If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and unbelievably easy side dish that instantly elevates any meal, the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines the irresistible creaminess of a full stick of butter with tender, perfectly cooked rice, absorbing savory chicken broth and a hint of garlic and onion for a luscious, one-dish wonder. It’s effortless to prepare but tastes like a homemade masterpiece, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the heart of this Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe, each playing a crucial role in delivering that unbeatable flavor and texture. From the fluffy rice to the melting butter and savory broth, every component is essential.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base, known for its fluffiness when baked and ability to soak up flavors beautifully.
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and depth that makes this rice irresistibly indulgent.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory taste and moisture, bringing every grain to life.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Balances the liquid needed for rice to cook thoroughly without overwhelming other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle warm aroma and boosts the overall savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet earthiness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering the butter’s richness.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake the rice. Preheating ensures even cooking, which is key to getting those tender, fluffy grains everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour in the cup of long-grain white rice. Spread it out evenly so every grain has a chance to soak up the buttery broth mixture during baking.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut the stick of unsalted butter into pieces and scatter them evenly over the surface of the rice. This creates pockets of rich, melted goodness that will make the dish truly special.
Step 4: Mix in Broth, Water, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups water, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mix. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything well, making sure the rice is fully submerged.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all those luscious flavors. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake peacefully for 1 hour.
Step 6: Fluff and Finish
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil—watch out for hot steam! Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, breaking up clumps and mixing in the melted butter for that unbeatable silky texture.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that compliments the butter and broth base without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
This buttery baked rice pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or sautéed greens. Its creamy texture is a perfect balance for proteins and fresh sides alike, turning a simple meal into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe molded into small ramekins or scooped into hollowed-out bell peppers. These creative presentations make the dish feel even more inviting and festive for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked rice in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic ready-made side to complement meals when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. This helps restore moisture and keeps the rice fluffy, preventing it from drying out during warming.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in this Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe?
You can, but brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjustments will be needed to the baking time and broth ratio for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegan version.
Can I add vegetables or protein to the baked rice?
Yes! Diced vegetables like bell peppers or peas can be added before baking. Precooked proteins such as shredded chicken or sausage can be mixed in after baking for a complete meal.
What if I don’t have garlic or onion powder?
Fresh minced garlic and chopped onions can be sautéed and added to the rice before baking for a fresher taste, or you can simply omit and season with salt and pepper to keep it simple.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?
After the 1-hour baking time, the rice should be tender and all liquid absorbed. If it’s still too firm, return it to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, keeping it covered to trap steam.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe enough if you want a hands-off, deliciously rich side dish that’s bound to impress. It’s comfort food at its finest and makes any meal feel a little more special. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever made rice without a stick of butter!
Print
Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stick of Butter Baked Rice recipe delivers rich, buttery, and perfectly tender long-grain white rice baked slowly in the oven. The combination of chicken broth, water, and a whole stick of butter infuses the rice with savory flavor and a creamy texture, enhanced by garlic and onion powders. Easy to prepare and requiring minimal hands-on time, this comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Butter and Seasonings
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the rice.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom to create an even layer.
- Add the Butter: Cut the stick of butter into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the rice to allow melting and flavor infusion during baking.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour the chicken broth and water over the rice and butter mixture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then gently stir to incorporate the seasonings without disturbing the rice layer too much.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly.
- Fluff and Serve: Carefully remove the foil, fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt according to the sodium content of the broth used.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after baking for added freshness.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent steam from escaping.
- Caution when removing foil as hot steam can escape.
