Are you looking for ways to use your Pampered Chef Rice Cooker? (also known as the Micro-Cooker} It’s one of my favorite tools for rice and so many other recipes which I will share below. I’m going to provide you with easy Pampered Chef Rice Cooker instructions so you can get cooking quicker and healthier meals.
I’ve compiled the ultimate guide which includes instructions for use, recipes other than rice you can use it for, rice cooking instructions and more. Read on for lots of ideas!
Before we dive in, I want to be sure you know which size of micro-cooker you have. There are three options, one quart, two quart and three quart. For clarification, the Rice Cooker Plus was the three quart version. It’s now also known as the 3 Quart Micro-Cooker Plus. I will use both the phrases “Pampered Chef Rice Cooker” and Pampered Chef 3 Quart Micro-Cooker Plus” to mean the same thing as they continue to cook the same way.
For reference, the previous design, the Rice Cooker Plus, looked like this:
The new design of the 3 Quart Micro-Cooker Plus looks like this:
I love using this product, and you will too! Before I owned it, I actually gave up on cooking rice. I either burnt it on the stove top or I boiled it over in the microwave and it wasn’t worth the clean up.
So I started purchasing rice that was pre-cooked and just needed to be warmed up in the microwave. More expensive for sure! Then I discovered the Rice Cooker Plus. I use it all the time and my rice comes out fluffy every single time too!
Pampered Chef Rice Cooker Instructions:
You can use the Rice Cooker Plus for more than just rice. You can use it for macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables, soups, pasta and mashed potatoes, pudding, oatmeal, cakes, and I will teach you how below.
You can also reheat soups, and leftovers, and even cook ground beef in it. And don’t forget your whole grains, like farro, bulgur, and quinoa too. Wild rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, all rice! And it’s great for college students too.
Here are the easy Pampered Chef Rice Cooker instructions for many types of foods:
How do you cook rice in the Pampered Chef Rice Cooker?
Generally, the ratio is 1:2, but follow the instructions on the back of your rice package for best results.
- One cup rice
- Two cups liquid (water, broth, coconut milk)
1. Place rice and water in Rice Cooker Plus. Add seasonings if desired and a tablespoon of olive oil. Attach both lids. 2. Follow microwave directions on rice package. Generally, microwave on high for 5 minutes, then 50% power for 15 minutes. Reducing the power is key here so it doesn’t burn.
To make more rice, simply double or triple the water and the rice amounts. This rice cooker can easily make up to 3 cups of rice!
How do you cook quinoa in the Pampered Chef Rice Cooker?
- First, rinse the quinoa in a strainer to clean it. And then use the same ratio as I shared above with rice cooking. 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth. Cover the Rice Cooker with the two lids.
- Cook in the microwave at 100% power for 6 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork.
Can you make rice pudding in the Micro-Cooker Plus?
Yes! Simply combine:
- ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2-½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cover and microwave for 15 minutes at 50% power and 10 minutes on high power. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pkg (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding
Whisk until smooth.
Remove the cooker from the microwave and add pudding mixture and ½ cup raisins.
What else can you cook in the Micro-Cooker Plus?
How do you cook ground beef in the Micro-Cooker?
You can cook up to a pound of ground beef in the Micro-Cooker. Just place the beef inside and attach the two lids. Cook for 6-8 minutes and stop half way and stir/chop up the beef for even cooking.
What types of vegetables can you cook in the Micro-Cooker? How do you steam them?
You can cook many kinds of vegetables in the Micro-Cooker. Frozen vegetables including carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn…basically all kinds of frozen vegetables.
Just add a tablespoon of water with the vegetables, add the double lid and cook for 3-4 minutes depending on the volume of vegetables you are cooking. Once it is finished cooking, you can simply pour out the small amount of water and serve.
How do you make mashed potatoes in the Micro-Cooker?
You can add peeled or unpeeled cut potatoes into the Micro-Cooker. Be sure that the potato chunks are about the same size for even cooking.
Place 1.5 pounds of potatoes and enough water to cover them into the cooker. Cover and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes or until they are tender. Then carefully remove the lids and drain the water. Add ¼ cup of milk to the potatoes and mash to desired level. Add salt and black pepper and any mix-ins, as desired.
Can you cook sliced potatoes in the Micro-Cooker?
Yes, just simply slice evenly and place in the cooker with two tablespoons of water to steam the potatoes. Add seasonings as desired or a drizzle of olive oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes on high power or until fork-tender. Drain and serve.
How do you make oatmeal in the Micro-Cooker?
If you follow the microwave-instructions on the oatmeal container, it will turn out perfectly. Just be sure to use the 3 Quart Micro-Cooker Plus to prevent boil-overs in the microwave.
Can you cook pasta in the Micro-Cooker?
Yes, I do this all the time. Simply add in your pasta with enough water to cover it by an inch or more. Then microwave for 7-8 minutes depending on your microwave. Drain water carefully and add your favorite sauce.
Can you make a cake in the Micro-Cooker?
Yes, you can. You can make “Molten Chocolate Lava Cake” and it’s delicious!
Simply stir the following ingredients together in the Micro-Cooker:
- One 15.25 oz box of chocolate cake mix
- Plus the ingredients to make the cake (from the back of the box)
Add to the center of the cake batter:
- 3-4 medium scoops of canned chocolate frosting (NOT whipped or pourable) (about ½ container) (do not put near edges of container – keep in center of cake batter and do not mix in, leave on top of batter)
Then microwave with the lid off for 8-10 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Feel free to mix and match flavors of cake and frosting.
How do you clean the Micro-Cookers?
You can either hand wash or you can put it into the dishwasher. Just be sure to take apart the lid. If you cook a lot of high fat items in the Micro-Cookers, you may see a white residue inside the container. It does not affect cooking performance and is not harmful to you.
Are the Pampered Chef Micro-Cookers safe?
Yes, they are safe to use in microwaves and they are made with BPA-Free plastic. They are safe per FDA guidelines.
You can get the Micro-Cooker Plus by shopping on my online Pampered Chef store.
So now you know how to use the rice cooker (Micro-Cooker), the cleaning instructions, my personal review and answers to your frequently asked questions. I hope this helps you use your Pampered Chef Rice Cooker/Micro-Cooker on a frequent basis. It really is a great little tool.
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I’m an independent consultant with Pampered Chef and I love sharing ideas to help you cook smarter, faster and easier! With your purchase, I do earn a commission, which helps me continue to bring more ideas to you!
