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.

Sprinkling herbs on the garlic butter rice.

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

Ingredients used to make garlic butter rice.

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.

A bowl of buttery garlic rice with herbs on top.

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.

Cooking garlic butter rice in a saute pan.

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.

A serving bowl filled with rice seasoned with garlic butter.

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

This Garlic Butter Rice recipe is a game-changer for your dinner sides. Loaded with butter and amped up with a heap of garlic, it transforms plain old long-grain rice into a garlicky boss that refuses to sit quietly on the side of your plate. It is fast to make and even quicker to disappear. Toss some fresh parsley on top if you're feeling fancy, but let's be honest, it’s all about the garlic and butter.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 18

Servings: servings

Calories: 291kcal

Author: Dahn Boquist

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.