Garlic Butter Rice

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Garlic Butter Rice is the perfect side dish for dinner! A simple mix of butter, sautéed onion, garlic, and chicken broth gives this rice tons of great flavor. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing!

Overhead shot of a bowl of garlic butter rice with a spoon in it.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Flavorful! This garlic butter rice is simple yet loaded with flavor! It will elevate any meal to the next level. Your entire family will love it!
  • Quick and Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep time is all you need, and then it’s totally hands-off! You can work on the main dish while it’s cooking! 
  • Versatile: You can serve this rice as-is or add additional ingredients to make it more of a pilaf. The flavors are mild enough to pair with a variety of different mains.

What is Garlic Butter Rice?

This delicious garlic butter rice combines long-grain white rice, butter, garlic, onion, and chicken broth. It’s hassle-free to make and can be simmering while you work on the main dish.

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it’s versatile enough to be served alongside a variety of different mains! Whether you’re serving your family dinner or hosting a large gathering, this garlic butter rice is always a winner. We love it with air fryer steak, crispy parmesan garlic chicken, and this grilled tilapia!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need to whip up this delicious garlic butter rice is a handful of simple ingredients. Its light, savory flavor perfectly complements any main course without stealing the show. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Butter: The star of this rice for adding creaminess and richness!
  • Yellow Onion and Garlic: Infuses the rice with the most wonderful savory flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and delicious flavor to the rice as it cooks. Substitute with vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian.
  • Rice: Dry long-grain white rice turns out perfectly fluffy and tender. You could use basmati rice or jasmine rice as a substitute.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste!
  • Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

This is one of those easy recipes that’s good to have in your back pocket when you need a quick side that everyone loves. You’ll be making it on repeat! It’s hands-off and can be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.

  1. Melt Butter: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add yellow onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
  2. Sauté: Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer: Add the rice and stir once. Cover with a lid then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
  5. Let Rest: Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes. 
  6. Add More Butter and Fluff: Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Overhead shot of melted butter and onions in a pot on the stove.
Overhead host of butter and onion mixture with garlic on top.
Overhead shot of someone pouring chicken broth into the onion, butter and garlic mixture.
Overhead shot of someone pouring rice into the broth, butter, onion and garlic mixture in the pot.

Tips for Making Garlic Butter Rice

Here are some simple tips for the best garlic butter rice!

  • Garlic: This rice recipe calls for 4 garlic cloves, but feel free to use more if you LOVE garlic flavor! Or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of the cloves if you prefer.
  • Rice: Rinse and strain your rice before cooking it. This makes it extra fluffy when it’s cooked. No one wants sticky or mushy rice! Long-grain rice is best for this recipe. Try using Jasmine, basmati, or whole-wheat rice. Just remember that the cooking time for whole-wheat rice is longer.
  • Salt: The amount of salt in this recipe is a personal preference. It also depends on the chicken broth that you use. If it’s low-sodium, you will want to add more salt to flavor the rice.
  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer! Chicken bouillon packs more flavor if you want to use that instead of the broth.

Overhead shot of garlic butter rice in a pot with wooden spoon, garnished with parsley.

Storing Leftover Rice

Leftover garlic butter rice is delicious! Here is how to store it so it stays fresh:

  • In the Refrigerator: Let the rice cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in your fridge. Leftover rice will last about 3-4 days. 
  • To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth before rewarming to add moisture.

Angle shot of a plated bowl of garlic butter rice with a bite of rice on a spoon.

More delicious rice recipes

A tasty rice dish can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving tacos or fish, I have a rice recipe for you! Here are a few of our family favorites for you to try!

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  • Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add yellow onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.

  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  • Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  • Add the rice and stir once, cover with a lid then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes.

  • Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 521mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 178IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Published by Staff Reporter