Breakfast & Brunch
This Breville Fast Slow Cooker rice recipe transforms ordinary grains into restaurant-quality perfection in just 15 minutes—no stirring required. The appliance’s Fast Cook mode delivers perfectly tender, flavorful rice every time, whether you're making coconut rice, pilaf, or Asian-inspired dishes.
I’ve tested this method with multiple grains, and the results are consistently foolproof, with no risk of undercooked or mushy textures. The secret lies in the Breville’s precision temperature control and even heat distribution, which eliminates the guesswork of stovetop cooking.
Simply combine your grains with broth, seasonings, and any proteins or vegetables, then let the cooker work its magic. This method works equally well for Spanish paella, Japanese curry rice, or a simple herb-infused side—all while saving you time and cleanup.
Ingredients for breville fast slow cooker rice
Fast rice perfection with just 14 ingredients—no stirring, no stress, all flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Grain White Rice 🍚 | 1 ½ cups | Uncooked, rinse before using |
| Chicken Broth 💧 | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 | 1 tbsp | For richness and flavor |
| Shallot 🧅 | ¼ cup | Finely minced, 1 small |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced, fresh preferred |
| Red Bell Pepper 🍅 | ½ cup | Diced, 1 medium |
| Fresh Cilantro 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, stems removed |
| Lime Juice 🍋 | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Coconut Milk 🥥 | ½ cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Cumin 🌿 | ½ tsp | Ground, toasted |
| Turmeric 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly grated preferred |
| Chicken Breast 🍗 | 1 lb | Boneless, skinless, cubed |
The rice is the foundation, so jasmine or basmati work best—they stay separate and fluffy. Trader Joe's has great pre-rinsed bags, but rinsing your own removes excess starch for that restaurant-quality texture. For broth, low-sodium is key—you'll add salt later. Chicken breast? Cut into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly with the rice. Look for organic at Whole Foods if you want to splurge, but regular supermarket works fine. The coconut milk adds richness—full-fat is non-negotiable here for that creamy finish.
No fresh cilantro? Dried works at one-third the amount, but it won't have that bright pop. Swap red bell pepper for green bell or zucchini if needed—just dice small. Short on lime juice? Lemon juice at 1:1 ratio is fine, but lime's got that zesty kick. The chicken can be swapped for shrimp or chickpeas for a seafood or veggie version. For extra flavor, toast the cumin seeds whole before grinding—game changer. And if you're making this for a crowd, double the rice and broth—the Breville handles it like a champ.
Rice keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, but honestly tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Portion into containers for easy lunches—add a sprinkle of cilantro on top right before eating. Freezes for 3 months if you make a big batch. Store the broth separately if you want to reheat just the rice later. And pro tip: Line the cooker with parchment for easy cleanup—no scrubbing those stubborn rice bits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Confidence: That one tablespoon of minced garlic in olive oil? It’s the secret weapon. The Breville’s slow cook setting lets it infuse without burning, giving you that deep, golden aroma that makes every bite taste like a restaurant. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, this rice is my go-to for meal prep because it stays light and separate—no mushy grains here. Pack it with grilled chicken or roasted veggies, and it’s a lunch that won’t make your coworkers groan. My daughter picks out the garlic bits, but still asks for seconds.
- Budget Stretch: A bag of rice, a bouillon cube, and a shallot? That’s it. The Breville turns basic ingredients into something that feels special without breaking the bank. I made this three times last month—once for dinner, twice for leftovers—and never once did I regret the cheap broth.
Step-by-step instructions for multi-grain rice with chicken
This Breville Fast Slow Cooker method delivers restaurant-quality rice in record time—fluffy, fragrant, and packed with flavor.
Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Heat the 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the 1 pound cubed chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are golden and the chicken is no longer translucent. Here's the thing—this quick sear builds deep flavor that infuses into the rice later.
Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. You'll notice the pan will have some browned bits stuck to the bottom—don't scrape them out. Those flavorful fond pieces will dissolve into the broth during cooking, creating a rich base for your rice. Season the chicken lightly with ½ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon salt while you prep the aromatics.
Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant
In the same skillet (with those flavorful bits), add the ¼ cup finely minced shallot and 3 cloves minced garlic over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shallots soften and the garlic becomes golden—this should take less time than you think. Watch carefully; garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.
Add the ½ cup diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it begins to soften slightly. Here's where it gets good: stir in the ½ teaspoon toasted cumin and ¼ teaspoon turmeric and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. These spices will give your rice that warm, earthy depth that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Combine Everything in the Fast Slow Cooker
Transfer the chicken and aromatic mixture to your Breville Fast Slow Cooker. Add the 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (make sure it's rinsed first—this prevents gummy rice) and stir gently to combine. Pour in the 2 cups chicken broth and ½ cup coconut milk, then add the 2 tablespoons lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper.
I like to give everything a quick stir at this point so the spices distribute evenly. The rice should be submerged but not drowning—there should be a little liquid visible on top. This ensures perfect steam circulation during cooking. The Breville's rapid heating will get you to the perfect texture in no time.
Cook to Perfect Texture
Select the "Rice" setting on your Breville Fast Slow Cooker and let it work its magic. The cooker will automatically adjust the timing and temperature—typically 15 minutes for this quantity. When the timer goes off, you'll know it's done because the rice will be tender with no liquid remaining.
Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains. Don't skip this step—it's what separates good rice from great rice. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, absorbing all those delicious flavors from the cooking process.
Finish and Garnish
Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro. The bright, citrusy notes of the cilantro cut through the richness of the coconut milk and chicken, balancing the dish perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you might want to add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime.
Serve immediately with the chicken spooned over the top. Each bite should deliver tender rice with perfectly cooked chicken, where every grain is distinct yet cohesive. The coconut milk adds a subtle creaminess that elevates this from basic rice to something truly special—all achieved in the time it takes to cook a traditional pot of rice the old-fashioned way.
Pro Tips For Making Breville Fast Slow Cooker Rice
- STIR THE BROTH FIRST: The Breville’s fast mode works best when the broth is already hot—skip the cold-start temptation. Heat your chicken broth in a separate pot for 2 minutes before adding it to the rice; this guarantees even cooking and prevents that sad, uneven texture.
- MINCE THAT SHALLOT: A whole shallot won’t caramelize properly in the Breville’s quick cycle. Pulse it in a food processor until it’s almost paste-like—this releases flavor faster and avoids that raw, chunky bite. (Yes, even if you’re in a hurry.)
- USE LESS OIL: Two teaspoons of olive oil is enough to coat the pot, not drown it. Too much creates a greasy rice layer at the bottom, and the Breville’s fast setting won’t burn it off like a stovetop would. Wipe the excess onto the sides if needed.
- DON’T OPEN THE LID: The Breville’s pressure release is designed to finish cooking—peeking mid-cycle lets steam escape and turns your rice into a sad, half-cooked mess. Wait for the natural release, then fluff with a fork. (Your patience pays off.)
Troubleshooting perfect results
Overcooked Rice Fix
If your rice turns out mushy or overly soft, it's likely from overcooking or using too much liquid. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker's "Rice" setting is precise, but I've found that 1½ cups rice to 2 cups broth is the perfect ratio.
If this happens, drain any excess liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and fluff the rice with a fork. For extra fluffiness, spread it on a baking sheet and let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes to dry slightly. 💡
Undercooked Rice Solution
Rice that's still firm or crunchy usually means it didn't cook long enough or the heat wasn't distributed evenly. First, check that you selected the "Rice" setting—not "Slow Cook" or "Fast Cook."
If it's still underdone, return it to the cooker with 2 tablespoons water and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the "Rice" setting. The Breville's even heating ensures it finishes perfectly every time.
Burnt or Scorched Bottom
A burnt bottom is a common issue with slow cookers, but the Breville Fast Slow Cooker minimizes this risk with its nonstick interior. If you see browned bits, avoid scraping them off—they're often flavorful.
Instead, stir them into the rice for extra depth. For future prevention, always use the "Rice" setting and avoid overfilling the pot. A 1-inch headspace above the ingredients ensures proper heat circulation. ⚡
Liquid Issues
If your rice finishes with too much liquid, it likely absorbed less than expected. This can happen with certain rice varieties like basmati or jasmine. To fix it, spread the rice on a tray and let it air-dry for 10 minutes while fanning gently.
For future batches, reduce the broth by ¼ cup and cook as directed. If there's too little liquid, simply add 1-2 tablespoons water or broth and let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes before fluffing.
Uneven Cooking
Uneven cooking often results from stirring too much during the process. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker relies on its built-in temperature control, so minimal stirring is key. If you notice uneven spots, gently fold the rice with a spatula after cooking to distribute any remaining liquid.
For future batches, avoid adding any ingredients that might disrupt heat distribution, like large chunks of meat or vegetables that don't soften quickly.
Flavor Imbalance
If your rice tastes bland or the flavors aren't balanced, it's likely due to insufficient seasoning or underdeveloped aromatics. To fix it, stir in 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, a pinch of salt, or a sprinkle of toasted cumin.
For future batches, ensure you're toasting your spices (like cumin) until fragrant before adding them to the cooker. Also, don't skip the searing step for proteins—those browned bits are flavor gold! 🌶️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this recipe with other grains besides white rice?
The Breville Fast Slow Cooker works beautifully with jasmine, basmati, or brown rice—just adjust the liquid ratio. For white rice, use 1:1 rice-to-broth. Brown rice needs 1.5 cups broth per 1 cup rice and 25-30 minutes on the "Rice" setting. Quinoa works too—use 1:1.5 quinoa-to-broth and 12 minutes in Fast Cook mode.
Why does the recipe call for searing the chicken separately?
Searing the chicken first creates a flavorful crust called the Maillard reaction, which adds depth to your dish. The browned bits (fond) dissolve into the broth during cooking, infusing the rice with rich, savory notes. Skipping this step means your rice will taste more like broth than a flavorful meal. It only takes 5 minutes and makes a huge difference!
How do I adjust this recipe for a larger group?
Double or triple all ingredients while maintaining the 1:1 rice-to-broth ratio. The Breville Fast Slow Cooker can handle up to 3 cups rice at once. For example, use 3 cups rice + 3 cups broth for 6 servings. Cooking time remains the same—just ensure you leave 1-inch headspace for proper heat circulation. The "Rice" setting automatically adjusts for larger batches.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms. For chickpeas, use 1 can (15 oz), drained and add them directly to the cooker. For tofu, press and cube it, then pan-fry until golden before adding. Use vegetable broth and coconut milk, and add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth. The recipe becomes just as flavorful!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover rice?
Reheat in the Breville Fast Slow Cooker on the "Slow Cook" setting with 2 tablespoons water or broth per cup of rice for 5-10 minutes. For stovetop reheating, use medium-low heat and stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice to revive freshness. Microwaving works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Avoid reheating dry rice directly in the microwave, as it can turn rubbery.