There’s something so comforting about a bowl of fluffy, buttery rice—especially when it’s infused with golden sautéed garlic and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for grilled chicken or a cozy companion to your favorite roasted veggies, this Garlic Butter Rice hits the mark every time.

This recipe is simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. It uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand and adds big flavor with very little effort. What makes it even better? It pairs well with almost anything. From grilled meats to saucy stir-fries or baked fish, this rice is a quiet star at any dinner table.

Let’s get into how to make it. You’re going to want to bookmark this one—it’s that good.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this delicious side dish:

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon for extra flavor)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it based on what you have. No chicken broth? Water and bouillon work just fine. No parsley? Leave it out. The core flavors are all about garlic and butter, so you really can’t go wrong.

LET’S GET STARTED: MAKING GARLIC BUTTER RICE

STEP 1: Rinse the Rice (Optional But Recommended)

Rinse your rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear. This step removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy instead of sticky. Drain well before moving on.

STEP 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly and keep an eye on it—garlic can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly.

STEP 3: Toast the Rice

Now, add your rinsed and drained rice directly into the pan. Stir it around in the garlic butter for a minute or two. Toasting the rice like this gives it an extra layer of flavor and helps each grain absorb that buttery goodness.

HOW TO COOK PERFECTLY FLUFFY GARLIC BUTTER RICE

At this point, your kitchen is already smelling pretty amazing, but we’re not done yet. The next few steps bring this dish together with rich flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth finish. Let’s keep going!

STEP 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Once the rice has toasted slightly in the garlic butter, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth (or water with bouillon). Stir in the salt and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom.

If you’re using water with bouillon, make sure it’s fully dissolved before continuing. This is where the flavor really starts to develop.

STEP 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Try to resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s cooking—that steam is doing important work!

If the rice still seems a little firm when the time is up, you can let it sit covered (off heat) for an extra 5 minutes to finish cooking in the steam.

STEP 6: Finish with More Butter

Now for the final buttery flourish. Remove the pot from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork, gently separating the grains. Then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and creamy. This last bit of butter adds richness and gives the rice that luscious texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

STEP 7: Garnish and Serve

At this stage, you can serve the rice just as it is, or take it up a notch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth and a salty bite.

This garlic butter rice is perfect alongside baked chicken, pork chops, roasted vegetables, or even tossed with sautéed shrimp. It’s cozy, versatile, and ridiculously easy to make—which is why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time and will need more liquid. You’ll want to simmer it for around 40–45 minutes, and use about 2 ½ cups of broth instead of 2.

2. What’s the best rice to use for this recipe?
Long grain white rice works best. It cooks up fluffy and light, and doesn’t clump as much as shorter grains. Jasmine rice is also a great option for a slightly more aromatic flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Garlic butter rice reheats really well. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

4. Is it okay to skip rinsing the rice?
Rinsing helps remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. While it’s technically optional, we recommend it if you prefer a fluffier result.

5. How can I make it more flavorful?
You can boost the flavor by sautéing a little diced onion with the garlic, adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even stirring in a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute a dairy-free butter alternative and check that your broth is dairy-free as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite protein or piling it into a bowl as comfort food on its own, this Garlic Butter Rice is a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners and lazy weekends alike. It’s quick, simple, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! If you made any additions or tweaks (like adding Parmesan or turning up the garlic), we’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Until next time, happy cooking!

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