If you have ever craved a side dish that bursts with flavor and has a comforting, buttery aroma, then you absolutely need to try this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe. This dish transforms simple rice into a luscious, garlicky masterpiece that pairs beautifully with nearly any meal. Rich with garlic, lemon, and a symphony of spices, it’s an effortless way to elevate your dinner without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe has got you covered with every bite packed full of savory, buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe comes from a handful of essential ingredients that work together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each component adds a unique element — from the creamy butter and zesty lemon to the vibrant herbs and warming spices.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed): Rinsing helps remove excess starch, preventing clumping and giving you fluffy rice.
- 2â…” cups unsalted chicken broth: Adds depth and richness unlike plain water, infusing the rice with savory flavor.
- 1 cube chicken bouillon: Boosts the savory notes, intensifying the broth’s flavor for that perfect savory base.
- 6 Tbsp butter: The star ingredient that makes this dish luxuriously creamy and rich with garlicky goodness.
- ½ lemon (juiced) and lemon zest: Provides a fresh, bright acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Gives that unmistakable bold, pungent garlic flavor that carries the dish.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy depth and a hint of complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a warm, smoky undertone and lovely color to the rice.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a savory, umami kick that enhances every bite.
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of green color.
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives: Contributes a mild onion flavor, rounding out the fresh elements of the dish.
- ¼ tsp dried thyme: Brings subtle earthiness that complements the buttery garlic base.
- 1 tsp chili flakes: Provides extra warmth and a bit of spice for those who like their rice with a kick.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 425ºF to get it ready for baking your rice to perfection. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, which will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in the Dish
Now, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, butter, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, chives, dried thyme, chili flakes, and salt and pepper directly into your prepared dish. Mixing these all together right in the pan ensures the flavors meld during baking, making every grain bursting with richness and zest.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, encouraging the rice to cook evenly while absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes without peeking, letting the buttery, garlicky aroma fill your kitchen as the rice cooks.
Step 4: Stir and Continue Baking
After the first half hour, carefully remove the foil and give the rice a good stir. This redistributes the flavors and ensures even cooking. Return the dish uncovered to the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the top to develop a slight crust and deeper color while the rice finishes cooking perfectly fluffy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving adds a vibrant splash of green and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the richness of the dish. For an elegant touch, a light drizzle of extra melted butter or a few lemon zest curls can elevate both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile. Pair it with seared chicken breasts, roasted vegetables, or tender grilled shrimp to create a complete and satisfying meal. It also beautifully complements hearty stews or spicy curries, where the creamy rice balances bold, robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving the garlic butter rice molded into mini ramekins or using a ring mold on each plate. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color and an extra citrusy zing. Wrapping the servings with fresh herbs adds a rustic, inviting look perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rice holds up well, retaining its flavor and moisture when properly covered, so you can easily enjoy this delicious side dish again without losing any of its buttery charm.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen garlic butter rice will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for whipping up quick meals when time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally so the butter and garlic flavors stay wonderfully vibrant, bringing the rice back to just-like-fresh comfort in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe?
Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the baking time and broth quantity accordingly to make sure the rice cooks through properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a vegetable-based bouillon cube. The butter and spices will still provide rich, satisfying flavor.
Can I make this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?
You can, but the oven method creates a unique texture and depth of flavor from the slow baking. On the stovetop, cook rice as usual with the broth and spice mixture, then stir in butter and herbs at the end for a quick version.
How spicy is this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe?
The cayenne pepper and chili flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the dish without making it overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amounts to suit your heat preference.
What is the best way to rinse rice?
Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water while gently stirring with your hand until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Rice Recipe is a true kitchen gem — simple yet packed with vibrant flavors that will quickly make it a go-to in your recipe box. With its buttery richness, bright lemon notes, and just the right kick of spice, it’s sure to bring smiles at your family table or impress your guests. Give it a try and watch how this humble side transforms every meal into a memorable feast.
Print
Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Garlic Butter Rice recipe that combines tender long-grain white rice with rich butter, zesty lemon, and a harmonious blend of spices, all baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect as a comforting side dish to complement any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2â…” cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 6 Tbsp butter
- ½ lemon, juiced
- lemon zest (from ½ lemon)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, fresh chives, dried thyme, chili flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine.
- Cover the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help cook the rice evenly.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and start cooking.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil, stir the rice to redistribute heat and ingredients, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and any remaining liquid is absorbed.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
- You can adjust spices like cayenne pepper and chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly to trap steam, which is essential for properly cooking the rice in the oven.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
