Rice in the slow cooker is the meal prep game-changer you didn’t know you needed! If you’ve ever ruined a pot making rice on the stovetop or been tempted to buy yet another appliance, try this simple method. Perfectly cooked, fluffy rice is easy to make with this hands-off recipe!

black bowl of cooked rice with cilantro, surrounded by crockpot, salt and pepper containers with spoons, chopsticks, sprig of cilantro and black and white dish towel

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

You don’t need multiple appliances in your kitchen to simplify meal prep. Your slow cooker can also double as a rice cooker with this foolproof method!
Adding rice to the slow cooker a couple of hours before dinner can make such a difference when it comes to mealtime. Get perfectly fluffy rice without constantly watching a pot on the stove for over-boiling or burning. This is a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights!
Long-grain rice is a versatile base for countless dishes and cuisines. Whether you need something to help stretch leftovers or a side to complete a main dish, this will do the job!
With this simple base recipe, you can easily adjust the flavor by adding broth, seasonings, or other ingredients before serving.
Rice is a budget-friendly side, and it stays shelf-stable. Factor this effortless addition into your weekly meal prep!

Ingredients Needed

Long-grain white rice – Use long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati for best results in the slow cooker. This method cooks the rice perfectly, and you can fluff it with a fork at the end.
Water or broth – For long-grain white rice, use a 2:1 ratio of rice to liquid. Add water or use broth for added flavor.
Butter or oil – Depending on your slow cooker insert, this step may be optional. Use butter or your preferred oil to grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker, preventing the rice from sticking as it cooks.
Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and keeps it neutral for serving however you like!

slow cooker rice ingredients to include glass measuring cup of broth, salt shaker, measuring cup of rice, and small bowl of butter

How To Make Slow Cooker Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.

rice filled strainer over a white bowl of water

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Add the rinsed rice, water or broth, and a pinch of salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on high for 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model.
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

black slow cooker with cooked white rice with cilantro, surrounded by cilantro, black and white striped dish towel, bowl of cilantro, black serving bowl with chopsticks

Pro Tips

Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, which removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
For the most fluffy results, stick to a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio.
Greasing the sides and bottom of the slow cooker is optional but it can help avoid sticking.
If the rice is mushy, reduce the cooking time or the amount of liquid slightly.
If rice is undercooked and still firm, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and continue cooking.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Note: This method works best with long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati rice.
Using broth instead of water adds more flavor to the rice. Use chicken broth, chicken stock, or vegetable broth depending on how you want to serve the rice.
Try these add-ins to customize the rice for different meal ideas:
- After cooking, lightly stir in fresh-chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to season.
- Add shredded cheddar after cooking to create a cheesy rice side dish.
- Top off the rice with garlic butter or a splash of soy sauce.
- Make a Spanish-style side by adding crushed tomatoes and spices to the slow cooker at the beginning of cooking.

closeup view of cooked white rice with cilantro, wooden spoon in black slow cooker

Best Ways To Use Slow Cooker Rice

Slow cooker rice is a simple side dish that frees up your hands for the main course. Serve white rice with leftovers or make it a few hours in advance to complement these tasty entrées:

black bowl of cooked rice with cilantro, 2 chopsticks, surrounded by a bowl of chopped cilantro, sprigs of cilantro and black and white striped towel

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat by adding a splash of water to the rice to rehydrate, then microwave, covered, to maintain moisture.