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 perfectly cooked, buttery, seasoned rice that just hugs your taste buds. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is one of my go-to side dishes because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and elevates any meal without much fuss.

A large white oval plate holds a generous mound of cooked rice mixed with herbs and spices, giving the grains a light brown color with small green flecks throughout. The rice looks fluffy and soft, with a small pat of melting butter in the middle that is slightly shiny and creamy yellow. Fresh chopped green herbs are scattered over the top for decoration. A wooden spoon rests on the right edge of the plate, partially inserted under the rice. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred green and white cloth in the background. 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

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it tastes like a rich, homemade version of those boxed seasoned rice mixes, but without all the preservatives. Plus, it’s incredibly easy—making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

All-in-One Flavor: Combines simple pantry staples like garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs for deep, savory flavor without extra sauces or sides.
Effortless Method: Just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer—minimal stirring and no stress over burnt rice.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies, even great in bowls or burritos.
Make Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for days or freezes beautifully, so you always have a flavorful side ready.

The image shows a close-up of cooked white rice mixed with finely chopped green herbs and black pepper, creating a speckled texture throughout. In the center of the rice, there is a small dollop of light yellow butter melting slightly. The rice is being scooped by a wooden spoon, adding a warm brown tone to the scene. The rice and spoon rest on a white plate, which is set on a white marbled surface. Small bits of rice are scattered around the spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe comes from simple, accessible ingredients that combine to create a deeply seasoned, buttery rice that’s anything but plain. Each component plays a key role in layering flavor and texture.

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice spilled gently beside a simple white ceramic bowl filled with cold tap water, a small white bowl holding golden unsalted butter chunks, another small white bowl containing fine reddish paprika powder, a small white bowl with pale beige granulated chicken bouillon powder, a small white bowl with off-white garlic powder, a small white bowl of light tan onion powder, a small white bowl with small dried green thyme sprigs, a small white bowl of bright green dried parsley flakes, a small white bowl of fine white salt, and a small white bowl with coarse black peppercorns placed neatly and symmetrically, all arranged with perfect balance, 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: This type cooks up fluffy and separate, which is ideal for textured, seasoned rice; you can swap brown rice but it will need longer cooking.
Water: Using cold tap water helps control the cooking process; if you use broth it amps up the flavor even more.
Chicken powder/granulated bouillon: Adds that savory, punchy depth you want in seasoned rice—if you prefer vegetarian, vegetable bouillon works great too.
Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky aroma and taste without the raw bite of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds sweetness and a subtle savory backbone to the seasoning blend.
Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a beautiful warm color that makes the rice irresistible.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that rounds out the savory profile.
Dried parsley (optional): Brightens the dish, creating a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: The star ingredient for richness and silkiness, I always add a little extra when I can—it just makes everything better.

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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 how adaptable this recipe is—you can easily tweak the herbs or add your favorite spices to make it your own. Sometimes, I'll throw in a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick or swap parsley for cilantro for a fresher twist. Don’t hesitate to play around.

Variation: For a richer, creamier texture, I’ve stirred in a little grated Parmesan cheese right at the end—totally delicious if you want an indulgent side.
Dietary tweaks: Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken for a vegetarian version, or swap the butter for olive oil to lessen saturates.
Seasonal changes: Fresh herbs like chopped basil or thyme work beautifully in spring and summer, swapped in for dried.

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

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Ingredients

Start by measuring out your rice, spices, and water into a large saucepan. Give it a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed before you heat it. This step is crucial because when the seasoning is well-mixed, every grain of rice gets that wonderful flavor.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer

Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat and watch until the edges bubble and the surface ripples—this means it’s just about to simmer. Once that happens, put the lid on, reduce the heat to medium-low (or low if your stove runs hot), and let it cook without lifting the lid. Patience is key here for fluffy rice.

Step 3: Cooking and Resting

Cook the rice for 13 minutes straight. I know it’s tempting, but keeping the lid on ensures the steam cooks the rice perfectly. After 13 minutes, tilt the pot slightly to peek quickly and check if the water’s absorbed. If it has, take it off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes, still covered. This rest allows the rice to finish steaming and become tender.

Step 4: Butter It Up and Fluff

Finally, add the butter and gently fluff the rice with a rubber spatula or fork. This step is one of my favorites—watching the grains separate and soak up the buttery goodness makes the kitchen smell amazing and the rice look so inviting.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe come out perfectly every single time — and I want you to benefit from them too, so your rice isn’t soggy or undercooked.

Accurate Water Ratio: Stick closely to the 3 ¼ cups water for 2 cups of long grain rice to avoid mushy or dry outcomes.
Don’t Peek Too Soon: Lifting the lid releases steam essential for cooking the rice properly—hold off until the end of the cooking time.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents spots from burning while simmering.
Fluff Gently: When you add butter, fluff the rice carefully to keep the grains separate and light.

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

buttery seasoned rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to brighten the presentation and add a fresh taste contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice sometimes takes it to another level, balancing out the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple sautéed shrimp. I sometimes serve it alongside a vibrant salad or steamed greens to keep dinner light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to mold the rice into ramekins or small bowls, then invert onto plates to create impressive rice domes. Topping with toasted nuts or crispy shallots gives great texture contrast and makes the dish feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge where it lasts up to 4 days. To keep it from drying out, I add a damp paper towel on top before sealing the container—it traps moisture and keeps the rice fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option. I portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen with a bit of water to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat, I sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover it loosely, and microwave in short bursts, fluffing in between to prevent clumps. Or, reheat gently on the stovetop in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water for extra moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice in this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe?

Yes! Brown rice works but requires longer cooking time—typically around 40-45 minutes. Adjust water to about 4 cups for 2 cups of brown rice and check doneness accordingly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken powder?

If you don’t have chicken powder, you can use vegetable bouillon or chicken broth instead of water to maintain the savory flavor. You can also increase the amounts of garlic and onion powder for more depth.

Can I make this rice in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! Just add all ingredients to your rice cooker in the same proportions and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stir in butter once cooking is done for that signature buttery finish.

How do I prevent this rice from sticking or turning mushy?

Use a heavy-bottomed pan and keep the heat low during simmering. Avoid removing the lid while it cooks to retain steam. Also, measure the water precisely and fluff gently after cooking to keep grains separate.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like a warm, flavorful hug after a busy day. It’s such a simple recipe but has a way of making every meal feel like a little celebration. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just become your new weeknight classic.