How to Use the Rice Cooker to Fix Hamburger Helper Brand Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper

Those of you who do not use a rice cooker are missing a very quick and easy way to have a nice, economical meal. It practically does everything but the dishes!

Most of us are not running through the drive-thru restaurants to bring home hamburgers quite as often. Whether you are concerned about money or nutrition, you are probably trying to cook at home more often. Let's face it, though, most of us have evenings when we are exhausted and don't want to stand over a stove or a sink afterwards! The Rice Cooker is perfect for those nights. Did you think it was just for rice?

I use Tuna Helper and Chicken Helper to make really good meals in my rice cooker. My family loves all of the ones I do. Sometimes I use canned tuna, sometimes I use canned chicken, and often I use frozen boneless chicken tenderloins. I use the cheap kind that come in a bag.

I have three rice cookers, and it is an unusual day if I haven't used one of them. Once you learn the tricks to making Hamburger Helper Brand Chicken Helper and Tuna Helper in your rice cooker, you will, too.

Difficulty: EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

• Rice Cooker: Any size will do. If you have the larger size, you will get the best results with two boxes. One box is perfect for the smaller rice cookers.
• Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper
• Chicken or tuna, one can for each box
• In these pictures, I used boneless chicken.

1. Step 1

   Put a few tablespoons of oil in the bottom of the rice cooker and swirl it around.

2. Step 2 Add the Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper directly to the Rice Cooker

   Add ingredients to the rice cooker that are called for on the box of Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper by Hamburger Helper. These different varieties call for slightly different measurements of milk, butter, water, etc...You can add it straight to the pan. There is no need for another bowl.

3. Step 3 Place chicken on top steam rack.

   If you are adding canned tuna or chicken, add that now, too. If you are using the boneless tenderloins, place them on the steaming rack. I like to oil my rack so it won't stick. This is the little pan with holes that will fit on top of your rice cooker. Tenderloins are better than frozen whole breasts. The steam from the cooking will cook the small breast tenderloins, but it takes the larger ones longer.

   I usually just fill the pan with them, but two or three will do. Remember to replace the glass lid on top of the steamer rack.

4. Step 4

   You may want to turn the chicken once during the cooking process. If you are using a Chicken Helper or Tuna Helper with rice, it will probably not need much attention. The pasta ones could do with a stir or two to help avoid sticking. But, sticking is not a big deal in a rice cooker because they clean easily. I let mine soak overnight.

5. Step 5

   After the cooking is done, which may take two cycles of the rice cooker or standing a while at low, I usually cut the chicken up and put it down in the rice cooker like regular chicken helper and tuna helper.

6. Step 6

   If you want to top it with cheese or add vegetables, it is great. To this one that I prepared last night, I actually cut up onions and put in with the chicken.
   

Tips & Warnings

• The Asian selections are wonderful prepared this way. I almost always do some frozen veggies and add to the mix. I prepare them in the microwave and add them after everything is done.
• More of my Rice Cooker Recipes in the resources section.

Resources

• Rice Cooker Chicken Florentine
• Rice cooker macaroni and cheese
• Rice Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
• Rice Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Cheap nand Easy Meals in the Rice Cooker