How To Cook Rice In A Slow Cooker - WikiHow

Home » How To Cook Rice In A Crock Pot » How To Cook Rice In A Slow Cooker - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker PDF download Download Article 14 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci

Last Updated: April 23, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Preparing Your Rice
    • |
  • Heating the Rice
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. This article has been viewed 272,499 times.

You don’t need a rice cooker in order to enjoy rice with your favorite meals—you can get the same delicious results using an ordinary slow cooker. Just measure out your rice, add water, and set your slow cooker to its lowest heat setting. In 2-3 hours, you’ll have a batch of perfectly tender rice with no guesswork or hassle required.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Rice

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Measure out the amount of rice you want to cook in dry cups. 1 Measure out the amount of rice you want to cook in dry cups. Using whole cup increments will make it easier to get the water-to-rice ratio just right. 1 cup (190 g) of rice (cooked) is a standard serving for 1 person. Plan on using ½-1 cup (95-190 g) extra for each additional person you’re feeding.
    • Remember, rice can as much as double in size as it cooks. This means that 1 cup (190 g) of uncooked rice will puff up into about 2-2.5 cups (380-475 g) of rice once cooked.

    Tip: You can use a slow cooker to fix any type of rice, including white, brown, wild, or long-grain jasmine or basmati.

  2. Step 2 Wash your rice... 2 Wash your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Place your pre-portioned rice into a fine mesh sieve and run a stream of cool water over the top, moving the sieve slowly to make sure the water touches every last grain. Continue rinsing your rice until the water runs clean, then shake the sieve a few times to get rid of excess water.[1]
    • Alternatively, you can swish your rice in a shallow bowl full of water, draining and replacing the water when it becomes cloudy.
    • A good washing will eliminate any starchy residue on the outside of your rice, which can help prevent sticking and clumping.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker 3 Grease the inside of your slow cooker with oil or butter. Coat a folded paper towel with about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of oil or softened butter and rub it onto the bowl of your slow cooker. Lubricating your slow cooker with a little fat makes the rice around the edges less likely to stick.[2]
    • You may not need to oil your slow cooker if it’s equipped with a nonstick cooking surface.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker 4 Add your freshly-rinsed rice directly to your slow cooker. After you’ve finished washing your rice, dump it into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread the rice with a spoon or the tips of your fingers to make sure it’s distributed evenly over the cooking surface, with no noticeable mounds or thin spots.
    • While any type of slow cooker will get the job done, a large, oblong variety that holds at least 6 quarts (5.7 L) will work provide the most even and consistent heating.[3]
    • One of the best things about using a slow cooker is that everything is done in a single piece of cookware, which means less prep work and faster cleanup!
  5. Step 5 Bring your water... 5 Bring your water to a boil before adding it to your rice (optional). Some slow cooker aficionados swear by preheating the water for their rice. If you want to give this method a shot, heat some water in a kettle on the stovetop, then pour it into a glass liquid measuring cup to make sure you’re using the correct amount.[4]
    • The idea behind this is that it starts cooking the rice right away rather than heating up gradually. As a result, the rice is less likely to turn out overly soft or gummy.
    • Never pour boiling water into kitchenware made from plastic or similar materials, as it could easily melt.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker 6 Pour in 2–3 cups (0.47–0.71 L) of water for every 1 cup (190 g) of rice. As a general rule, you should use approximately twice the amount of water in liquid cups as you did rice in dry cups.[5] Once you’ve added the water, give your rice a quick stir to fully incorporate it. Then, place the lid on the slow cooker.[6]
    • Brown rice usually requires more water to cook to perfection, while white rice can get by with a little less.[7]
    • If you decide to use 3 cups (0.71 L) of water per cup (190 g) of rice, be prepared to tack on an additional 30-45 minutes of cook time.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Heating the Rice

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cover the rice with parchment paper before you start cooking (optional). 1 Cover the rice with parchment paper before you start cooking (optional). Trim the parchment paper so that it fits comfortably over the opening of the slow cooker, leaving 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of extra material on all sides. Double-check that there are no gaps in the paper where steam might be able to escape.[8]
    • While this step isn’t strictly necessary, it can be a good way to lock in moisture and keep your rice from becoming overly dry.
    • Avoid using plastic cling wrap or similar materials. These coverings could melt as a result of prolonged exposure to heat or leech potential toxins into your rice.[9]
  2. Step 2 Set your slow cooker to high heat. 2 Set your slow cooker to high heat. The old saying that rice should be cooked low and slow is true. Since slow cookers already make use of low temperatures to heat food gradually, however, the highest heat setting will still be considerably cooler than a conventional rice cooker.[10]
    • Make sure your slow cooker is properly hooked up and positioned, and that there are no objects nearby that could cause it to come unplugged accidentally.
    • You can also cook your rice on a lower heat setting if you’re going to be out of the house all day. Keep in mind, though, that this will likely add 3-4 hours to your overall cook time.[11]
  3. Step 3 Allow the rice to cook for 2½-3 hours. 3 Allow the rice to cook for 2½-3 hours. While your rice is cooking all you have to do is—nothing! Just put it in, turn it on, and walk away. It’s really that easy!
    • If it makes you feel better, you can come back periodically and take a look at your rice to see how it’s doing. Just avoid leaving the lid off of the slow cooker for too long, as this will allow precious moisture to escape.
    • Don’t forget to set a timer so you’ll know when your rice is ready to come out of the slow cooker.

    Tip: You’ll know your rice is done when it looks plump and no longer glistens with moisture.

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker 4 Stir your rice thoroughly before serving it. Remove the lid from your slow cooker and fluff the rice using a long-handled serving spoon. It will be pretty hot when it first comes out of the slow cooker, so be sure to give it a few minutes to cool to a safe temperature before you dig in. Enjoy![12]
    • It’s possible that the layer of rice directly over the cooking surface might get a little crunchy, as this is where most of the heat is. If that sounds unappetizing, just scoop out the softer rice, then scrape and discard the drier bits.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is a rice cooker the same as a slow cooker? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer No. Slow cookers are designed to cook a variety of foods (such as roasts, stews, vegetables, and meat sauces) slowly and gently over a long period of time. Rice cookers are specifically made for rice and typically cook much faster than a slow cooker. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
  • Question How long does it take to cook rice in a slow cooker? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Depending on the cooking temperature and the amount and type of rice you’re cooking, it generally takes between 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. In contrast, you can cook rice in a rice cooker or on the stove in 20-45 minutes, depending on the type of rice. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
  • Question Can you overcook food in a slow cooker? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Yes, it’s definitely possible to burn or overcook food in a slow cooker, especially if the temperature is set too high or there’s not enough liquid in the pot. Follow the recipe carefully and check the instructions that came with your slow cooker to make sure the settings are right. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • For more flavorful rice, feel free to stir in some fresh herbs, spices, and other seasonings prior to starting your slow cooker. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
  • Breaking out your slow cooker can also be a good way to prepare more rice than your conventional rice cooker can hold at one time. Most standard-sized slow cookers can manage about 4 cups (760 g) of uncooked rice, which translates to roughly 8-10 cups (1.5-1.9 kg) cooked. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 5
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Wet and dry measuring cups
  • Tea kettle
  • Long-handled serving spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Parchment paper (optional)

You Might Also Like

Make Brown Rice in a Rice CookerCooking Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker: Preparation, Cleanup & More How to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Cook Rice in a Rice CookerHow toCook Rice in a Rice Cooker Cook RiceHow toCook Rice Prevent Rice from Sticking to the Bottom of a PotHow toPrevent Rice from Sticking to the Bottom of a Pot How toKeep Rice Warm Make Boiled RiceHow to Prepare Boiled Rice Perfectly Every Time: Easy Recipe Cook Parboiled RiceHow to Cook Parboiled Rice Using the Stove, Microwave, or Rice Cooker Cook Basmati Brown RiceHow toCook Basmati Brown Rice Cook Rice in a PotHow toCook Rice in a Pot The Best Way to Cook Rice in the Microwave How to Cook Jasmine Rice with a Rice Cooker Cook Rice in Pressure CookerHow to Make Pressure Cooker Rice (with Recipes) How toUse a Microwave Rice Cooker Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/9250-the-best-way-to-rinse-rice
  2. ↑ https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/perfect-crock-pot-rice-16465
  3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-brown-rice-259084
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-brown-rice-259084
  5. ↑ JoAnna Minneci. Professional Chef. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/perfect-crock-pot-rice-16465
  7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-brown-rice-259084
  8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-brown-rice-259084
  9. ↑ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3207138/Don-t-clingy-Amid-mounting-evidence-plastic-food-wrap-harbours-host-toxins-doctors-urge-people-stop-using-it.html
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/perfect-crock-pot-rice-16465
  2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-make-slow-cooker-rice/
  3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-make-slow-cooker-rice/

About This Article

JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. This article has been viewed 272,499 times. 14 votes - 87% Co-authors: 13 Updated: April 23, 2025 Views: 272,499 Categories: Rice and Beans | Slow Cooker Recipes Article SummaryX

Before you cook rice in a slow cooker, make sure you wash your rice by placing it in a sieve and running a stream of cold water over it. This will remove any excess starch and help prevent sticking and clumping. To keep your rice from sticking to the cooker, take 1 tablespoon of oil or softened butter and rub it onto the bowl of your slow cooker. Once the cooker is lubricated, add the rinsed rice to the bowl and spread it evenly along the bottom. For every cup of rice that you put in, add 2 to 3 cups of water and give it a quick stir before placing the lid on the cooker. Finally, set your slow cooker to high heat and let it cook for 2 and a half to 3 hours. For more tips, like how to use parchment paper to keep your rice moist, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Italian Spanish Indonesian French Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 272,499 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Honey V.

    Honey V.

    Dec 23, 2020

    "Am delighted to try this as standing over rice when there are so many last minute things to do isn't fun. " Rated this article:
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef Co-authors: 13 Updated: April 23, 2025 Views: 272,499 87% of voters found this recipe helpful. 14 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote Honey V.

Honey V.

Dec 23, 2020

"Am delighted to try this as standing over rice when there are so many last minute things to do isn't fun. " Rated this article: Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorPizza CalculatorWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerateWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Brown Rice in a Rice CookerCooking Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker: Preparation, Cleanup & MoreCook White Rice Without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerCook Rice in a Rice CookerHow toCook Rice in a Rice CookerCook RiceHow toCook Rice

Featured Articles

Dress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great GiftWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks

Trending Articles

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like Quiz

Featured Articles

Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)

Featured Articles

210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

What's Special About Me QuizWhat's Special About Me QuizHow Many People Actually Find Me Intimidating QuizHow Many People Actually Find Me Intimidating QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)1, 2, 1, 2, 3, Release ‘Em: All About This Viral TikTok Trend1, 2, 1, 2, 3, Release ‘Em: All About This Viral TikTok TrendHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizDaily Water Intake CalculatorDaily Water Intake CalculatorWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Recipes
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --754

Tag » How To Cook Rice In A Crock Pot