If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy side dish with minimum fuss and maximum flavor, this Butter Baked Rice is about to earn a permanent home in your recipe rotation. Imagine perfectly tender grains, lightly golden and glistening with butter, fresh from the oven—a dish that’s as comforting as it is simple. Whether you’re pairing it with weeknight chicken or dressing up a family gathering, Butter Baked Rice brings a buttery, bake-in-the-oven magic you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Butter Baked Rice lies in just a handful of kitchen staples that transform ordinary rice into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a starring role: the rice soaks up buttery goodness, the broth or water draws out fluffy grains, and a hint of seasoning makes for an irresistible bite every single time.

Long-grain white rice: The foundation of this dish; choose a quality rice for perfect, separate grains after baking.
Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a slightly crisp, golden top layer.
Boiling water or hot chicken broth: Provides all the moisture needed for steaming, making each grain tender; broth adds savory depth.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the rice and butter—don’t skip this essential seasoning.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and balances the richness of the butter.
Garlic powder (optional): If you crave a gentle, aromatic kick, sprinkle a little in for extra character.
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish): A simple finishing touch that adds color and freshness to every serving.

How to Make Butter Baked Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), giving it time to come up to temperature while you assemble your rice. A 9×9-inch dish is ideal here, but a similar-sized (or slightly larger) casserole will work just as well. Lightly grease the baking dish to prevent any sticky rice mishaps and to make cleanup a breeze later on.

Step 2: Layer the Rice and Butter

Spread the uncooked long-grain rice evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the melted butter over the rice, then stir gently so that every grain receives a buttery coat—this is what makes Butter Baked Rice so decadent. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re feeling extra savory.

Step 3: Add the Hot Liquid

Slowly pour the boiling water or hot chicken broth over the buttered rice. Stir very gently to distribute everything evenly, then double-check that all the rice is submerged. This simple trick ensures that each grain cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors right in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes—this is when the steam does its magic, coaxing the rice to perfect tenderness. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5–10 minutes, letting any excess liquid evaporate and allowing the top to turn lightly golden.

Step 5: Fluff and Garnish

Once the liquid is fully absorbed and your kitchen smells like buttery heaven, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Scatter freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of green and an extra touch of freshness. Serve straight from the dish while it’s hot and fluffy!

How to Serve Butter Baked Rice

Garnishes

A finishing flourish always elevates the experience! Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a colorful contrast and a gentle, aromatic lift to Butter Baked Rice. A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or a dusting of grated parmesan can lend a little crunch or a cheesy bite, turning this humble side into something fit for a holiday table.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Butter Baked Rice is how easily it pairs with just about anything. Try serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite plant-based mains. It’s a welcome canvas for saucy stews, tangy stir-fries, or simple sautéed veggies—the sky’s the limit!

Creative Ways to Present

For something a little different, try scooping Butter Baked Rice into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party. Pack it into a ring mold and invert onto plates for a fun restaurant-style look. Or, stir in some cooked peas, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for a delicious one-dish upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Butter Baked Rice to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. This dish stays fresh for up to four days—just the right amount of time for easy lunches or a speedy side reheat later in the week.

Freezing

Butter Baked Rice actually freezes beautifully! Portion cooled rice into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep nicely in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice and cover (either in the microwave or in a baking dish). Warm gently until heated through; the steam will fluff the grains right back up and revive that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice for Butter Baked Rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will work, but you’ll need to add extra liquid (about 2 1/4 cups per cup of rice) and increase the bake time by 15–20 minutes to ensure the grains are fully tender.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries—dried parsley or chives make a fine substitute in a pinch. Just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Yes! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or diced onions before baking for a heartier dish. For extra protein, toss in cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp right before the final bake uncovered.

Is Butter Baked Rice gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth. It’s a wonderful choice for guests with sensitivities!

What’s the secret to perfect fluffy rice?

The key is to measure your liquid carefully, keep the dish tightly covered while baking, and always fluff gently with a fork as soon as it’s done. This prevents mushiness and keeps every bite light and airy.

Final Thoughts

Give this Butter Baked Rice a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to comfort in your kitchen. With its effortless prep, warm buttery aroma, and inviting, fluffy texture, it’s the perfect side for any meal—or just because you crave something simple and soothing. Happy baking!

Butter Baked Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious Butter Baked Rice recipe yields fluffy, flavorful rice with a hint of buttery goodness. Perfect as a simple side dish or a base for a variety of flavorful toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Liquid:

1 3/4 cups boiling water or hot chicken broth

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare rice: Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish, pour melted butter over rice, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add liquid: Pour boiling water or broth over the rice, stir gently, and cover dish tightly with foil.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, remove foil, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Fluff and garnish: Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.