This garlic butter rice is an easy side dish made with jasmine rice, butter, garlic, and onion for simple, reliable flavor 👇👇
It's cooked in broth instead of water so the rice turns out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor every time. This is one of those back-pocket side dishes I make when I need something quick that goes with almost anything.
Why This Recipe Works
- Works with everything - serve it with chicken, beef, pork, or fish
- Simple ingredients - pantry staples with big flavor
- Cooked in broth - adds more flavor than water
- Fluffy every time - the method keeps the texture just right
- Quick side dish - ready in about 20 minutes
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Many readers say this has become their go-to rice recipe because it's simple, flavorful, and easy to make.
👉 If you want more simple options like this, I've put together a list of easy rice recipes you can try.
Recipe Ingredients
- 1½ cups jasmine rice - best for fluffy texture, but you can also use long-grain white or basmati rice (cook time may vary slightly)
- ¼ cup diced yellow onion - chop small so it blends into the rice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced - fresh gives the best flavor
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter - used at the beginning for flavor
- 3 cups chicken broth - or vegetable broth (water works but has less flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp butter - stirred in at the end for more flavor
Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇
Step 1: Sauté Onion And Garlic
Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Rice And Broth
Stir in 1½ cups uncooked jasmine rice, then pour in 3 cups chicken broth, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
👉 Do not stir during this step or the rice can turn mushy.
Step 4: Steam
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5-10 minutes to steam.
Step 5: Add Butter And Fluff
Add 3 Tbsp butter, then fluff the rice with a fork until light and separated. Serve and enjoy!
Common Rice Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)
Rice is simple, but a few small mistakes can completely change the texture. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:
- Not rinsing the rice first: Rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
- Using too much liquid: This is the #1 reason rice turns mushy. Stick to the ratio, or try slightly less broth if your rice tends to come out soft.
- Stirring while it cooks: Stirring releases starch and makes the rice sticky instead of fluffy. Once it's simmering, leave it alone.
- Cooking on too high heat: High heat can burn the bottom while the rest stays undercooked. Keep it low and steady.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes helps it finish cooking and absorb any extra moisture.
If your rice ever turns out a bit off, it's usually one of these steps, and it's an easy fix next time.
Reader Tips
- Add a little extra salt if needed - a few readers mentioned the flavor improved with a pinch more salt at the end, especially depending on the broth you use
- Try slightly less broth - some found that using about 2½ cups instead of 3 cups gives a slightly firmer texture, especially with certain brands of rice
- Even better the next day - the garlic butter flavor deepens after sitting, and it reheats really well with a splash of water or broth
- Great with simple dinners - this pairs easily with chicken, fish, beans, or anything that needs a quick, flavorful side
Andi's Note
This is one of those recipes I make all the time because it's so easy but tastes like more than just plain rice. It's simple on purpose, and once you make it once, it becomes something you can throw together without thinking.
Why Rice Turns Out Mushy
Rice can turn mushy if there's too much liquid or too much stirring during cooking.
- Too much liquid - makes the rice soft instead of fluffy
- Stirring while cooking - releases starch and creates a sticky texture
- Heat too high - can overcook the bottom
The key is to use the right ratio, keep the lid on, and let it steam at the end.
Storage
- Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: microwave with a splash of water or broth
Easy Variations
- Parmesan garlic rice: stir in grated parmesan at the end for a richer, slightly creamy finish
- Cilantro lime rice: add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking
- Firmer rice texture: use about 2½ cups broth for more separated grains
- Extra seasoned rice: adjust salt and pepper at the end to taste
More Easy Rice Recipes
If you like this garlic butter rice, here are a few more easy ways to change it up:
- Rice with peppers and peas with simple and colorful with extra veggies
- Cajun rice for bold flavor with a bit of spice
- Cilantro lime rice with fresh and great for tacos or bowls
- Cheddar broccoli rice is creamy and kid-friendly
- Taco rice is an easy dinner idea with lots of flavor
- Turmeric rice with warm spices and a golden color
- Fried rice is perfect for using up leftovers
- Broccoli rice casserole is a hearty, baked option
FAQs
Yes, you can. White basmati rice will also work for this recipe. I haven't personally tried using brown rice but I think it will work as well.
No you can use vegetable broth or beef broth as well. You can also use water but the rice will lack the same flavor.
Let it simmer on low heat for about 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Yes, some people prefer using about 2½ cups for slightly firmer rice. This can vary depending on the type of rice.
Garlic Butter Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp salted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup diced yellow onion - chopped small
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white jasmine rice
- 3 cups chicken broth - or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 1½ cups uncooked jasmine rice, then pour in 3 cups chicken broth, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Do not stir during this step.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5-10 minutes to steam.
- Add 3 Tbsp butter, then fluff the rice with a fork until light and separated.
Notes
- Rinse the rice first - helps remove excess starch for a fluffier texture
- Don't stir while cooking - this prevents mushy rice
- Use low heat - keeps the bottom from burning
- Let it steam after cooking - this helps finish the texture
- Use broth instead of water - adds more flavor
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
H.G. Clark says
Absolutely fabulous!! A recipe I depend on for its rich full flavour. My number one side dish for a wide variety of entrees. And any extra, which rarely happens, freezes extremely well! Cannot thank you enough for this recipe.
Rose says
This was the easiest and most delicious rice recipe ever! Definitely on repeat!
Thank you!
Carol says
This is amazing! So buttery. It is now a staple in our house. I'm guessing that at the end they added fresh parsley?