Description
This buttery seasoned rice recipe is a fluffy, flavorful side dish inspired by popular boxed rice mixes. It uses simple pantry ingredients like long grain white rice, chicken powder, and aromatic spices to deliver a delicious homemade alternative that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all rice ingredients except butter in a large saucepan and stir to mix evenly.
- Bring to Simmer: Heat over medium-high heat until the edges bubble and the surface ripples. Then, cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low (or low for strong stoves) for a gentle simmer.
- Cook Rice: Let the rice simmer gently for 13 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure even cooking and water absorption.
- Check Absorption: Tilt the pot carefully then quickly peek under the lid to confirm all water is absorbed.
- Let Stand: Remove from heat and let the rice stand with the lid on for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Add Butter and Fluff: Stir in the butter and fluff the rice gently with a rubber spatula before serving.
- Optional Rice Cooker Method: Use the same ingredients and water ratios, cook according to your rice cooker’s directions, then stir in the butter at the end.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute brown rice but increase cooking time as needed.
- If using bouillon cubes, dissolve them in boiling water before adding to rice.
- Adjust butter quantity to preference for richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This recipe makes approximately 6 cups cooked rice, serving 6 to 8 people as a side dish.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure fluffy rice texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 266 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 595 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
