Name: Simple Delicious Garlic Butter Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min

Simple Delicious Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe (Easy 35-Minute Rice Side Dish)

Garlic butter rice is one of those simple side dishes that never disappoints.

It’s the recipe I turn to when I want to make plain rice taste extra special without adding a lot of work.

Rich butter, fresh garlic, and savory chicken broth come together to create fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with just about any meal.

Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, seafood, or roasted vegetables, this buttery garlic rice fits right in.

It’s made with everyday ingredients, comes together with very little effort, and delivers restaurant-worthy flavor every time.

If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s comforting, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this garlic butter rice is one you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with buttery garlic flavor. Every bite is rich, savory, and full of comforting flavor.
Made with simple pantry staples. No fancy ingredients—just everyday basics you probably already have.
Easy to make. One saucepan and a few simple steps are all it takes.
Perfectly fluffy every time. The rice cooks in flavorful broth for tender, delicious results.
A versatile side dish. Pairs well with chicken, beef, seafood, pork, or vegetables.
Great for busy weeknights. Ready in about 35 minutes with minimal prep.
Easy to customize. Add lemon, fresh herbs, or extra garlic to make it your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

Long Grain White Rice – The base of this recipe. Long grain rice cooks up light and fluffy, but jasmine rice is a great substitute if you prefer a slightly softer texture and fragrant flavor.
Yellow Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth that builds the foundation of the dish.
Garlic – The star ingredient. Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with rich, aromatic flavor. Feel free to use up to 2 tablespoons if you love extra garlic.
Chicken Broth – Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water gives it a richer, more flavorful taste. Vegetable broth works well if you want to keep the dish vegetarian.
Butter – Creates the rich, buttery finish that makes this rice so irresistible. Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning, but salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the buttery garlic flavor without overpowering it.
Fresh Parsley (Optional) – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish. Dried parsley can be substituted if needed.

Optional Substitutions

Jasmine Rice – A great alternative to long grain white rice with a slightly softer texture.
Vegetable Broth – An easy swap for chicken broth.
Salted Butter – Works just as well; simply reduce the added salt slightly.
Dried Parsley – Use about 1 teaspoon in place of fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and lightly caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Increase the heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors from the onion and garlic to infuse the liquid.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Stir in the rinsed rice, giving it one quick stir to evenly distribute it in the broth. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 to 18 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Rest the Rice

Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This extra resting time allows the rice to finish steaming, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5: Finish with Butter

Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the hot rice. Gently fluff the rice with a fork while mixing in the butter until it has completely melted and evenly coats every grain.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the rice with fresh minced parsley, if desired, and serve warm. This buttery garlic rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, seafood, or your favorite roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead + Storage

To make ahead:

Cook the rice completely, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water until warmed through.

To freeze:

Let the rice cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat with a little broth, water, or butter to restore its soft, fluffy texture.

Simple Delicious Garlic Butter Rice

A simple side dish that delivers rich, savory flavor with very little effort. Butter, garlic, onion, and chicken broth turn ordinary white rice into a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. It's an easy recipe to keep in your regular meal rotation.

Print Pin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Simple Delicious Garlic Butter Rice

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Rest Time: 10

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Notes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry long grain white rice, or jasmine rice, rinsed in a fine sieve and drained well
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (or up to 2 Tbsp)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces, divided
1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add yellow onion and saute until starting to deepen in color, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute until just barely starting to deepen in color (not browned), about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil.
Add rice and stir once, cover with a snug lid then reduce heat to low. Let simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 15 - 18 minutes.
Remove from heat and let rest 5 - 10 minutes. Add remaining 3 Tbsp butter, toss and fluff with a fork.
Serve warm garnished with parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

Jasmine rice will cook more near 15 minutes, while long grain white rice usually needs closer to 18 minutes.
For a bright lemon version, replace 2 1/2 Tbsp chicken broth with fresh lemon juice and stir in 1/2 tsp lemon zest.
At higher elevations, add an extra 2 Tbsp chicken broth to compensate for increased evaporation.

Optional Variations

Extra Garlic: Increase the garlic to 2 Tbsp for a bolder flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Finish with additional parsley, or try chopped chives or green onions.
Heartier Meal: Stir in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chickpeas before serving to make it more filling.

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1. Can I use jasmine rice instead of long grain white rice?

Yes! Jasmine rice works great in this recipe and gives the rice a slightly softer texture with a light, fragrant flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may cook a little faster.

2. Do I really need to rinse the rice first?

I definitely recommend it. Rinsing removes excess starch so the rice cooks up nice and fluffy instead of sticky. Just rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.

3. Can I make garlic butter rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the rice as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the fluffy texture.

4. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

Yes, but chicken broth adds so much more flavor. If you’re using water, I recommend adding a little extra salt or your favorite seasonings. Vegetable broth is another delicious option.

5. Why did my rice turn out mushy?

This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or the rice is overcooked. Be sure to use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio, keep the lid on while it cooks, and let the rice rest for 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.