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 so comforting about a warm bowl of rice that’s bursting with flavor and richness. This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe hits that spot perfectly—fluffy, aromatic, and loaded with buttery goodness that elevates any meal you serve it with.

A white oval plate filled with one large layer of cooked rice mixed with herbs, giving it a light brown-green speckled look. In the middle of the rice, there is a small patch of melted butter blending into the grains. The rice is topped with small sprinkles of fresh green parsley. A wooden spoon rests on the right edge of the plate, slightly buried in the rice. The background is a soft-focus white marbled surface with a blurred light green cloth 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 genuinely love how this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe transforms a humble pantry staple into something special. It’s like a kitchen magic trick that turns simple ingredients into the coziest, most flavorful side dish—plus, it’s so straightforward, you can whip it up any night of the week.

Rich Flavor Boost: The blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and thyme layers depth into every fluffy bite.
Buttery Goodness: Butter isn’t just an add-on here—it’s the star that brings it all together, making the rice silky and indulgent.
Easy One-Pot Method: Save time and cleanup by cooking it all in one saucepan or your trusty rice cooker.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs seamlessly with everything from grilled meats to roasted veggies or stews.

The image shows a close-up of cooked white rice mixed with green herbs, giving it a light speckled green color throughout. There is a small dollop of yellow butter melting into the rice near the center. The rice is being scooped by a wooden spoon on a white plate, all against a white marbled surface in the background. The texture looks soft and fluffy, with visible grains and tiny bits of herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic is in the thoughtful combination of simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The seasonings aren’t overpowering but build a cozy, savory profile that makes plain rice feel exciting.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked long grain white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of cold tap water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing off-white onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dried green parsley flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dried tiny thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding black peppercorns, and two whole clean chicken bouillon cubes, 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: Gives you fluffy rice grains that stay separate when cooked, perfect for absorbing flavors.
Water: Cold tap water works fine; just make sure to use the right ratio for perfectly cooked rice.
Chicken Powder or Granulated Bouillon: This adds that savory umami punch reminiscent of store-bought flavored rice—use a quality bouillon for best results.
Garlic Powder: Offers warming depth and a gentle allium flavor without needing fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Builds a sweet-savory base note that rounds out the rice’s flavor beautifully.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the dish.
Dried Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal aroma that pairs nicely with the other spices.
Dried Parsley (Optional): Freshens up the flavor and adds slight earthiness; I often toss this in if I have it handy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning the rice to perfection.
Unsalted Butter: The heart and soul of this dish—adds richness and a silky texture that’s so comforting.

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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 my own depending on what’s in my pantry or what mood I’m in. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or add a burst of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in cooked peas or corn near the end to add color and a sweet pop—my kids love it this way!
Diet Mods: For a vegan twist, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan margarine, though it won’t have quite the same richness I adore.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne or red pepper flakes before cooking for a subtle warmth.

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

Step 1: Combine and Season

Start by dumping your uncooked rice into a large saucepan. Add water, chicken powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step lays the foundation for all that flavor to infuse into the rice while it cooks.

Step 2: Simmer with Care

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—not a fierce boil. You'll see the edges bubbling and the surface rippling. Once simmering, cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low if your stove runs hot. This gentle cooking lets the rice absorb all the flavorful liquids slowly, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains. Resist the urge to peek or stir during the 13-minute cook time—that steam is your secret weapon.

Step 3: Rest and Butter It Up

After 13 minutes, tilt the pot carefully and sneak a quick peek—if you see all the water absorbed, take it off the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming in its own warmth. Then comes my favorite part: stir in the butter using a rubber spatula and fluff the rice gently. That buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture is absolutely irresistible.

Top Tip

Cooking rice perfectly can be tricky, but these tips have saved me so many times and will help you nail this Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe every time.

Don’t Peek Too Soon: Lifting the lid during cooking releases steam and throws off moisture balance. Trust me, it’s worth waiting!
Use a Tight Lid: A snug lid traps steam, ensuring even cooking and tender rice.
Butter at the End: Adding butter after resting keeps it from melting too fast and gives better control over the final texture.
Fluff Gently: Use a rubber spatula or fork to fluff rather than stir rigorously—this preserves the fluffy grain texture.

How to Serve Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe

buttery seasoned rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top—adds a fresh pop of color and aroma. Sometimes a few toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts give a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft rice beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Buttery Seasoned Rice pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Think roasted chicken, sautéed shrimp, grilled veggies, or even a hearty beef stew. It’s my go-to side when I’m serving something saucy because the rice soaks up all those flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the rice molded in ramekins or small bowls—just press the rice in, invert onto plates, and gently lift. It looks elegant and elevates this humble dish into a real star. You can also garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of herb oil for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this rice in portioned containers. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat. The texture holds up surprisingly well—ideal for batch cooking.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the bowl to trap moisture or gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth. Fluff before serving to revive that fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Brown rice will work but requires more water and a longer cooking time, about 40-45 minutes. Adjust water to rice ratio accordingly (usually around 2 ½ cups water for 1 cup brown rice) and keep the lid on to steam properly.

What’s the secret to getting fluffy rice every time?

The key is not to lift the lid while the rice simmers, using the right water-to-rice ratio, and letting it rest covered off heat before fluffing. This locks in steam and ensures even cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil, coconut oil, or your favorite vegan butter alternative. While it won’t have quite the same richness, it’s still flavorful and delicious.

Can I cook this rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can use exactly the same ingredients and water-to-rice ratio in your rice cooker. Just cook it according to your manufacturer’s instructions and stir through the butter at the end for that buttery finish.

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Seasoned Rice Recipe has become my reliable go-to for when I want something familiar yet flavorful on my dinner table. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking but special enough to make friends and family ask for the recipe. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as I do—give it a try and savor that buttery, seasoned goodness in every bite.