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No need for a rice cooker, simply follow these steps for how to cook rice in a crock pot. It’s the easiest method!

Learn how to cook rice in a crock pot, it’s our new favorite way to cook white rice! It’s perfect to serve with main dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Porcupine Meatballs, or Coconut Curry!

Shot of how to cook rice in a crock pot.


Another Way to Cook Rice

There are a lot of ways to cook rice, but this one is great for when you don’t have a rice cooker.

You just need your crock pot and a few hours to slow-cook the rice! It does take 2-3 hours on the high setting, so it’s not ideal for when you need quick rice. But this crock pot rice turns out so soft and fluffy every time.

We eat rice as a side with a lot of our dinners. I’ve listed some of our favorite main dishes to serve the rice with down below—check them out! If you’ve never tried making rice in the slow cooker, now is your chance.

Learn how to cook rice in a crock pot with the simple steps below!

A box of parboiled rice to use for slow cooker rice.

Best Rice to Use

This crock pot rice does require a specific kind of rice.

Converted rice is actually rice that has been partially boiled. While the rice is still in the husk, it is soaked, steamed, dried, and removed from the husk. Because of this, the grains are firmer and better able to withstand longer cook time without becoming mushy.

Converted rice can come in different varieties such as white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice.

We tried a few different options, but Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice worked the best and is a long-grain white rice. The package may use the term “converted white rice” or “enriched parboiled rice”. They mean the same thing.

While Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice turned out the best, you can use other long-grain rice like jasmine rice,  basmati, white or brown. Just rinse the rice with cold water first to remove excess starch and any dust. 

Cooking rice in a crock pot.

How to Cook Rice in a Crock Pot

Crockpot rice does require time, but the prep is extremely quick!

PREP. Coat the inside of your crock pot with butter or cooking spray.

Add the converted white rice and water to the crock pot. Be sure to measure exactly.

COOK. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on HIGH heat for 2-3 hours. You’ll want to give a quick stir every 20-30 minutes so don’t leave it to sit alone.

SEASON. Once the water has been absorbed, and the rice is soft and fluffy, then the rice is done. Salt and pepper to taste.

Pepper steak served over white rice in a white bowl.

Recipe Tips + Storing

For perfect slow cooker rice, be sure to use the correct kind of rice and follow these simple tips.

Unlike other white rice, the converted rice should not be rinsed before using.

Flavored rice. If you know what you want to serve your rice with, you may want to flavor the rice. Do this by using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water or add spices that complement the other flavors you plan to serve such as like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and more.

STORE. Place the cooled leftover crock pot rice recipe in an airtight storage container. Store in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. (Be sure the cooked rice has not been sitting out for longer than 2 hours before storing).

To reheat.

  • Microwave: Add a little bit of water to the rice, and break up any chunks. Cover the dish and heat for 30-60 seconds. Repeat until hot.
  • Stovetop: Place the rice and a splash of water into a saucepan on the stove. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Crock pot rice served with sweet and sour chicken on top.

Recipe FAQ

What rice can I cook in the slow cooker?

I found that Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice turned out the best because it can withstand a longer cook time however but you can use a variety of different kinds of rice. Just keep a balance of rice and water and cook until tender.

Can I freeze leftover crock pot rice?

Absolutely! In fact, I will often make more than I need just so I can freeze some for later. Allow the rice to cool before storing it in a freezer Ziploc. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and add a bit of extra water to the rice so that it can help steam the rice back into a warm and fluffy dish. Reheat, covered, on the stovetop of the microwave.

Why is my crock pot rice hard?

Crunchy rice just means that it is still not cooked all the way through. You may need to add more water, increase the cooking time and/or increase the temperature of the crock pot. If some of the rice is crunchy while the other half is mushy then your slow cooker isn’t cooking evenly. Next time you may wish to stir the rice a couple of times during the cooking process.

For Serving Suggestions, Try:

5 from 13 votes

How to Cook Rice in a Crock Pot

By: Lil’ Luna
No need for a rice cooker, simply follow these steps for how to cook rice in a crock pot. It's the easiest method!
Servings: 12
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups convereted white rice Uncle Ben's converted white rice worked the best
  • 6 cups water optional: use chicken or beef stock instead
  • butter or cooking spray
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Coat the inside of your crock pot with butter or cooking spray.
  • Add the converted white rice and water to the crock pot. Be sure to measure exactly.
  • Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on HIGH heat for 2-3 hours. You'll want to give a quick stir every 20-30 minutes so don't leave it to sit alone.
  • Once the water has been absorbed, and the rice is soft and fluffy, then the rice is done. Salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. This did not work. Basmati rice, 2-1/2 hours on high. Still hadn’t absorbed water. Transferred it to stove top for 20 minutes. Sounded like such a good idea. Very disappointed

    1. Hi Phylis! Perhaps it was the type of rice used? We tried a few different options, but Uncle Ben’s Converted White Rice worked the best for us because it is parboiled. So sorry to hear this recipe didn’t work for you.

  2. 5 stars
    Awesome! I always just make rice in my rice cooker, I will definitely try it out in my crockpot sometime. 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    What a great idea! Love that I don’t need to take up stove top space either. I never knew you could freeze rice either. thanks for the suggestion as that will save me time later.

  4. 5 stars
    Easiest way to cook rice!! I can dump everything in the crock pot & leave it alone! We have rice with so many dishes!