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; 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or more)

There's something wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of perfectly fluffy rice that carries just the right amount of flavor and richness. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is exactly that—simple yet packed with subtle spices and plenty of buttery goodness that turns plain rice into a star side dish you'll want to make again and again.

A large white oval plate full of cooked rice, with each grain separate and lightly speckled with black pepper. The rice has a soft yellow piece of butter melting in the middle, topped with small bright green chopped herbs scattered evenly over the rice surface. A smooth wooden spoon rests on the right side of the plate, partially under the rice. The background is a white marbled surface with a light green textured cloth partially visible behind the plate. 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 honestly can’t recommend this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that elevates any weeknight meal or holiday feast without any fuss. The seasoning blend makes it taste like you spent hours preparing it, but it comes together in minutes.

Fluffy & Flavorful: The rice cooks up tender and light while the seasoning layers in great depth of flavor.
Simple Pantry Staples: You probably have all the herbs and spices needed right in your kitchen.
Versatile Side: Pairs perfectly with chicken, veggies, seafood — you name it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Cooks up a big batch and stores beautifully for quick meals later on.

The image shows a close-up of cooked white rice mixed with small green herb bits, giving it a dotted green and white look. There is a small pat of melting yellow butter placed near the center, surrounded by the rice grains. Some fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon lifts some rice from a white plate with a white marbled background visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this dish is in the blend of simple ingredients that work harmoniously to flavor the rice throughout cooking. Using a good-quality long grain white rice ensures it stays fluffy and separate, while the spices and chicken bouillon powder build layers of savory goodness. Here’s a quick look at why each ingredient is important:

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked long grain white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with cold tap water, a few small white ceramic bowls each containing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, and a small white ceramic bowl with a few tablespoons of unsalted butter, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 texture is perfect for absorbing flavors without getting mushy.
Water: Cold water to start helps the rice cook evenly and soak up all the seasonings authentically.
Chicken powder/granulated bouillon: Adds savory depth; a great shortcut for flavor-packed stock without the hassle.
Garlic powder: For subtle aromatic warmth and a touch of earthiness.
Onion powder: Works beautifully with garlic to add layers of flavor.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and lovely color.
Dried thyme: Brings a slight herbaceous note that keeps the flavor balanced.
Dried parsley (optional): Freshens up the flavor and adds a pop of color when serving.
Salt & black pepper: Essential to season the rice perfectly, enhancing all other ingredients.
Butter (unsalted): This is where the ‘buttery’ in the Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe really shines—giving it that rich, luscious mouthfeel.

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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

I love making this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe a little differently depending on what’s in my pantry or what main dish I’m pairing it with. It’s really versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste buds.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap regular butter for ghee for a nuttier flavor, and it’s incredible. You could also toss in some toasted nuts or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.

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

Step 1: Combine & Stir Your Ingredients

Start off by placing all the rice ingredients into a large saucepan—a big enough pot because the rice will puff up. Give everything a good stir so the spices and broth mix evenly with the rice. This little step ensures every spoonful is flavorful from edge to edge.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer

Bring your pot over medium-high heat until you see the edges bubble and the whole surface ripple gently—that's your cue it’s hot enough. Then, quickly pop on the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low (or low if your stove runs hot). Here’s the key: keep the lid sealed tight and let it simmer quietly for exactly 13 minutes without peeking. You want that steam trapped in to finish cooking the rice perfectly.

Step 3: Check & Let It Rest

After the 13 minutes, tilt the pot slightly just enough to peek under the lid—do this quickly to confirm if all the water’s been absorbed. This trick helps you avoid lifting the lid fully and losing steam. If all is good, take the pot off the heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time is what makes your rice fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Finish With Butter & Fluff

Once rested, add your butter to the rice. I love using a rubber spatula here to gently fluff and fold the rice so everything’s light and coated with that buttery richness. This step is pure magic—don’t skip it!

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tweaks make all the difference with this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe, and I’m excited to share them. These tips come straight from my kitchen and can save you from common hiccups.

Perfect Simmer: Don’t rush by turning up the heat after adding the lid. The steam cooks the rice all the way through, so keep it low and gentle to avoid burning.
Don’t Peek During Cooking: Lifting the lid leaks steam and messes with cooking time, so trust the timer and peek only at the end by tilting the pot briefly.
Fluff Gently: Use a rubber spatula and fluff lightly to separate grains without crushing them.
Extra Butter Clout: If you want it even richer, add an extra tablespoon or two of butter at the end; I do this when serving special guests!

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

buttery seasoned rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the cozy, buttery tones. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice sometimes really lifts the flavors too.

Side Dishes

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe pairs perfectly with almost anything, but my favorites are roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or sautéed vegetables like green beans or asparagus. It’s also killer with hearty stews or your favorite curry because it soaks up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I like to serve this rice molded into a dome shape using a small bowl or ramekin, then inverted onto plates to impress guests. You can also mix in toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra texture during presentation. It always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about four days—perfect for meal prep or quick reheats.

Freezing

Freezing works great too. I portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening the bags for quicker thawing. It keeps well for up to three months. Just remember to label the date!

Reheating

The key to reheating is adding a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. I cover it loosely and heat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat while stirring frequently to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time, typically about 40-45 minutes. Adjust the water to about 3 ¼ cups and cook accordingly to ensure it’s tender.

What can I substitute for chicken powder if I want a vegetarian version?

Great question! For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, use vegetable bouillon powder or cubes instead of chicken powder. You’ll still get that savory depth without meat-based ingredients.

Can I make this rice recipe in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! Use the same ingredients and water-to-rice ratio, then cook it according to your rice cooker’s instructions. Just mix in the butter at the end and fluff before serving.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps prevent hot spots that burn rice. Also, don’t lift the lid during cooking; the trapped steam cooks the rice evenly. Adding the butter at the end and fluffing gently also helps separate the grains.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe has been my go-to whenever I want an easy, flavorful side that never fails to impress. The rich, buttery texture combined with the gentle spices fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and adds a heartwarming touch to any meal. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you want a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free cozy dish to accompany your favorite mains.