Garlic Butter Rice is a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. This recipe is not only simple to make but also brimming with rich garlic flavors that your family will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, Garlic Butter Rice will elevate your meal and impress your guests. It’s versatile enough to complement chicken, pork, or steak, making it a must-try for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this delicious rice dish in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and seasonings creates an irresistible flavor that enhances any meal.
Versatile Side Dish: This rice pairs beautifully with various proteins, making it the perfect accompaniment for any main course.
Crowd-Pleaser: One bite of this Garlic Butter Rice and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a family favorite.
Oven-Baked Convenience: Cooking in the oven allows for hands-off preparation, letting you focus on other dishes.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Rice effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. This section outlines what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Cooking spray
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when preparing Garlic Butter Rice.
Aluminum Foil: Covering the dish keeps moisture in during baking, which helps cook the rice perfectly.
Cooking Spray: This prevents the rice from sticking to the dish, ensuring easy serving and cleanup.

Ingredients

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe – effortless to make and packed full of amazing garlic flavor! White rice, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, chives, thyme, chili flakes, and chicken broth. This goes with everything – chicken, pork, and steaks. One bite and this is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed)
– 2⅔ cups unsalted chicken broth
– 1 cube chicken bouillon
– 6 Tbsp butter
– ½ lemon (juiced)
– lemon zest
– 4 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp paprika
– ½ tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
– 1 Tbsp fresh chives
– ¼ tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– salt and black pepper (to taste)

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425ºF. This step is essential for ensuring your Garlic Butter Rice cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In the prepared pan, add all the ingredients including rice, chicken broth, butter, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Stir and Continue Baking

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Stir the rice mixture gently to combine. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until fully cooked.

With these simple steps completed, you’ll have delicious Garlic Butter Rice ready to serve alongside your favorite dishes! Enjoy this mouthwatering side that brings warmth and flavor to every meal.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Its rich flavor and comforting texture make it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken breasts complement the garlic flavor while adding protein.

Alongside Pork Chops

Crispy pork chops create a delightful contrast with the buttery rice, enhancing the overall taste.

Pairing with Steaks

A perfectly cooked steak served with garlic butter rice makes for a classic combination that never disappoints.

As a Base for Stir-Fried Vegetables

Serve garlic butter rice topped with colorful stir-fried vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Accompanying Roasted Vegetables

Roasted seasonal vegetables add a sweet and savory balance to the richness of the rice.

With Fish Fillets

Lightly seasoned fish fillets pair well, allowing the garlic butter rice to shine through as the star side dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Rice

To achieve perfectly fluffy and flavorful Garlic Butter Rice, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Chicken Broth: The broth adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Rinse the Rice: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing clumping and resulting in fluffier rice.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste; more cayenne can add heat while more lemon juice brightens flavors.
Let It Rest: Allowing the rice to sit covered after baking helps it finish cooking and absorb remaining moisture.
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh parsley or chives just before serving for an extra pop of freshness.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition; steam until tender but still crisp.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a lovely caramelized flavor that balances well with garlic.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to rich rice.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans bring sweetness and protein, making them a filling companion.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Sautéed or roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and earthiness that pairs nicely with garlic flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the rice.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the meal’s flavor profile; grill or boil for best results.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with cheese or grains create an eye-catching presentation alongside garlic butter rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Skipping Rinsing the Rice: Not rinsing the rice can lead to a gummy texture. Always rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear for a fluffy result.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap butter or broth can compromise flavor. Opt for unsalted butter and high-quality chicken broth for the best taste.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Improper measurements can alter the dish’s balance. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy in your recipe.
Overcooking the Rice: Leaving the rice in the oven too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and check around the suggested cooking time.
Underseasoning: Garlic Butter Rice needs seasoning for depth. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Garlic Butter Rice in an airtight container.
It will last for about 4–5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Rice

Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Rice

Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place rice in a covered dish, and heat for about 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and heat over medium-low until warm, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Rice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can use brown rice, but it will require more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly for best results.

What dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Rice?

Garlic Butter Rice complements chicken, pork, and steaks beautifully. It’s also great alongside vegetables or salads.

How can I customize Garlic Butter Rice?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers, or mix in proteins like shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.

Is Garlic Butter Rice suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping due to its versatility and flavor retention.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Rice is not only effortless to make but also incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with various main dishes and offers plenty of room for customization. Try adding your favorite herbs or vegetables to make it even more delicious! Enjoy this comforting side dish at your next family dinner!

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Garlic Butter Rice

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x

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Description

Garlic Butter Rice is a delightful, savory side dish that elevates any meal with its rich garlic flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines buttery goodness with aromatic herbs, making it a perfect accompaniment for grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this versatile rice dish guarantees to impress your family and friends. With minimal ingredients and hands-off oven cooking, you can prepare a delicious side that complements a variety of main courses while enjoying quality time with your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed)
2⅔ cups unsalted chicken broth
6 Tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
½ lemon (juiced) and zest
Fresh herbs (parsley and chives)
Seasonings (paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In the prepared dish, combine rice, chicken broth, butter, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, and spices.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until fully cooked.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American