If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, buttery side dish that’s both effortless to make and incredibly satisfying, then you are going to love this Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe. This dish transforms simple pantry staples like rice, broth, and a whole stick of butter into a golden, tender masterpiece with rich flavors that cozy up beautifully alongside any meal. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to slow down, savor every bite, and come back for seconds without shame.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. From the creamy melt of butter to the savory depth of chicken broth, every element is essential to create a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and perfectly fluffy.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This provides the perfect base with a light, fluffy texture that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds savory depth and layers of flavor beyond plain water.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Balances the broth to ensure the rice cooks evenly without becoming too salty.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, warm kick that complements the buttery rice beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes, giving it a comforting, home-cooked aroma.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in perfect harmony.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle temperature allows the rice to cook slowly and absorb all those wonderful flavors without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour in the cup of long-grain white rice, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Setting the rice level helps it cook uniformly and soak up the butter and broth perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Next, cut the stick of unsalted butter into smaller pieces and place them evenly over the rice. As it bakes, the butter will melt and seep into every grain, making the rice luxuriously tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the can of chicken broth along with water, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine, distributing the seasonings and liquid so each grain has a chance to soak in the deliciousness.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This slow baking method allows the rice to absorb all the flavors while becoming tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Fluff and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork. This creates light, separate grains that are bursting with buttery richness—a perfect side dish ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the rice just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the buttery notes even further without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This buttery baked rice pairs wonderfully with a myriad of main dishes—from juicy roasted chicken and grilled steak to sautéed vegetables or even a spicy curry. Its mellow richness acts as the perfect foil to bold flavors or as a comforting bed for delicate proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the rice in small ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also layer it as a base in a casserole with vegetables and cheese on top, turning it into a more complex baked dish that dazzles both the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftover Stick of Butter Baked Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep nicely for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or last-minute side dishes.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, this buttery rice freezes well. Place portioned servings in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to restore moisture, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave until warm. Alternatively, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to fluff it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
While you can substitute brown rice, keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the baking time accordingly and consider partially cooking the rice beforehand for best results.
Is unsalted butter necessary?
Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you control over the saltiness of the dish. Using salted butter can work, but you may want to reduce or skip adding extra salt to prevent it from becoming too salty.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegan butter instead. The recipe will still deliver creamy, buttery rice with all the comforting flavors intact.
What if I don’t have garlic or onion powder?
If you don’t have the powders on hand, finely minced fresh garlic or onion can be sautéed and stirred into the broth before baking, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I cook this rice recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
This particular recipe is designed for baking to achieve that tender, buttery texture, but you can mimic the flavors by cooking rice on the stovetop with butter, broth, and seasonings — though it won’t have the exact same baked finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe, you’re truly in for a treat. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary with just a bit of love and time in the oven. Next time you want an easy side that steals the show, give this recipe a try. You might just find it becoming your go-to kitchen favorite for good.
Print
Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Stick of Butter Baked Rice recipe combines tender long-grain white rice with rich, creamy butter and flavorful chicken broth, baked to perfection in the oven. Infused with garlic and onion powders, this easy side dish is perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses and requires minimal prep and hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
Rice and Butter
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly in a single layer to promote uniform cooking.
- Add the Butter: Distribute the stick of butter, cut into pieces, evenly over the top of the rice to melt into it as it bakes.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour the chicken broth and water into the dish, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine the seasonings throughout.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the oven for 1 hour until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the foil after baking and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate the melted butter before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly with foil to prevent steam from escaping, which helps cook the rice evenly.
- You can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after baking for additional flavor.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Let the baked rice rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
