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 incredibly comforting about a warm, flavorful bowl of rice that feels both simple and special. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe transforms everyday white rice into an irresistible, aromatic side dish that’ll quickly become your go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.

A large oval white plate filled with a single layer of cooked rice mixed with herbs, giving the rice a light brown and green speckled texture. The rice looks soft and fluffy, with small bits of parsley scattered evenly on top. In the center, there is a small dollop of butter melting into the rice, adding a slight creamy shine. A wooden spoon rests on the right edge of the plate, partially under the rice. The background shows a soft-focus light-colored cloth and a white marbled surface under 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’m genuinely excited to share this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe because it’s such an easy way to elevate a humble staple. After making it a few times, I realized it’s just as cozy as my favorite boxed mixes—but way fresher and without any mystery ingredients. Plus, it pairs perfectly with just about any meal.

Full of Flavor: This rice is seasoned with a delicious blend of spices like paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, giving it a kitchen-made depth you won’t find in plain rice.
Buttery Goodness: The generous addition of real butter adds richness and a silky texture that makes every bite so comforting.
Simple & Economical: Made with pantry staples you probably already have, it’s an affordable way to add a tasty side dish to any dinner.
Versatile & Foolproof: Whether you use a stovetop or rice cooker, this recipe is easy to master and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to layer in flavor and create a fluffy, satisfying dish. The combination of spices with butter and chicken powder elevates the rice without overpowering it, so it complements everything from roast chicken to grilled veggies.

Flat lay of long grain white rice gently poured in a small mound, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, dried parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with garlic powder, another bowl holding onion powder, a separate bowl containing paprika powder, a tiny bowl with dried thyme, coarse salt crystals scattered neatly near a small white bowl of black pepper, and a small square of unsalted butter, all arranged symmetrically 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 variety stays fluffy and separate when cooked, which is perfect for this seasoned rice. If you want to use brown rice, I’ve noted a tip below to help adjust the cooking time.
Water: Cold tap water is all you need here; it’s important to use the right amount for perfectly cooked rice that’s not mushy.
Chicken powder / granulated bouillon: Adds a savory depth similar to broth, giving this rice an extra umami boost without needing actual stock.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley: These spices bring warmth and complexity, making the rice taste homemade and comforting.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t be shy by adding a little extra if you like it super 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

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe invites you to make it your own! I love tweaking the herbs when seasons change or adding a bit of heat with cayenne pepper for a little kick. You can also swap out chicken powder for a vegetarian bouillon if you want to keep it meat-free.

Variation: One time, I added sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley on top—talk about a boost of earthiness that made it feel like a side dish worthy of company!

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

Step 1: Combine and Stir

Start by placing the rice, water, chicken powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in your saucepan. Give it a good stir to mix all those seasonings evenly with the rice. This step ensures every grain gets flavored as it cooks.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Put your pot over medium-high heat and watch closely as the edges bubble and the surface ripples. This signals it’s just about to simmer. Then, cover it and turn the heat down to medium-low (or low if your stove runs hot). The rice needs to cook gently without boiling over.

Step 3: Cook Without Lifting the Lid

Set a timer for 13 minutes and resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid interrupts the steaming process and can lead to uneven cooking. When time’s up, tilt the pot quickly to make sure the water is absorbed, then take it off the heat.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Fluff

Leave the lid on and let the rice stand for 10 minutes. This rest lets the steam finish cooking the rice perfectly. Finally, add the butter and gently fluff the rice with a rubber spatula, mixing the butter in until it’s gloriously melted and coating every grain.

Top Tip

Throughout my cooking adventures with this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe, a few simple tips made all the difference to getting it just right—fluffy, flavorful, and buttery.

Use Consistent Heat: I’ve learned that maintaining a gentle simmer without lifting the lid keeps the rice texture spot on every time.
Don’t Skimp on Butter: Butter’s what brings that luscious texture, so I usually add a little extra—just trust me, it's worth it!
Season Early: Mixing the seasonings into the water before cooking means the flavors infuse the rice better than adding them after.
Rest the Rice: That 10-minute rest isn’t just for show. It finishes cooking with steam and makes fluffing easier, so don’t skip it.

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this rice with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up beautifully, especially if you’re pairing it with richer mains.

Side Dishes

This Buttery Seasoned Rice goes with nearly anything—roast chicken, sautéed shrimp, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grilled meats. It’s especially good when paired with dishes that have a lot of sauce or gravy because it soaks those flavors up perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this rice molded in small ramekins or shaped using a ring mold for a neat presentation. Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for an unexpected crunch and a little drizzle of herb oil for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your meal, any leftover buttery seasoned rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that giving it a quick stir before reheating helps keep the texture nice and fluffy.

Freezing

This rice freezes well, too—I usually portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers in 1-2 cup amounts. When I want some, I thaw it overnight in the fridge or go straight from freezer to microwave, adding a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat, I add a splash of water or broth and cover the rice to trap steam, either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. This refreshes the texture so it’s almost as good as freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can substitute brown rice, but since it takes longer to cook, you'll need to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly—usually about 2 ½ cups water and 40-45 minutes of simmering. Also, expect a chewier texture compared to white rice.

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

No worries! You can substitute with vegetable bouillon or simply use chicken broth instead of water for a similar savory effect. If you use broth, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

Can this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe be made in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! Just add all the ingredients with the correct rice to water ratio into your rice cooker, then cook it as you normally would. When finished, stir in the butter for that creamy finish.

How do I keep the rice from sticking or getting mushy?

To avoid sticky or mushy rice, it’s important not to lift the lid during cooking, keep the simmer gentle (not boiling hard), and use the right water-to-rice ratio. Also, fluffing with a rubber spatula rather than a fork helps keep the grains separate.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s been one of those kitchen staples for me that turns any meal into a cozy dining moment—and I hope it becomes one for you, too. Give it a try, and let me know how you like to make it uniquely yours!