If you have ever wanted a cozy, comforting dish that’s unbelievably simple yet packed with rich flavor, the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish transforms humble ingredients into fluffy, buttery rice infused with savory notes from garlic, onion, and chicken broth. Baking the rice with a whole stick of butter on top results in a tender texture and a luxurious mouthfeel that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or want a fuss-free side that pairs beautifully with any main dish, this recipe delivers delightful results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so irresistible is how straightforward the ingredient list is – every component plays a crucial role in building that comforting, buttery flavor and perfect bake. These simple ingredients come together to create a dish with the ideal balance of moisture, richness, and seasoning.
- Long-grain white rice: This type of rice stays fluffy and separate after baking, making it perfect for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter: A full stick brings creamy richness and helps the rice bake evenly, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds deep, savory flavor and moisture to cook the rice beautifully without any dryness.
- Water: Balances the liquid level so the rice cooks to perfection without being soggy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to every bite, complementing the butter beautifully.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors and create a perfectly seasoned dish.
How to Make Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures the rice cooks evenly from the moment it goes into the oven, helping you achieve that perfect texture with ease.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour in the long-grain white rice. Spread it out evenly so every grain gets attention during baking. This even layer is key for consistent cooking and buttery coverage.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Slice the stick of unsalted butter into smaller pieces and place them evenly on top of the rice. This step is the heart of the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe, as the butter slowly melts and seeps into the rice, creating amazing flavor and texture.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Water with Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth and water directly over the rice and butter. Then, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings bring incredible savory notes that meld perfectly with the rich butter and broth.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in the steam, allowing the rice to absorb all the liquid as it cooks. Bake for one full hour. This slow, gentle baking results in tender, flavorful rice you’ll want again and again.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This light fluffing releases steam and gives you that perfect, inviting texture just waiting to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the warm rice for a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring an exciting twist without overpowering the buttery comfort of the dish.
Side Dishes
This buttery baked rice pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed vegetables. Its rich flavor helps balance spicy or tangy mains and works as the perfect base to soak up delicious sauces or gravies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe inside lightly hollowed bell peppers or alongside a colorful vegetable medley arranged artfully on a platter. You can also shape the rice using molds or ramekins to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, once the rice cools, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a convenient ready-to-go side for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe can stay good for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap before warming up in short bursts in the microwave. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop with a lid until heated through, fluffing occasionally to maintain that light texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a different cooking time and moisture requirement, so this recipe would need adjustments if you swap in brown rice. Generally, brown rice will require longer baking and more liquid to cook fully.
Is it necessary to use a stick of butter, or can I reduce it?
The stick of butter is essential for that rich, silky texture and signature flavor in this baked rice recipe. Reducing it will change both the taste and texture significantly, so it’s best to stick with the full amount for authentic results.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can easily use vegetable broth instead, which keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly while still adding plenty of savory depth. If you only have water, adding a bit more seasoning will help boost the flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×9-inch dishes to allow enough cooking room. Keep the liquid and seasoning ratios consistent and monitor baking time closely, adding a bit more time if needed.
Why is the rice so buttery and moist after baking?
The whole stick of butter placed on top melts slowly into the rice as it bakes, infusing every grain with rich, creamy flavor. The covered baking traps steam, creating moist, tender rice that’s full of buttery goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a recipe that’s incredibly easy but delivers moments of pure comfort and flavor, the Stick of Butter Baked Rice Recipe is your perfect go-to. The way the butter melts into the rice during baking creates a luscious side dish that’s equally at home on ordinary weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and watch your family or guests fall in love with this buttery, savory delight—it’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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 offers a rich, buttery flavor with perfectly cooked long-grain white rice baked in the oven. Combining simple pantry ingredients like chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder, this comforting side dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Rice and Butter
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Liquids
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Seasonings
- 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 prepare for baking the rice evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add the Butter: Distribute the stick of unsalted butter, cut into pieces, evenly on top of the rice. This will melt during baking, infusing the rice with rich buttery flavor.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour the chicken broth and water over the rice and butter. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the rice to absorb the liquids and cook to perfection.
- Fluff and Serve: After baking, carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm as a delicious buttery side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after baking as needed.
- Use a tightly sealed foil cover to prevent moisture loss and ensure fluffy rice.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water.
- You can add herbs like parsley or thyme after baking for added freshness.
