Name: Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked; 3 1/4 cups cold tap water; 2 tsp chicken powder or granulated bouillon, or 2 cubes dissolved in boiling water; 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; 50 g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or more if desired)

There’s something comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked, flavorful rice that feels like a warm hug. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is exactly that—simple, rich, and packed with just the right blend of herbs and spices to make every bite sing. It’s a humble side that can easily steal the spotlight at your dinner table!

The image shows a large white oval plate filled with a mound of cooked rice mixed with herbs and spices, giving the rice a light brown color with specks of green and black. There is a small spot of melted butter visible near the center of the rice, and chopped fresh parsley is sprinkled evenly on top. On the right side of the plate, a wooden spoon is resting partially in the rice. The background has a soft, light green cloth and the surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this buttery seasoned rice and how my whole family unexpectedly asked for seconds. What makes this recipe so special is that it's nothing fancy, yet it delivers maximum flavor—comfort food at its finest without hours in the kitchen.

Simplicity: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create something delicious and impressive.
Rich Flavor: The combination of butter with garlic, onion, and herbs gives the rice a savory depth that’s addictive.
Versatility: This rice pairs effortlessly with just about any main dish—meat, veggies, or even as a base for bowls.
Great for Meal Prep: It holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making weeknight meals quicker and tastier.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with white rice mixed with green herbs, giving it small green specks all over. On top of the rice, there is a small layer of melted butter in the center, slightly soft and shiny. The rice grains are fluffy and separate, and a wooden spoon is scooping some rice from the side of the white bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple ingredients that together build layers of flavor, and a good pantry is all you need. The choice of seasonings here is key—they mimic the cozy, savory notes found in those beloved boxed seasoned rices but with a homemade touch.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked long grain white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of cold water, a small white ceramic bowl of fine chicken powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of light onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of dried parsley flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small slab of unsalted butter on white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long grain white rice: Its fluffy, separate grains are perfect for this dish, and it soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
Water: Using cold tap water helps the rice cook evenly from the start.
Chicken powder or granulated bouillon: This packs in savory flavor; if you prefer vegetarian, you can substitute with vegetable bouillon.
Garlic powder: Adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth.
Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and lovely color.
Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that rounds out the flavors.
Dried parsley: Optional but brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh note.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: For a touch of gentle heat.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show—rich and luscious, it’s what turns simple rice into comforting magic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this buttery seasoned rice recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to sneak in extra herbs or swap chicken powder for mushrooms powder for a vegetarian twist. You can really make this side dish your own depending on what flavors you like!

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat when I want a bit of a kick. It’s surprisingly good with grilled chicken or seafood.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose a bouillon that’s free from gluten additives.
Brown Rice: You can use brown rice, but be sure to increase cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to soften.
Extra Butter: If you’re feeling indulgent (which, hey, I do sometimes), just toss in an extra tablespoon or two of butter at the end for extra richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Stir Your Ingredients

Start by placing the uncooked rice, cold water, chicken powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper into a large saucepan. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors start mingling right away. This is an easy step but crucial—stirring ensures every grain is seasoned from the get-go.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer

Set your pot on medium-high heat and watch closely. You want the surface of the water to ripple and the edges to bubble—a sign it’s simmering just right. As soon as it reaches this point, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce your heat to medium-low (or low if you have a strong stove). This gentle simmer allows the rice to absorb all the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Cook Without Peeking

Let your rice cook undisturbed for exactly 13 minutes. I can’t stress enough how important it is to resist lifting the lid—that steam is what finishes cooking the rice just right. No peeking helps you avoid drying out the rice or making it mushy.

Step 4: Final Check and Resting

After 13 minutes, tilt the pot slightly and quickly glance inside to make sure all the water has been absorbed. If it has, remove the pan from the heat and keep the lid on while it rests for 10 minutes. This resting period lets the steam finish up any remaining cooking and helps the rice fluff up beautifully.

Step 5: Butter It Up and Fluff

Finally, add your butter—50 grams or about 3 tablespoons—and fluff the rice gently with a rubber spatula. The butter melts into every grain, giving you that signature creamy, seasoned rice that’s impossible to resist. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve found that a few key tips can take your buttery seasoned rice from good to wow. These tricks keep the texture perfect and ensure your flavors come through just how you want.

Use a tight lid: I always use a heavy or snug lid to trap steam; this makes a huge difference in texture.
Don't stir while cooking: Stirring prematurely breaks up the grains and leads to mushiness, so just trust the process.
Resting time matters: Let the rice sit covered off the heat for a good 10 minutes to fluff up perfectly.
Butter last: Add butter right at the end and fluff gently to coat each grain without crushing the texture.

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

buttery seasoned rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a few toasted almond slivers or pine nuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft rice. Garnishing is optional but I love how it elevates the presentation.

Side Dishes

This buttery seasoned rice pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic under saucy dishes like beef stew or curry where the rice soaks up all those rich flavors. Honestly, it’s my go-to side for almost any dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the rice molded into small bowls or ramekins, then inverted upside down on the plate for a fancy touch. Topping with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil makes it feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover buttery seasoned rice keeps really well—just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it stays fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, which makes easy lunches or additions to dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, spread the cooked rice thinly on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents clumps. You can freeze for up to 3 months and it defrosts quickly, making it a handy meal prep item.

Reheating

I reheat leftover rice by adding a splash of water and warming it gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps it moist and fluffy—microwaving works too, just cover it and add a few drops of water to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can definitely substitute brown rice, but since it takes longer to cook, you’ll need to increase the water amount and cooking time. Expect around 40-45 minutes of simmering and adjust liquid to ensure the rice cooks through without drying out.

What if I don’t have chicken powder or bouillon?

If you don’t have chicken powder or bouillon, vegetable bouillon is a great substitute to keep this dish vegetarian. You can also use low-sodium broth in place of water, but reduce the salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.

Can I make this rice in a rice cooker?

Yes! Use the same ingredient ratios and simply add everything to your rice cooker in the order listed. Cook it according to your rice cooker’s standard white rice setting, then stir in the butter immediately after cooking for delicious results.

How do I avoid mushy rice using this recipe?

The key is to avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to keep steam inside, use the correct water-to-rice ratio, and let the rice rest undisturbed for 10 minutes after cooking. Fluff gently with a spatula to keep the grains separate and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious and effortless. There’s something so satisfying about mastering a simple side that complements everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. I’m confident you’ll love making it as much as I do—bring on those buttery, herby, perfectly cooked rice bowls!