If there’s anything that can transform a simple meal into sheer magic, it’s Garlic Butter Rice. Imagine a fragrant, buttery rice dish that soaks up all the goodness of fresh garlic and finishes with a subtle grassy hit of parsley. This dish never fails to steal the show at my table! Whether you’re dressing up weeknight chicken, complimenting a festive roast, or just want something extra comforting without fuss, Garlic Butter Rice is the savory side you’ll want to make again and again. It’s effortless, flexible, and absolutely packed with flavor — you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled at how few ingredients it takes to make Garlic Butter Rice shine, and each one plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. Choose quality basics and you’ll taste the difference in every forkful.

Long-grain white rice: The ideal canvas; fluffy, non-sticky, and perfect for soaking up that buttery-garlic flavor.
Unsalted butter: Lends richness and a velvety finish while allowing you to control the salt level to perfection.
Garlic (minced): The star of the show, infusing the rice with warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor.
Salt: Just enough to enhance the other flavors without overwhelming the gentle notes of butter and garlic.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle depth and gentle heat that balances every bite.
Chicken broth or water: Cooking rice in broth gives another layer of savory flavor, but water keeps it vegetarian and clean — your call!
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end wakes up the dish with freshness and a touch of color.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Drain the Rice

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Don’t skip this step! Rinsing removes excess starch so your Garlic Butter Rice cooks up light and fluffy, never gummy. Make sure to drain it well — a fine mesh strainer works wonders here — so you don’t add extra water to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is gently sizzling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Just when the garlic is fragrant and golden (not brown!), you’re ready for the next step. Don’t walk away — garlic can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed and drained rice right into the garlicky butter. Stir for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure every grain gets a glossy, aromatic coating. This little technique brings out the nuttiness of the rice and is the secret for deep flavor in your Garlic Butter Rice.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Salt, and Pepper

Pour in the chicken broth (or water if you prefer) and add the salt and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, scraping up any sticky bits from the bottom, then bring it to a lively boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop a tight lid on, and let it simmer away for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for five minutes. This is the moment that ensures perfectly fluffy grains. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork to loosen things up and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately — and watch how quickly it vanishes from the bowl!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens and freshens up Garlic Butter Rice beautifully. If you want to take it a step further, try a squeeze of fresh lemon, a little zest, or a handful of finely grated Parmesan right before serving. The options are endless but even plain, this rice truly holds its own.

Side Dishes

This rice is delightfully versatile! Pair it with juicy roast chicken, grilled shrimp, veggie stir fry, or even with a saucy curry. The mild yet rich garlic-butter flavor flatters almost any main course without overpowering it. I especially love using it as a base for one-bowl meals — just top with your favorite protein and veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or meal prep, try packing Garlic Butter Rice into small bowls or ramekins and inverting them on plates for a pretty molded dome. Or, toss in cooked peas or sautéed mushrooms for a bistro-style rice pilaf. This dish is also lovely layered in a rice bowl with roasted vegetables or a fried egg on top for a cozy, satisfying lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Garlic Butter Rice left, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners. The flavors seem to meld and deepen even more overnight!

Freezing

Garlic Butter Rice freezes very well. Spread cooled rice on a baking sheet to freeze in individual clumps before transferring to zip-top bags or containers — this prevents clumping and makes it easy to thaw just what you need. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive leftover Garlic Butter Rice, simply sprinkle it with a tablespoon or two of water, cover, and microwave till steaming hot. Alternatively, reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water, stirring until warmed through. If you want to freshen things up, stir in another pat of butter or a bit more parsley just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just note that brown rice will need a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Check your package instructions for ratios, but expect it to take about 40 minutes to cook through. The flavor will be heartier and slightly nutty, which pairs nicely with the garlic and butter.

What can I use instead of butter to make this dairy-free?

Feel free to swap the butter for a plant-based vegan butter or even olive oil. While butter gives that classic flavor, both substitutes will impart richness and help deliver the signature garlic aroma.

Is Garlic Butter Rice gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as written—just make sure your chicken broth (if using) doesn’t contain any added wheat products. It’s a safe and super tasty bet for nearly everyone at the table!

How can I make Garlic Butter Rice even more flavorful?

Try finishing the cooked rice with a splash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a little extra black pepper. You can also stir in herbs like thyme or chives, or sauté a few chopped shallots with the garlic for extra depth.

What’s the best way to keep leftover rice from turning mushy?

Store cooled Garlic Butter Rice in a shallow container for faster chilling, and reheat gently with a splash of water to help revive fluffiness. Avoid overcooking when reheating, as this can break down the grains and change the texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a big bowl of Garlic Butter Rice — it’s cozy, aromatic, and adaptable to whatever meal you’re in the mood for. Give it a try, play around with your favorite twists, and get ready to make it a cherished staple at your table. Your future self (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Butter Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. This easy-to-make recipe combines fragrant garlic, butter, and fluffy white rice for a delicious addition to your meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

Garlic Butter Mixture:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid:

2 cups chicken broth or water

Garnish (optional):

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Cook Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another 1–2 minutes, coating the grains in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth or water, add salt and pepper, and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or stir in grated Parmesan at the end.
You can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American