One Pot Herbal Chicken with Noodles in Rice Cooker

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight) | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Active Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2

This one pot herbal chicken with noodles in rice cooker is a simple, comforting meal I make when I want something soupy without much effort. You only need two Chinese herbs — goji berries and dried solomon seal (yuk chuk). Both add a natural sweetness to the broth without needing any stock. I keep the marinade to just salt so the flavour stays clean and simple.

The rice cooker does most of the work. You place everything in, tilt the lid slightly to keep the heat low and steady, and let it cook for about an hour. The chicken turns soft enough to fall off the bone, and the glass noodles finish in just a few minutes once added to the hot broth.

This recipe is part of my Rice Cooker Series, where I show you how to make full, flavourful meals using just a rice cooker.

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Watch How to Make It

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Equipment

Basic Rice Cooker 1 litre — Shopee | Lazada | Amazon

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Ingredients 材料

Serves 2

• 2 whole chicken legs (+/- 700 grams) 2个全鸡腿 ±700克
• 25 grams goji berry 枸杞 25克
• 9 grams dried solomon seal 干玉竹 9克
• 1.2 litres water 水 1.2升
• 1-2 portions glass noodles (presoak until soft) or your favourite noodles 1-2份粉丝 提前浸泡至软 或你喜欢的其他面条

Chicken Marinade 鸡肉腌料

• 1/2 teaspoon salt 盐 1/2茶匙

Garnish 装饰

• Vegetables of your choice 蔬菜 适量

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How to Make One Pot Herbal Chicken with Noodles in Rice Cooker

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

Clean the chicken thoroughly with water. Remove any red clots around the bone area. Season all over with ½ teaspoon of salt. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for best results.

Step 2 – Add Herbs and Water

Rinse the goji berries and dried solomon seal under water before using. Place the marinated chicken into the rice cooker. Add the rinsed herbs, then pour in 1.2 litres of water.

Step 3 – Cook the Chicken

Cover with the lid and tilt it slightly so steam can escape — this keeps the cooker running at a lower, steadier heat. Set to “keep warm”, then press “cook”. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is soft and tender. The meat should pull away from the bone easily when done.

Tip: Cooking time can vary between rice cooker models. Check the chicken at the 1-hour mark — it should be fully cooked through and tender.

Step 4 – Add Noodles and Vegetables

Add the pre-soaked glass noodles and your vegetables into the rice cooker. Continue cooking until the noodles are done. If you are using other types of noodles, follow the cooking instructions on the packet.

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Tips for the Best One Pot Herbal Chicken with Noodles

Rinse the herbs. Goji berries and dried solomon seal can carry dust. A quick rinse before adding keeps the broth clean.

Tilt the lid slightly. This lets steam escape and keeps the cooker at a lower heat. It helps keep the chicken moist and tender.

Pre-soak the glass noodles. Soak in cold water until soft before adding. They cook quickly once in the hot broth — do not leave them too long or they will become mushy.

Marinating overnight gives better flavour. 30 minutes is the minimum. Overnight lets the salt work through the meat more evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is dried solomon seal (yuk chuk)?

Dried solomon seal (玉竹, yuk chuk in Cantonese) is a Chinese herb commonly used in soups. It adds a mild, natural sweetness to the broth. You can find it at Chinese herbal shops or in the dried goods section of most Asian supermarkets.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken legs?

Chicken legs are recommended as they stay juicy with long cooking. Chicken breast will cook faster and can turn dry — if you use it, cook the broth with the herbs first for 45 minutes, then add the chicken breast and continue to cook until the chicken breast is cooked through.

Can I use other noodles besides glass noodles?

Yes. You can use vermicelli, egg noodles, or any noodles you like. Follow the cooking instructions on the packet and add them in towards the end.

Do I need the herbs? Can I skip them?

The goji berries and dried solomon seal are what give this broth its natural sweetness and herbal character. Without them, the soup will taste plain. Both are easy to find at most Asian supermarkets or herbal shops.

Can I use a multifunctional rice cooker for this recipe?

Yes. A multifunctional rice cooker works well too. The cooking time may vary depending on your model — check the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Best consumed on the same day. If you want to store overnight, don’t add the noodles. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles will absorb more broth overnight — add a little water when reheating if needed.

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Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag @ruyiasianrecipes if you share it on social media.

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