Easy Garlic Butter Rice Recipe (Flavor Packed!!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Garlic Butter Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish made with simple ingredients. The rich combination of butter and garlic infuses each grain with savory goodness, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

long grain white riceunsalted butterfresh garlic (minced)chicken broth (or water with bouillon)saltblack pepperfresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast it lightly in the garlic butter.

Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use olive oil along with butter for a lighter version.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Mix in sautéed onions or green peas for added texture.

Top with grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.

Try it with basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover garlic butter rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave with a splash of water or warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time and liquid according to package instructions.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, sauté garlic in butter, then stir in the rice until heated and coated.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, if using gluten-free broth or water with gluten-free bouillon.

Can I freeze garlic butter rice?

Yes, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—chopped spinach, corn, or bell peppers make great additions.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Water with a bouillon cube or vegetable broth works fine.

How do I prevent mushy rice?

Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking.

Does it work in a rice cooker?

Yes—follow your rice cooker’s settings and add garlic butter to the mix.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger pot.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, the buttery, garlicky flavor is mild and usually loved by kids.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Butter Rice is a delicious, simple side that pairs with nearly any meal. With its rich flavor and quick prep time, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner ideas. Once you try it, this flavorful rice is sure to become a regular on your menu.

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