Can I use a slow cooker as a rice cooker?

Yes, you absolutely can. While a rice cooker is built specifically for rice, a slow cooker is more versatile and still highly effective. Once you learn how to cook rice with slow cooker , you’ll get similar (or better) results—just with a bit more time.

How to cook rice in a slow cooker?

Simply rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice, add it to a greased slow cooker, and pour in 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt, cover, and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. That’s the easiest way to understand how to cook rice with slow cooker at home.

Why is my rice still hard in the slow cooker?

If your rice comes out hard, it likely needs more water or more time. Try adding a few tablespoons of hot water and cooking for another 30 minutes on HIGH. It’s a common issue when learning how to cook rice with slow cooker , especially with brown or specialty grains.

Can you use slow cooker liners in a rice cooker?

No—liners are designed specifically for slow cookers, not rice cookers. If you're sticking to how to cook rice with slow cooker , liners can help with cleanup and prevent sticking, especially for big batches.

How to Cook Rice with Slow Cooker: The Best Foolproof Way (2025)

Description

Making rice in a slow cooker couldn’t be simpler—it’s almost effortless. Just combine rice and water, set it, and let the crockpot do the rest. The result? Light, fluffy, and perfectly cooked rice without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups uncooked long grain white rice**
▢4 cups water
▢pinch salt
▢non-stick spay of choice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

add rice to strainer. hold over sink and rinse with cool water until water runs clear
spray slow cooker (or liner if using) with non-stick agent of choice
add rice, water and salt to slow cooker
cover and cook on high 2-2½ hours
After about 1¾ hours, test rice to see if the grains are cooked all the way through. Continue to check every 5 minutes or so until rice reaches desired consistency.
once rice is fully cooked, remove from the slow cooker. If you leave this dish on warm, the rice will stick to the pot, and/or become mushy
rice can be used immediately or stored for future use,

Notes

Leaving cooked rice in the slow cooker for too long can cause it to turn mushy or stick to the sides and burn.
You can also use this method for brown rice, though it will require about 30 extra minutes of cooking time, depending on your slow cooker.
As soon as the water is fully absorbed, remove the insert from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Letting it sit too long may lead to a soft, overly moist texture.

Prep Time: 5minutes
Cook Time: 2hours
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 11mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g