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Garlic Butter Rice is the easiest side dish recipe that you can make. Fresh garlic, rich butter and chicken broth gives long grain rice so much flavor.
Rice is one of my favorite go-to side dish recipes. It is budget friendly and can be seasoned in so many ways. Serve it with Grilled, Baked or Fried Meats as it completes many meals.
If you have made Crock Pot Rice, Mexican Rice, Mexican Fried Rice or Stick of Butter Rice then you are going to love the flavors of this Garlic Butter Rice.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Garlic Butter Rice compliments any meal with simple seasoning. I love that I can add fresh herbs, dried spices or add in veggies to create a side dish that everyone will love.
This is the easiest side dish recipe to serve for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Long-Grain White Rice – Feel free to use Basmati Rice Recipe or Jasmine Rice Recipe
- Chicken Broth – Substitute with Vegetable Broth
- Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
For the full recipe and ingredients scroll to the bottom for the full recipe.
Variations Ideas
- Lemon Flavor – For a lemon flavor rice, substitute 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth for lemon juice. You can even add in lemon zest.
- Add Meat – To make this main dish recipe, add in shredded cooked chicken or shrimp.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rice
Step 1 – Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Step 2 – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3 – Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly in a large saucepan.
Step 4 – Pour in the chicken broth, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil.
Step 5 – Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Step 6 – Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Garnish with fresh chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips
- Garlic Taste – Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. For a milder flavor, use 4 cloves instead of 6.
- Type of Rice – This recipe works best with long-grain rice, but you can experiment with other types of uncooked rice, adjusting liquid and cooking time as needed.
- Rinse Rice – Before cooking the rice make sure to rinse the rice. This will create the best texture and the extra starch.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Rice is the Perfect Side Dish to serve. Serve it with one of these delicious meats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When mixing butter with cooked rice adds flavor, texture and richness.
Cooking time will vary depending on your stovetop. But you will know that the rice is finish cooking when the rice is tender and the water has been absorbs.
Store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Store in individual servings to easily add to a protein for a quick lunch.
Reheat the rice in the microwave in 30 second intervals until rice is heated.
More Easy Rice Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
Microwave Brown Rice
Easy Side Dishes
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Best One Pot
Easy Dirty Rice Recipe
We love to hear from you. If you make this Garlic Butter Rice, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Garlic Butter Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic butter. Toast the rice for about 2
- minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is
- absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Easy to make and so delicious!