If you’re craving a fuss-free, comforting side dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Baked Ranch Rice Recipe. It brings together fluffy rice, rich butter, savory chicken broth, and that unmistakable tang of ranch seasoning into one glorious, golden casserole. Every bite is soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, making it the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted chicken or serving it alongside your favorite weeknight dinner, this recipe is a total game-changer and a keeper for busy nights or special family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Baked Ranch Rice Recipe is a breeze because it uses just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each element plays a vital role—rice provides a tender base, chicken broth infuses it with savory depth, ranch mix adds that signature zesty kick, and butter rounds it all out with creamy richness.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed: Rinsing helps remove excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out light and fluffy.
- 2⅔ cups unsalted chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives the rice amazing savory flavor that seeps into every grain.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: This seasoning brings that classic ranch tang and herbs that make this rice extra delicious.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter: Butter adds a silky richness and helps the rice brown beautifully on top as it bakes.
How to Make Baked Ranch Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 425ºF. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your rice won’t cling to the dish and cleanup is easier.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish
Next, add your rinsed rice, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, and butter directly into the prepared baking dish. Don’t bother with extra bowls—you’re keeping things simple here! The ingredients will mingle perfectly as they bake, blending flavors and creating a tender comfort dish.
Step 3: Cover Tightly with Foil
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and steam the rice as it cooks. This step is important because it allows the rice to cook evenly and become tender rather than dry.
Step 4: First Bake—Let the Magic Begin
Pop the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial phase lets the rice absorb the broth and ranch seasonings, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Stir and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and give the rice a good stir to break up any clumps. Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked, tender, and the top is beautifully golden. This uncovered bake is what gives you that lovely crust and toasty flavor on top.
How to Serve Baked Ranch Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this Baked Ranch Rice Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. A little shredded cheddar or mozzarella melted on top is pure comfort food bliss. For a pop of color, toss on some diced green onions—you’ll get freshness and crunch that complements the creamy rice beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rice is an ideal companion for a variety of main courses. Pair it with roasted or grilled chicken, pork chops, or even baked fish. It also holds its own alongside your favorite steamed veggies or a crisp garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this baked rice in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can even scoop it into bell pepper halves, sprinkle with cheese, and broil briefly for an eye-catching stuffed pepper delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Baked Ranch Rice to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The rice will stay moist and flavorful, ready to brighten your next meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Place cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meal prep or saving food from going to waste.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of broth or butter to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time and different water absorption, so it’s not ideal for this recipe without adjusting cooking time and liquid. For best results, stick with long-grain white rice as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
Butter adds richness and aids browning, but you can substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free spread if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables or protein directly to the rice before baking?
Yes! Adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can make it more nutritious. For proteins, precooked chicken or bacon bits work well; just stir them in before baking.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?
The rice should be tender and creamy with a light crust on top. If the liquid has been absorbed and the texture is soft, it’s ready. If needed, you can bake a few extra minutes with foil to avoid drying out.
Can I use ranch dressing powder from scratch instead of a packet?
You certainly can! Combine buttermilk powder, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to match ranch seasoning flavors. Use about 2 to 3 tablespoons for this recipe to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ranch Rice Recipe is one of those little treasures that’s surprisingly simple yet incredibly flavorful. It’s dependable, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy dish with minimal effort. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this tasty baked rice experience—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Ranch Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy baked rice dish infused with ranch dressing mix and chicken broth, resulting in tender, savory rice perfect as a comforting side or base for your favorite meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2⅔ cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice, unsalted chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, and unsalted butter into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, then place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and partially cook.
- Uncover and Stir: Remove the foil carefully, stir the rice gently to distribute heat and ingredients evenly.
- Bake Second Stage: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
- Use unsalted chicken broth to control sodium levels; you can add salt to taste if desired.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Stirring halfway through baking helps the rice cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
- This recipe makes a great side dish for roasted or grilled meats and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
