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 to taste)

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of rice that’s perfectly fluffy and bursting with flavor. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is exactly that—simple to make but incredibly satisfying, bringing that cozy, homemade touch to your table every time.

A white oval plate is full of cooked rice mixed with small green herb bits, making the rice look soft and fluffy. The rice has a light beige color with some darker specks of seasoning spread all over. On top, small green chopped parsley pieces are scattered, giving a fresh touch. There is a small dollop of light yellow butter melting into the rice near the center. A wooden spoon lies on the right side of the plate, partly under the rice. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft green and white cloth blurred in the back. 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’ve made this buttery seasoned rice more times than I can count, and each time it feels like magic—simple ingredients transforming into a side dish that complements any meal beautifully. The flavors balance perfectly, and it’s comforting enough to eat on its own.

Fluffy texture every time: The cooking method ensures the rice is tender without being mushy or sticky.
Rich, buttery flavor: The generous addition of butter infuses every grain with a silky taste you’ll want in every bite.
Well-rounded seasoning: Garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, and parsley give it a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
Very versatile: This rice pairs perfectly with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

The image shows a close-up of cooked white rice mixed with small bits of green herbs, giving a light green and white color texture throughout. In the middle, there is a soft yellow pat of butter resting on the rice, with some of the butter slightly melting into the grains. The rice is in a wooden spoon, which is resting on a white plate with some rice grains scattered around the edges. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe shines because each ingredient complements the others perfectly, creating a savory, aromatic, and richly satisfying dish. Here’s why the ingredients matter and a few tips to keep in mind when shopping.

Flat lay of fluffy long grain white rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of cold tap water, a small white bowl containing golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl with fine chicken powder granulated bouillon, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white bowl of pale off-white garlic powder, a small white bowl of light beige onion powder, a small white bowl with dried green parsley flakes, a small white bowl with dried thyme sprigs, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, all perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, 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: It cooks up fluffy and separate, which is key for that perfect texture. If you want to use brown rice, note it requires a longer cooking time (see Note 1 below).
Water: Using cold tap water is fine here—it helps control the cooking temperature and prevents the rice from getting gummy.
Chicken powder or bouillon: This ingredient is the secret umami booster without overpowering the rice; you can dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water if you prefer.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a savory background note that makes the rice taste homemade rather than plain.
Paprika: Just a little for warmth and subtle color that brightens the dish.
Dried thyme and parsley: These herbs add fresh, earthy elements and that home-cooked charm. Parsley is optional but recommended for that pop of green.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing every flavor forward and balancing the richness.
Unsalted butter: The star that makes every bite silky and indulgent; feel free to add a bit more if you like it extra buttery!

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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 things I adore about this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. I've played around a lot, so here are some ways you can make it your own.

Variation: When I’m looking to add some extra color and texture, I toss in a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers right when the rice finishes cooking. It livens things up and adds a subtle sweetness.
Vegetarian option: Just swap chicken powder with a good vegetable bouillon or mushroom seasoning to keep it rich without animal products.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder gives the rice a smoky kick that’s fantastic with grilled meats.

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

Step 1: Combine Everything in the Pot

Start by adding your uncooked rice, water, chicken powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper into a large saucepan. Give it all a good stir so the seasonings are evenly distributed. This is your flavor base, so don’t rush this part—it sets the tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer and Cover

Turn your stove to medium-high heat. You want to see gentle bubbling around the edges and a rippling surface—that’s your cue that the rice is simmering perfectly. Immediately lower the heat to medium-low or low if your stove runs hot, and pop a tight-fitting lid on. The trick here is to avoid lifting the lid during cooking—it traps steam and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 3: Cook Without Peeking for 13 Minutes

Resist the urge to check the rice here! Those 13 minutes are crucial. When the timer goes off, tilt the pot gently to see if all the water has been absorbed—there shouldn’t be any pooling on the sides. If you spot some still lingering, quickly move on to the next step so the rice doesn’t overcook.

Step 4: Let it Rest, Then Add Butter and Fluff

Take the pot off the heat and leave it covered for 10 minutes. This rest time lets the steam finish cooking the rice perfectly. After that, add your butter and use a rubber spatula (or fork) to fluff it gently, mixing the butter throughout to get every grain glossy and tasty. Now it’s ready to serve, and trust me—you’ll want seconds.

Top Tip

From countless batches of this rice, I’ve learned small details can make or break the dish. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get it just right every time.

Right Pot Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to prevent hot spots and keep steam trapped.
No Peeking Rule: Lifting the lid lets out steam and interrupts cooking. Trust the timing and resist the temptation!
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low enough so the water bubbles gently around the edges, not a roiling boil.
Butter Bliss: Don’t skimp on the butter at the end—it makes the rice incredibly silky and enhances the seasoning.

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish my rice with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a bright, inviting look and pop of freshness. You can also toss some toasted almonds or pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch, which makes this humble side a bit more special.

Side Dishes

This rice is my go-to partner with just about everything—grilled chicken, roasted veggies, slow-cooked beef, or even alongside curry dishes. One favorite combo: serve it with garlic butter shrimp and a crisp green salad for a comforting yet fresh dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I like to mold the cooked rice using small bowls or ramekins, then invert them onto plates to create neat, individual rice domes. Add some fresh herbs on top, a wedge of lemon on the side, and watch your guests be impressed by a dish that’s both pretty and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover rice to airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating in a pan with a splash of water or broth helps bring back the moisture and fluff, so it tastes freshly made.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion the rice into freezer-safe bags, flatten them for easy storage, and label with the date. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen with a bit of added water to maintain softness.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop gently with a lid on, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, cover the rice with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe with brown rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used but it requires a longer cooking time—typically about 40-45 minutes—and slightly more water. Keep the lid on and check near the end of cooking to avoid drying out.

Is there a substitute for chicken powder in this recipe?

Definitely! You can substitute chicken powder with vegetable bouillon or mushroom broth powder for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the salt accordingly, as some bouillons can be quite salty.

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

Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan and keeping the heat at a gentle simmer is key. Also, avoid stirring while cooking and resist lifting the lid. A final fluff with a rubber spatula once the rice is done helps separate the grains.

Can I cook this rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, simply add all ingredients including the seasonings and butter to your rice cooker and cook on the regular white rice setting. Stir the butter through when it’s done cooking. It’s just as tasty and fuss-free this way!

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe has been a reliable favorite in my kitchen for years. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to get right, making it a perfect side dish to bring some warmth and homemade goodness to any meal. I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation, too—give it a try and enjoy that cozy, buttery goodness in every bite!