Crock Pot Brown Rice

Crock Pot Brown Rice is soft and fluffy and a fool-proof way to make perfect rice without a rice cooker. Slow cooker rice freezes well and is a great way to meal prep ahead for a busy week. 

Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing or Oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, or add to stir fries, casseroles, and salads. 

cooked brown rice and green onions in a white bowl by a red crock pot.

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Cooking rice isn't hard, but it can be easy to get wrong. Crunchy, sticky, mushy, and messy if it bubbles over the stove top. So I think the best way to make brown rice is in the Crock Pot.

This brown rice crock pot recipe is insanely easy, totally hands-off, and makes perfectly soft, fluffy, tender rice. I like to make large batches and keep some in the fridge for a fast, easy side dish and freeze some for later. 

In order to achieve the perfect slow cooker brown rice, I played around quite a bit with the rice-to-liquid ratio. If the rice cooks in too much water, it's mushy. Not enough and it's crunchy. Two cups of brown rice to 3 ½ cups water is perfect. 

You're Going to Love This

  • Slow cooking is a fool-proof method for perfectly fluffy brown rice
  • A big batch of rice is a great way to meal prep for the week
  • Crock Pot rice is a time saver -- freeze it for later or use it in side dishes all week
  • Brown rice is a cozy, filling comfort food, and delicious way to eat more whole grains

Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts. 

brown rice crockpot ingredients.

Brown rice. I use brown long grain rice. Before cooking, rinse brown rice under cool water until the water runs clear. 

Water or broth. You can use all water, all chicken broth or vegetable broth, or a combination. Or try this homemade Crockpot Chicken Bone Broth!

Butter, optional. A little butter adds flavor, but it's not necessary. 

How to Make Brown Rice in the Crock Pot

water and brown rice in a black crock pot.

Step 1: Coat slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Add 2 cups of rice and 3 ½ cups of water. 

cooked brown rice in a black crock pot.

Step 2: Heat on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and serve. 

cooked brown rice and green onions in a white bowl by a red crock pot.

Delicious topped with sliced green onions and a splash of soy sauce or this delicious cilantro chimichurri. Serve alongside Air Fryer Fried Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork. 

Expert Tips

  • Rinsing rice before cooking washes away excess starch to keep rice from clumping. You'll also rinse off unwanted debris like dust or bugs (!!). 
  • The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking. 

FAQs

How long does brown rice last in the refrigerator?

Store Crock Pot brown rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Can I freeze slow cooker brown rice?

Yes, this brown rice Crock Pot recipe freezes well. Freeze in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers.  Reheat from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator. 

What is the best way to reheat cooked brown rice?

Place in a covered microwave-safe dish with 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice and heat in 1-minute increments until hot. 

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cooked brown rice and green onions in a white bowl by a red crock pot.

Perfect Brown Rice Crock Pot Recipe

Cara Lanz
This Brown Rice Crock Pot recipe is soft, fluffy, perfectly cooked, and completely fool-proof. Make a big batch for the week and heat up as an easy side dish and toss into stir fry, soups, and casseroles. Great freezer-friendly and meal prep recipe. 
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 172 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 3 ½ cups water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter, optional

Instructions
 

  • Rinse rice with cool water in a mesh strainer or bowl until the water runs cleear.
  • Spray Crock Pot insert with nonstick cooking spray. Add rice and water.
    Cook on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

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Notes

Nutrition calculation is based on water and no butter. 
Reheating instructions. Place rice in a covered microwave-safe dish with 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice. Warm in one-minute intervals until rice is hot. 
The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 127mgFiber: 2gCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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