If you love a side dish that steals the show, Garlic Butter Rice will win you over from the very first forkful. Every grain is bathed in golden butter and kissed with fragrant garlic, making it irresistibly savory and deeply comforting. This dish is a weeknight hero and dinner party secret weapon all in one—simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up with roasted chicken or spooning it alongside your favorite stew, Garlic Butter Rice is the beloved staple you’ll want in your repertoire.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of basics, but every single ingredient is handpicked for maximum flavor and perfect texture. Let’s go through each one and see how they transform humble rice into a downright dreamy dish.

Long grain white rice: Provides a light, fluffy texture and holds up well to the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Unsalted butter: The star ingredient! It coats every rice grain in rich flavor and keeps things deliciously tender.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the rice with classic, aromatic depth that’s the backbone of this dish.
Chicken broth: Adds wonderful savory flavor; you can use water and bouillon if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors—adjust depending on how salty your broth is.
Black pepper: Brings a little warmth and balance to the overall taste.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but stirring in a handful at the end gives your Garlic Butter Rice a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinsing the rice is more than just a quick splash—it’s the ticket to fluffy, non-sticky grains. Place your rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water, swirling with your hand, until the water runs crystal clear. This step washes off excess starch and ensures every bite of your Garlic Butter Rice is perfection.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy but not browned. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly, letting it sizzle for 30 to 60 seconds. This quick sauté releases the garlic’s irresistible aroma without letting it burn—you want fragrant, not bitter.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Stir the rinsed, drained rice into the garlicky butter, letting it toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Each grain should get a shiny coating. This tiny bit of toasting adds gentle flavor, keeps the rice from turning mushy, and makes your Garlic Butter Rice even more crave-worthy.

Step 4: Add Broth, Salt, and Pepper

Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring it up to a rolling boil, and take a moment to enjoy the savory aroma. The broth deeply flavors the rice as it cooks, making every bite more delicious than the last.

Step 5: Simmer

Lower the heat to its absolute minimum and cover the saucepan tightly. Let the rice simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, undisturbed. This quiet simmer allows the rice to gently absorb all the buttery, garlicky broth until it’s tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for five minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff up the rice, releasing any extra steam and separating the grains. If you’d like, stir in chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and brightness on your plate.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing Garlic Butter Rice takes less than a minute, but makes all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brings color and an herby note, while a last swirl of butter melts into irresistible pools. For a fancy finish, a dusting of fresh cracked pepper or parmesan cheese is heavenly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as the show-stealing base at any meal. Try pairing it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or sautéed shrimp for effortless elegance. Garlic Butter Rice also soaks up sauces like a dream, making it perfect alongside stews, curries, or even simple veggie stir-fries.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to play with presentation! Try packing the rice into little ramekins and unmolding it for lovely mounds, or use cookie cutters for cute shapes on a buffet. You can even serve it in a shallow bowl topped with extra herbs, or transform leftovers into delicious fried rice the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will keep for up to 4 days—perfect for meal preppers and quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

Garlic Butter Rice freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will keep for up to two months. When you crave that buttery garlic aroma, just reheat straight from frozen—no need to thaw.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Garlic Butter Rice gently in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the grains. Alternatively, steam it in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring in a pat of butter to restore its richness and gloss.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add extra broth since it takes longer to become tender. The end result is still wholesome and delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

No fresh garlic? No problem. You can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per garlic clove. The taste will be a little more subtle, but it still gives your Garlic Butter Rice great flavor.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be! Just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and double-check your bouillon is vegetarian. The rest of the recipe is naturally meat-free.

Can I make Garlic Butter Rice in advance?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. It’s a great side to prep for parties and potlucks.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

The secret lies in rinsing the rice well, measuring your liquid carefully, and resisting the urge to peek while it simmers. Let it steam undisturbed, and rest after cooking for fluffy, separate grains every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a new staple, give Garlic Butter Rice a spot on your dinner table. It’s simple, soulful, and spectacularly delicious—just right for busy nights, fancy gatherings, or any time you need a comforting boost. Go ahead and treat yourself to this little rice miracle—you’ll be making it again and again!

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of Garlic Butter Rice with this simple and delicious recipe. This aromatic side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, adding a touch of indulgence to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice

Garlic Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid:

2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)

1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Under cold water until clear.
Sauté Garlic: Melt butter, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Cook Rice: Add rice, cook in garlic butter. Pour in broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, stir in parsley if desired. Serve warm.