Recipe video above. Fluffy, seasoned, buttery rice that will elevate any meal! Homemade version of boxed rices like Rice-a-Roni and Uncle Bens. Economical way to make a really tasty rice side dish that will go with anything! Makes 6 cups cooked rice (fluffed), serves 6 - 8 as a side. Make a big batch, refrigerate 4 days or freeze 3 months!
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT13M
Rating
4.89 stars (117 reviews)
Keywords
butter rice, homemade boxed rice, seasoned rice
Ingredients
2 cups long grain white rice (, uncooked (Note 1 for brown rice))
3 1/4 cups water ((cold tap water))
2 tsp chicken powder / granulated bouillon (, or 2 cubes dissolved in boiling water (Note 2))
1 tsp garlic powder (*)
1 tsp onion powder (*)
1 tsp paprika (*)
1/2 tsp dried thyme (*)
2 tbsp dried parsley (*, optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
50g / 3 tbsp butter, unsalted ((or MORE!))
Categories
Sides
Cuisine
Western
Steps
Place all Rice ingredients in a large saucepan and give it a stir.
Bring to simmer over medium high heat (edges bubbling, entire surface rippling), put the lid on and turn stove down to medium low (LOW for strong stoves). It should be simmering gently.
Cook for 13 minutes - do not lift lid!
Tilt pot then QUICKLY peek to ensure all water is absorbed.
Remove from stove, stand 10 minutes with lid on.
Add butter and fluff rice with a rubber spatula. Serve!
Storage - please read Note 4.
Rice cooker - Same ingredients, water and rice ratio. Pop it all in your rice cooker and cook per manufacturer directions, stir through butter at end.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 266 kcal
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 595 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Reviews
Alla B on 2026-03-10 (5 stars): Absolutely delicious! I used jasmine rice and it turned out perfect with 3 cups of water and 11 minutes on the stove on low heat
Charles Wilson on 2026-02-12 (5 stars): Excellent recipe. I thoroughly enjoyed a serving of the rice and added some shrimp sauteed in lemon butter. OMG! What a simple
Unbelievably flavorful dish.
swathy Alexander on 2026-02-01 (5 stars): Excellent & easy to make_thank you
Stella on 2026-01-22 (5 stars): I made this tonight exactly as the recipe stated and it was beyond delicious. Prepared well with my teriyaki chicken.
Was trying to find a good fresh rice recipe so that I could get away from package processed rice mixes. This one hits all the marks. thank you for sharing!
Aunt JB on 2026-01-09 (5 stars): Excellent. I used Jasmine rice. I did leave out the thyme & parsley, only because I don't like them. I did however sprinkled cilantro & green onions on top. I served it with spicy baked chicken. I didn't find it salty at all. This is a keeper.
Barbara on 2025-11-25 (5 stars): This sounds yummy! How much Better Than Boullion would I use in place of the dry powder or powder?
Nick yakimovich on 2025-11-14 (5 stars): This recipe tastes great and is very easy. Thank you very much.
Ian on 2025-11-05 (5 stars): Made as a side, as suggested, with chicken drumsticks with gravy. Great recipe, omitted parsley (catering for kids). Only thing is I will omit the salt next time, as there’s enough salt in the chicken stock powder. (Will also cut salt in the chicken recipe too.)
Alvi on 2025-10-30 (5 stars): This recipe, like many others has become a family favourite in .our house. We love it with grilled chicken, and yoghurt garlic dill sauce
Jlynn on 2025-09-17 (5 stars): Easy and Delicious!
Ian on 2025-08-29 (3 stars): Too salty for our taste. Next time I will use some home-made (low salt) chicken stock instead of powder and water. Otherwise good.
Kim on 2025-08-22 (5 stars): I used basmati rice and it was delicious! Will definitely make this again.
Bill on 2025-06-05 (5 stars): Ten stars. Fantastic recipe. Thank you!
Wendy on 2025-05-28 (5 stars): We made this recipe just as directed today and it was amazing! Everyone in my family loved it and I saved it as it will be my new go-to (move over boxed rice ;). Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Ange on 2025-05-22 (5 stars): Excellent
April on 2025-04-12 (5 stars): This rice is absolutely delicious! I can’t stand plain white rice and was looking for a way to prepare it that I would enjoy! This is perfectly seasoned and now my new way to make white rice! Thank you!!!!
Vee on 2025-02-09 (5 stars): I used 50% more seasoning (not salt and pepper) and tossed it all into the instant pot for 6 minutes. Was really good. I’m always looking for easy instant pot rice ideas. Bookmarking this for sure since it as a hit.
Supriya Kutty on 2024-12-06 (5 stars): This RecipeTin Eats post for Buttery Seasoned Rice is a simple yet delicious recipe that transforms plain rice into a flavorful side dish. The method is straightforward, and the combination of butter, garlic, and seasoning creates a rich, savory flavor. It’s the perfect side to pair with almost any meal. The tips for achieving the perfect texture make it even easier to get the best results. Definitely a must-try for anyone looking to upgrade their rice game.
