Name: Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

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Garlic Butter Rice is that magical side dish you turn to when you want something more exciting than plain rice, but just as quick and comforting. Imagine each fluffy grain coated in silky, fragrant butter and flecked with golden garlic bits, then finished with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan for a pop of color and flavor. Whether you’re serving this with your favorite roast, a simple weeknight protein, or just enjoying it solo with an extra pat of butter, Garlic Butter Rice brings a little luxury to any meal with hardly any extra effort.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Rice is its simplicity—a handful of pantry staples work together to create big flavors and beautiful textures. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich butter to the aromatic garlic, making this dish greater than the sum of its parts.

Long-grain white rice: Yields fluffy, separate grains that soak up all that garlicky butter goodness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness, letting you control the salt to perfection.
Fresh garlic cloves: The star ingredient for a savory, mouthwatering aroma and taste—don’t skimp on it!
Chicken broth (or water with bouillon): Adds savory depth and makes the rice extra flavorful; veggie broth works too for a vegetarian touch.
Salt: Brings out all the underlying flavors and balances the butteriness.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite to round out the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): Gives a burst of color and brightness at the end.
Grated Parmesan (optional): For a salty, nutty, umami-packed finishing touch—highly recommended if you love cheesy rice!

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Don’t skip this step! Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This rinses away excess starch, keeping your Garlic Butter Rice fluffy instead of sticky. It’s a small task that makes a big difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s just bubbling (but not browned). Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic golden and fragrant, not bitter and burnt—keep a close eye and enjoy the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen!

Step 3: Toast the Rice in Garlic Butter

Add your rinsed rice straight into that garlicky butter, stirring to thoroughly coat every grain. Let it toast for 1 to 2 minutes; this step adds extra flavor and prevents mushiness. The rice should glisten and start to smell wonderfully nutty.

Step 4: Add Broth, Season, and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth (or your chosen liquid) and add the salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, then increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it gently simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, undisturbed, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish

Remove your pot from the heat, keeping the lid on, and let the Garlic Butter Rice rest for 5 minutes—this allows the steam to finish cooking every last grain. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped parsley and Parmesan if you like a herby, cheesy boost. Serve it up warm and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

Garnishes

Dress up each serving with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for color, a sprinkle of Parmesan for salt and depth, or even a twist of black pepper. A few thin lemon slices add a sunny edge, while a small pat of extra butter will melt beautifully over the hot rice, making it irresistibly glossy.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Rice is a versatile side that pairs with just about everything. It’s lovely next to roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or roasted vegetables. Try it with saucy stir-fries, spicy curries, or marinated tofu for a balanced plate. The subtle flavor profile means it can support bold entrées or shine alongside something simple.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Garlic Butter Rice in small individual bowls, or use a mold for a neat dome shape on each plate. Tuck it into roasted bell peppers for an all-in-one approach, or layer it into a grain bowl with sautéed greens, egg, and a drizzle of chili oil. You can even use leftovers to make quick fried rice the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before storing to help maintain its texture. If you plan to use the rice in another dish, it’s handy to portion it out ahead of time.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Rice! Transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, ideally in individual portions. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen with a splash of broth.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water or broth over the rice to bring back moisture, and warm it in the microwave in short bursts, fluffing in between. On the stovetop, add a drizzle of melted butter in a pan and stir until heated through. This revives the texture and gives it that fresh, flavorful finish.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Definitely! Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and typically a bit more liquid. Follow package directions, adjusting your timing and broth amount as needed.

What’s the best rice for Garlic Butter Rice?

Long-grain white rice is classic for its fluffiness, but jasmine or basmati will work wonderfully, adding their own subtle fragrances. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier, so if you prefer fluffy rice, stick to long-grain varieties.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth—or use water with your favorite veggie bouillon! The results are just as savory and plant-based without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to cook Garlic Butter Rice in a rice cooker?

Absolutely, and it’s a real time-saver! Sauté the garlic and rice in butter on the stovetop, then transfer them to the rice cooker with broth and seasonings. Let the machine handle the rest; just fluff and finish with parsley and Parmesan after cooking.

How can I add even more flavor?

Try toasting the rice a little longer in the garlic butter or stirring in extra herbs like thyme or dill. A dash of lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty note, and sautéed onions alongside the garlic build a lovely depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing side that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, make Garlic Butter Rice your new staple. It’s endlessly adaptable, always delicious, and destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever did without it!

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The combination of garlic-infused butter, fragrant rice, and savory chicken broth creates a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

Garlic Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasonings:

2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, coating the grains in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley and Parmesan if using. Serve warm.