who may not have much experience in the kitchen. The process is straightforward: you simply add your ingredients, set the cooker, and let it handle the cooking, freeing you up to do other things.

Rice cookers are versatile, capable of preparing not just rice, but also a variety of grains, proteins, and vegetables, all in one pot. This makes them a great tool for creating balanced, nutritious meals without the need for multiple pots and pans. Additionally, because rice cookers are designed to cook evenly and prevent burning, they offer a level of reliability that can take the stress out of meal preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or an easy way to experiment with new recipes, rice cooker meals are an accessible and efficient choice for anyone.

This Ginger Chicken with Corn and Rice is a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared entirely in a rice cooker. To make this dish, you’ll combine boneless, skinless chicken pieces with rice, fresh or frozen corn, and a generous amount of minced or thinly sliced ginger.

The rice cooker does all the work, cooking the rice to fluffy perfection while simultaneously steaming the chicken and corn, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. As the dish cooks, the ginger infuses the chicken and rice with a warm, aromatic flavor, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. The result is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Recommended Rice Cookers

There’s many types of rice out there, and it can be intimidating to know which kind to use for which dish. In Japanese cuisine, the most commonly used rice is short-grain white rice, often referred to as sushi rice. This type of rice is characterized by its plump, sticky grains that clump together when cooked, making it easy to pick up with chopsticks. Medium grain rice also works great, which is what I usually use. See my recs HERE.

While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice:

Brown Rice: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, brown rice can be a nutritious alternative. It has a chewier texture but pairs well with the robust flavors of the curry.
Mixed Grains: Some people enjoy a mix of white rice and grains like barley or millet for added texture and nutritional benefits.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can be used. It won’t have the same sticky texture but can absorb the curry flavors well.

Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:

Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.

I grew up using rice cookers from the brands Tiger and Zojirushi. Here are a few from them that I would recommend. I’ve linked a few options depending on how large of a rice cooker you need. On that note… let’s get cooking!

Ginger Chicken and Corn with Rice in a Rice Cooker

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Author: kyriethefoodie
Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

Ginger chicken with corn and rice, made entirely in a rice cooker, is an effortless one-pot meal where tender chicken, sweet corn, and fragrant ginger-infused rice cook together for a flavorful, comforting dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
Water
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, uncooked
1 cup corn (frozen, fresh, or canned both work great)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
Sliced green onions for garnishing, optional

Sauce for Topping (simply combine and mix the 3 ingredients):

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (add more or less depending on your spice preference)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

Begin by giving your rice a good rinse to clean it. Then pour it into the rice cooker, along with the appropriate amount of water. Be sure to follow the instructions for the correct water amount depending on the type of rice you are using. I used medium-grain rice, which requires 2 cups of water for every 1.5 cups of rice.
To the rice cooker, add your corn.
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. To a medium-sized bowl, add the chicken, along with the soy sauce and ginger. Using a spoon, ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the soy sauce.
Place the chicken on top of the rice and corn in the rice cooker, pouring any remaining soy sauce and ginger on top of the chicken.
Start the rice cooker and cook for the same amount of time you would typically cook rice by itself.
Serve, and top each serving with the sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2