Amazing garlic butter rice in 30 minutes

It’s so easy to get stuck making plain, boring rice alongside a fantastic main dish, isn’t it? You spend all that time on the chicken or the seafood, and then you realize you have nothing exciting to serve next to it! Well, that stops today, friends. I’m sharing my absolute favorite, foolproof recipe for garlic butter rice—the one I call the Ultimate 30-Minute Garlic Butter Rice with Chicken Broth Infusion. As you know from my philosophy here, I focus on real home cooking expertise that fits into our hectic weeknights. This savory, buttery rice is ready before most takeout arrives, and it tastes incredible. Trust me, this simple side upgrade will become a staple!

Why This garlic butter rice Recipe is Your New Weeknight Staple

When I was juggling my marketing career and trying to get dinner on the table, I needed shortcuts that didn’t taste cheap. That’s why this garlic butter rice became my lifeline! It truly is the perfect Easy Side Dish. It delivers maximum flavor thanks to that rich butter and fragrant garlic, but it comes together so fast. If you’re looking for Quick Dinner Ideas that feel truly homemade—not something out of a box—this is it. The best part? It’s consistently a Flavorful Rice that my whole family loves, right when we need it most.

Quick Prep for a 30 Minute Dinner Side

You read that right—this is a genuine 30 Minute Dinner Side solution. The prep only takes about 10 minutes, mostly just chopping a little garlic. Then, the stovetop does the heavy lifting. You toss it on low, forget about it while you finish up the main course, and boom! Dinner perfection waiting for you.

Achieving the Perfect Fluffy Rice Recipe Texture

The texture here is everything. Nobody wants mushy rice, right? That’s why we take two non-negotiable steps to nail that Fluffy Rice Recipe perfection. First, we toast the uncooked grains slightly in the butter, which keeps them separate. Second, that mandatory resting time after cooking locks in the steam perfectly, so when you fluff it, you get beautiful, individual grains.

Ingredients for Ultimate garlic butter rice

When I list ingredients, I want you to know exactly what you need, no guessing allowed! For this amazing garlic butter rice, we are keeping things simple, but the details matter enormously. We start with 1 tablespoon of good olive oil mixed with our butter—and we need a total of 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which we’ll split up in different steps.

Next up are our aromatics. You absolutely must use 4 cloves of fresh garlic, and I mean minced finely! If you want to add a little extra depth, I sometimes throw in a small yellow onion, finely chopped, but if you’re in a major rush, feel free to skip it. The body of the dish is 1 1/2 cups of long grain white rice, uncooked—it has to be uncooked because we toast it!

For the liquid, we rely on 2 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth. That broth is what transforms this from plain rice into a rich, Comfort Food Rice side. Don’t forget a little seasoning: about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and just a pinch of black pepper. We save the final flavor punch for the garnish—2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped up nice and bright, right at the end.

How to Prepare Flavorful garlic butter rice Step-by-Step

Making this ultimate garlic butter rice is all about timing! If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll get that beautiful texture every single time, and it’s so satisfying to watch it come together. I’ve written out the whole process below, but pay close attention to the cooking parts—that’s where the magic happens, especially when we’re aiming for perfect results for your Simple Rice Sides.

Sautéing Aromatics and Toasting the Rice

First things first, get your medium saucepan hot over medium heat with the olive oil and half of your cold butter (that’s 2 tablespoons). Toss in your minced garlic and chopped onion, if you are using it. You only want to sauté this mix for about one minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic scent. I mean it—do not, under any circumstances, let that garlic brown! Browning equals bitter, and we want nothing bitter here. Once fragrant, dump in your uncooked rice. Now, stir it constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. This little bit of time toasting the rice is what guarantees you’ll get that lovely, separate-grain, Buttery Rice texture instead of a sticky mess.

SAVE IT

Simmering and Resting for Perfect garlic butter rice

Once the rice grains look a bit see-through around the edges, pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Crank the heat up until it just hits a full boil. The second it boils, turn the heat down immediately to the absolute lowest setting you have, put a tight lid on it, and let it simmer for exactly 15 minutes. Keep your hands off that lid! After 15 minutes are up, take the whole pot off the heat—still covered—and let it sit and rest for an additional 10 minutes. This resting part prevents failure! When you finally take the lid off, stir in that last 2 tablespoons of cold butter until it melts right in, fluff it gently with a fork, and you have the best garlic butter rice!

SAVE IT

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for your garlic butter rice

I know sometimes you have to swap things around based on what’s already in the pantry, so let’s talk ingredients for this garlic butter rice. If you look at the recipe, you’ll see I called for low-sodium chicken broth. I really push for low-sodium because that gives me control over how salty the final dish is. If you only have regular broth on hand, that’s fine! Just cut back that initial 1/2 teaspoon of salt in half, and then taste it at the very end before adding more. Your taste buds, your call!

Also, a few of you have asked about chicken broth versus plain water. Chicken broth is certainly what makes this an incredibly Flavorful Rice, so if you can use it, please do! If you’re in a pinch or just only have water, you can absolutely substitute half the broth with water. But to make up for the lost flavor, you might want to add a tiny pinch of onion powder or maybe even a splash of Worcestershire sauce when you add your liquid.

And if onions give you trouble, don’t stress over the chopped onion mentioned in Step 2. It adds a lovely sweetness, but if you skip it, your rice will still be delicious. That fresh garlic is the star here! These little adjustments are why cooking at home is so great—you make it work for you and your crew. This simple adaptability keeps it in the running for my go-to Simple Rice Sides.

Serving Suggestions for this Simple Rice Side

Honestly, one of the best things about this incredibly easy garlic butter rice is how versatile it is! It’s not shy; it plays really nicely with almost anything you put on the plate. This is why I keep it in heavy rotation for my weeknight rotation—it solves the side dish dilemma instantly.

SAVE IT

It is truly the Best Side for Chicken, whether you’re serving up something simple like baked breasts or a richer dish. The butter and garlic just complement the poultry so perfectly. But don’t stop there! If you’re making a pan-seared salmon or some shrimp scampi, this rich, aromatic rice can soak up all those lovely pan juices. It’s phenomenal with seafood.

If you’re having a vegetarian night, this dish acts as a fantastic, hearty base. Fold in some roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms right into the rice when you fluff it in the last step. It turns a plain vegetable side into something much more satisfying and truly Flavorful Rice. Enjoy making your meal feel instantly elevated!

Storing and Reheating Leftover garlic butter rice

I always hope we eat every single grain of this garlic butter rice because it’s just so phenomenal fresh, but let’s be real—sometimes there are leftovers! And trust me, you want to save them because this easily transitions into amazing Comfort Food Rice the next day.

Storage is super easy. Once the rice has cooled down a little bit—don’t put piping hot food straight into the fridge, please, that’s a science no-no—transfer it to a proper airtight container. You want that container to seal tightly so that rice doesn’t dry out overnight in the cold air. It keeps really nicely in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Now, reheating is where you can either save the day or create a gummy disaster. If you’re just doing a small portion, the microwave is your swiftest tool. Before you pop it in, take a little fork and break up the clump a bit. Crucially, add a tiny splash—maybe a teaspoon—of water or leftover chicken broth right over the rice. Cover your microwave-safe bowl tightly with a damp paper towel. This creates steam, which is key to loosening up those grains and bringing back the fluffiness.

SAVE IT

If you’re reheating a larger batch, I prefer the stovetop because it gives you more control. Use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small pat of butter (or a drizzle of oil) and dump the rice in. Stir it gently as it warms up. Again, if it looks dry at all, add that splash of broth or water. Give it a few minutes to steam open, stir occasionally until it’s heated through evenly, and you’ll have rice that tastes almost as good as it did fresh off the stove!

Frequently Asked Questions about making garlic butter rice

I always get the best questions after I post an easy recipe because people want to make sure they nail the technique the first time! Dealing with rice can sometimes be tricky, but once you know these little secrets, you’ll be making perfect garlic butter rice every time. Here are a few things I hear most often about achieving that perfect, simple side dish.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe?

That’s a great question, especially if you’re trying to hit higher fiber goals! Yes, you absolutely *can* use brown rice in this Garlic Butter Rice Recipe, but you have to treat it completely differently—it’s not a simple swap. Brown rice needs more liquid, usually bumping up to about 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice you use. More importantly, it takes way longer to cook; expect your simmer time to stretch out to 40 or even 45 minutes, plus the resting time. So, while it’s possible science-wise, you’ll lose that wonderful claim of this being a 30 Minute Dinner Side. Stick to white rice for speed!

How do I make this rice creamy like a Creamy Rice Side?

My recipe is specifically designed for that light, separate-grain fluff that melts in your mouth, but I totally get the craving for something richer sometimes! If you want that texture—leaning into the Creamy Rice Side territory—you can easily modify Step 7. After you fluff the rice with the final two tablespoons of cold butter, stir in just 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or even a spoonful of sour cream. It will melt right into the steam and give you that decadent, velvety mouthfeel you’re looking for. Taste as you go so you don’t overdo it!

What is the best type of rice for this Rice with Butter and Garlic?

For the results I describe—maximum fluffiness and that perfect separate texture that lets the butter coat every grain—you really want to stick with a long-grain white rice. My favorites are Jasmine or Basmati rice, which naturally have less surface starch than short-grain varieties. When you toast them properly, they just stay beautifully distinct. I strongly advise you to avoid instant rice for this Rice with Butter and Garlic. Instant rice is pre-cooked, so toasting it doesn’t work the same way, and you’ll just end up with a steamy, sticky mess, not the light side dish we want!

If you have any other burning questions about making this dish, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me over on my contact page! I love hearing from you all.

Nutritional Estimate for this garlic butter rice

Now, I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist, so please take these numbers with a grain of salt—or perhaps a grain of rice, ha! The nutritional information I’ve gathered here for this garlic butter rice is just an estimate based on the standard ingredients listed. Remember, where you source your butter or what brand of chicken broth you use can change things slightly, so these are guidelines, not gospel. Transparency is important to me, so you know what you’re serving up!

For a standard serving size of about 3/4 cup of the cooked rice, here is the general breakdown based on the recipe:

• Calories: Around 320 calories per serving. That tells you that butter is doing some heavy lifting flavor-wise!
• Fat: About 10 grams total, with 6 grams of that being saturated fat from the butter. It’s a rich side dish, no doubt about it!
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 48 grams. Mainly from the white rice grains, which is what gives us the energy boost.
• Protein: You get about 7 grams of protein in that serving, helped along by the broth.
• Sodium: This clocks in around 350mg, which is why I always recommend low-sodium broth—it keeps you in control of the seasoning!

Keep in mind that these figures don’t account for any extra salt you might add at the table, or if you use a higher-fat broth. But for a quick, comforting, and savory side that elevates dinner, I think these numbers are pretty reasonable for what you get in flavor payoff!

Share Your Homemade garlic butter rice Creations

I truly hope this Ultimate 30-Minute garlic butter rice becomes a treasured part of your weekly routine, just like it is in mine! I put so much care into testing and perfecting these recipes so that you feel confident stepping into the kitchen, even on the busiest Tuesday night.

Once you give this rich, savory side a try, please come right back here to the blog and let me know what you thought! Leaving a rating—a hearty 5 stars if you loved it!—helps other home cooks find reliable recipes. I read every single comment, and I absolutely love hearing which main course you paired it with.

Did you try omitting the onion? Maybe you added a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end for an extra salty kick? Tell me about it! Your experiences help our whole cooking community learn and grow. And if you snap a picture of that beautiful, fluffy rice alongside your dinner, please tag me on social media! Seeing my recipes make it to your table is seriously the best part of running Carla’s Cooking. Can’t wait to hear how this easy side dish shines in your home!

Happy cooking, my friends, and check out my latest posts for more uncomplicated ways to bring joy back to your everyday meals!

Ultimate 30-Minute Garlic Butter Rice with Chicken Broth Infusion

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Make this easy garlic butter rice side dish. It uses simple ingredients like fresh garlic, rich butter, and chicken broth for a flavorful, fluffy result ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
3. Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges of the rice grains look slightly translucent. This toasts the rice for better texture.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
7. Remove the lid. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, incorporating the melted butter.
8. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For an even richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with water.
• If you do not have low sodium broth, reduce the added salt in step 3.
• This flavorful rice pairs well as the best side for chicken or seafood dishes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3/4 cup cooked
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 350
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 6
• Unsaturated Fat: 4
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 48
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 7
• Cholesterol: 24