How Long to Cook Rice in Slow Cooker & Crock Pot
Slow cooker rice is hands-off but takes longer than other methods. Learn times for high and low settings. Perfect for one-pot meals with chicken or soup.
How long to cook rice in slow cooker?
White rice takes 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low in a slow cooker. Use a 1:2 rice to water ratio. Do not lift lid while cooking. Check doneness at minimum time.
Slow Cooker Rice Cooking Times
Times vary by slow cooker brand and size. Larger cookers may take longer. Start checking at minimum time to avoid overcooking.
| Rice Type | High Setting | Low Setting | Water Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 2-3 hours (high) | 4-5 hours (low) | 1:2 |
| Brown Rice | 3-4 hours (high) | 5-6 hours (low) | 1:2.5 |
| Wild Rice | 3-4 hours (high) | 5-6 hours (low) | 1:3 |
| Jasmine Rice | 2-2.5 hours (high) | 4-5 hours (low) | 1:1.75 |
| Basmati Rice | 2-2.5 hours (high) | 4-5 hours (low) | 1:1.75 |
| Minute Rice | 1-1.5 hours (high) | 2-3 hours (low) | 1:1 |
How Long to Cook Rice in Crock Pot on High?
White rice takes 2-3 hours in a crock pot on high. Use 1 cup rice to 2 cups hot water. Hot water speeds up cooking. Do not lift lid until minimum time.
High setting is best when you need rice in under 3 hours. Check at 2 hours. If water remains, continue cooking in 15-minute increments.
How Long to Cook Rice in Slow Cooker on Low?
White rice takes 4-5 hours in a slow cooker on low. Low setting is gentler and gives more flexibility. Rice stays good on warm after cooking.
Low setting works well for all-day cooking. Add rice to slow cooker in morning, ready by dinner. Brown rice needs 5-6 hours on low.
How Long to Cook Rice in Crock Pot with Chicken?
Add rice during the last 2-3 hours of cooking chicken. Chicken releases liquid that rice absorbs. Add 1.5 cups liquid per cup of rice. Stir once when adding.
For chicken and rice from start, cook 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Cut chicken into pieces for even cooking. Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
Slow Cooker Times by Rice Type
Brown Rice (3-4 hours on high)
Brown rice takes 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Use 1 cup rice to 2.5 cups water. The bran layer needs extra time and water to soften.
Wild Rice (3-4 hours on high)
Wild rice takes 3-4 hours on high. Use more water at 1:3 ratio. Wild rice grains split when done. Check for chewy but tender texture.
Minute Rice (1-1.5 hours on high)
Minute rice takes only 1-1.5 hours in slow cooker. It is precooked so needs less time. Good for adding to dishes at the end of cooking.
Slow Cooker Rice Tips
- Use hot water. Speeds up cooking time. Cold water takes longer to reach cooking temperature.
- Spray with oil. Coat inside of crock with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Do not overfill. Rice should be no more than half full. It expands during cooking.
- Check early. Start checking 30 minutes before minimum time. Overcooked rice is mushy.
- Fluff when done. Separate grains with fork immediately after cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
White rice takes 2-3 hours in a crock pot on high. Brown rice takes 3-4 hours. Check at minimum time. Rice is done when water is absorbed and grains are tender.
White rice takes 4-5 hours in a slow cooker on low. Brown rice takes 5-6 hours. Low setting is better for keeping rice warm longer without overcooking.
Yes, add rice during the last 2-3 hours of cooking chicken. Rice absorbs flavorful broth. Add extra liquid since chicken releases moisture. Stir once when adding rice.
Mushy rice means too much water or cooking too long. Use exact measurements. Check rice 30 minutes before minimum time. Remove lid to let excess moisture evaporate.
No stirring needed for plain rice. Stirring releases starch and makes rice gummy. Only stir if adding rice to existing dish like soup or chicken.
Not recommended. Rice left on warm too long can dry out or grow bacteria. Cook rice fresh or refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat when needed.
Compare Rice Cooking Methods
Different methods work better for different situations. Compare cooking times and choose the best option for your needs.