If you’re tired of your usual side dishes doing the bare minimum, say hello to the MVP of sides: garlic butter rice. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make.
Ready to ditch the plain rice routine? This garlicky, buttery goodness will elevate your meal game and have everyone asking for seconds.
Here is Why This Simple Garlic Butter Rice Recipe Works
- Effortlessly Flavorful: This recipe turns basic rice into a rich, aromatic side dish with just a few ingredients. The combination of garlic and butter infuses the rice with deep flavors that are hard to resist.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether accompanying a saucy chicken or balancing out spicy foods, this rice knows how to make friends on your dinner plate.
- Quick to Prepare: In just about 20 minutes, you have a delicious side that looks like you’ve put in way more effort.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different broths or herbs.
The Ingredients
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.
- Pantry: Long-grain rice, chicken broth
- Produce: Onion, fresh garlic, parsley
- Pantry Seasonings: Granulated garlic, salt, pepper
- Condiments: Olive oil, butter
Fun and Flavorful Variations
Ready to shake things up? If you’re looking to turn this already fabulous garlic butter rice into something even more exciting, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, zesty, or with a fiery kick, these recipes are your ticket to an unforgettable side dish.
- Cheesy Rice: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar at the end for a cheesy version.
- Lemon Herb Rice: Add lemon zest and a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Spicy Garlic Rice: Toss in some chili crisp sauce or Sambal oelek chili paste along with toasted garlic chips.
Tips for the Best Rice
Here are a few recipe tips for success.
- Saute for Flavor: Take the time to sauté the onions until they are translucent and the garlic until it’s just fragrant. This foundational step adds depth of flavor to the rice.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the rice sit off the heat, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to settle and the remaining steam to distribute evenly, resulting in a better texture when fluffed with a fork.
- Add Freshness: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving.
If you have leftovers, turn them into a meal the next day by making chicken fried rice. If you make a batch of our sauce for fried rice, you can whip up an easy dinner in no time.
Storage
Fridge: Store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of water.
Our garlic butter rice is the perfect upgrade from your standard side dish. It’s easy, flavorful, and versatile enough to complement any main course. This recipe will work for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.
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Garlic Butter Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 6-8 cloves garlic minced (1-½ tablespoons)
- 1-½ cups long-grain rice rinsed and drained
- 2-½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan (that can fit a lid), heat the olive oil, then add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the garlic to the mixture, stirring and cooking for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Stir in the long-grain rice and mix well to coat the grains in the butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth. Mix in the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately turn it to low.
- Cover the saucepan with the lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add more salt to taste, if needed.
- Top with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture as it stays fluffy and separates easily after cooking. Alternatives like basmati or jasmine rice can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, or it will become bitter. It should just be fragrant and lightly golden before adding the rice.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version without compromising the rich flavor.
- Using freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced can will give the rice more garlicky flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the rice. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- To reheat the rice, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over it and zap it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through.
