Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms

This Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms is a one-pot wonder. With minimal dishes to wash, this is one of my go to recipes on a busy weekday. With a harmonious blend of tender chicken, Chinese sausage, earthy shiitake mushrooms and fragrant rice, this dish is a true delight for the senses. The garlic, ginger, soy sauce, five spice and oyster sauce bring out the authentic Chinese flavours.

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and diverse cooking techniques. One dish that exemplifies this culinary mastery is Chinese rice cooker chicken and mushroom rice.

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What is Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms?

One of the main reasons why Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms is beloved by many is its convenience. The use of a rice cooker simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible to novice home cooks. Simply gather the ingredients, combine them in the rice cooker, press a button and let the appliance work its magic. The result? A flavourful and wholesome meal with minimal effort. The moist and aromatic chicken, combined with the savoury Chinese sausage, fragrant rice and umami rich shiitake mushrooms, will leave you craving for more.

Here’s Why You Will Love Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms

• Simple: You can make this recipe regardless of your cooking skill level. It’s very easy to make.
• Minimal cleanup: This Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken Mushroom Rice is made in the rice cooker so there are less dishes to clean! Sit back, press a button and enjoy your meal.
• Always in stock: Because the shiitake mushrooms are commonly sold as dehydrated, you can make this dish anytime you want. Just soak for 15 minutes or overnight and you are ready to go!
• Great weeknight dinner: This quick and easy recipe is great for the busy weeknights. I know I am always looking to cook up something quick and easy.

Equipment and Tools to Make Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms

Rice Cooker: Just press the button and let the machine do all the cooking.

Cutting board and knife

Measuring spoons and cups: To measure seasonings and other ingredients

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Chicken thighs provide a juicy texture. Boneless and skinless works best for this recipe.

Dried shiitake mushrooms pack an intense flavour to this dish! I rehydrate these mushrooms by submerging it under water and soaking them overnight. Then, squeeze the excess water out of the mushrooms, cut the stem off and it is ready to go! These are great for making soup, stock and for braising.

Chinese sausages are thin, red and dry-looking with a salami resemblance. I buy mine vacuum packed at my local grocery store. I use it in sticky rice and even sausage buns!

Water is needed to hydrate the mushrooms.

Jasmine rice or any long-grain rice will work for this recipe.

Chicken broth gives additional flavour to the dish.

Ginger and garlic are the classic Chinese aromatics.

LIght soy sauce, oyster sauce, shaoxing wine, five spice, sugar and pepper are the seasonings required for this dish.

Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Make is gluten free by using gluten free soy sauces.
• Squeeze some sriracha to make it spicy or sprinkle a dash of chili flakes.
• Add some fresh cilantro or green onions to brighten the dish and provide a pop of freshness.
• Use water and chicken bouillon in lieu of chicken stock to cook the dish.
• If you aren’t a fan of Chinese sausage, you can use other types of protein such as dried scallop (乾瑤柱) or other Chinese sausages and cured meat (膶腸，臘肉).
• Add a touch of vibrant colour with sliced carrots or peas.

How to Make Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms

Let’s make this dish!

Prepare the ingredients. Soak shiitake mushrooms overnight (or at least 20 minutes in hot water). Remove the stem of the mushrooms and cut the mushroom caps into quarters. Marinate mushrooms with soy sauce and sugar for 20 minutes. Slice Chinese sausages on the diagonal. Marinate the chicken with oyster sauce, shaoxing wine and five spice for 20 minutes. Wash jasmine rice.

Cook the rice. Once the mushrooms and chicken are marinated, place rice in rice cooker. Mix in garlic and add two slices of ginger. Arrange chicken on the perimeter and Chinese sausage in the center. Top with shiitake mushrooms. Add in broth. Set rice cooker to appropriate setting and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Assemble the dish. Once the rice cooker has completed its cooking cycle, fluff the rice gently to mix the ingredients. Serve in a bowl. Sprinkle with fried shallots (optional).

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: If you have any leftover rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your sauce, you can freeze it. Place the cooled rice into a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Remove any excess air and seal tightly. Frozen rice can keep for 1 month. Thaw the frozen rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating in a rice cooker: To reheat the rice, add a small amount of water or broth to the rice cooker and mix with rice. Close the lid and use regular rice cooking function to heat the rice until hot.

Reheating in the microwave: Reheat desired amount of rice in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape, until it reaches desired temperature.

Make Ahead Options

You can marinate the chicken and mushrooms overnight and cook the following day. This will give it a boost of extra flavour. You can also brown these two ingredients in a pan until they become golden brown. This adds a depth of flavour.

Recipe Tips

Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs are they provide a succulent and juicy texture.

Marinate chicken and mushrooms overnight for optimal flavour.

Enhance aromatics by sauteing the garlic and ginger along with chicken and mushrooms before adding them to the rice cooker.

Experiment with other mushroom varieties to add depth to the dish such as oyster or enoki mushrooms.

Add some mushroom water along with the chicken broth for a deeper mushroom flavour.

Reduce saturated fat content by substituting with chicken breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms taste like? The moist and aromatic chicken, combined with the savoury Chinese sausage, fragrant rice and umami rich shiitake mushrooms, will leave you craving for more. Shiitake mushrooms offer a distinctive aroma and meaty flavour. Alongside these key ingredients, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and chicken broth bring out the authentic Chinese flavours.

What goes well with Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms? Serve this tantalizing dish hot, either as a standalone meal or pair it with a side of stir fried vegetables or Chinese Garlic Green Beans.

Is Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms healthy? Using a rice cooker is generally a healthier cooking method as it requires less oil compared to frying or stir frying. It allows you to cook the ingredients with minimal added fats. Controlling portion sizes is important for maintaining a healthy balance. Moderation is key.

Can you put raw chicken in a rice cooker? It is best to cut the chicken into smaller pieces so that it cooks easier. Ensure that raw chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Can you cook rice with chicken broth or vegetable broth? Yes, you can definitely cook rice with any type of broth. In fact, it will add flavour and enhance the overall taste of the rice. It’s a great option to elevate the Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms recipe. Generally, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid but I have adjusted the amount with this dish.

Is rice and chicken a good combination? Yes, rice and chicken are a classic and popular combination in many cuisines worldwide. They complement each other well and can create a balanced and satisfying meal, like this recipe here.

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Lastly, if you make my Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushrooms be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.