If you’re in the mood for a simple, comforting side dish that’s bursting with flavor, then look no further than Stick of Butter Rice. Yes, you read that right—a whole stick of butter. This dish is rich, creamy, and irresistibly good. The butter melts into the rice, creating a luscious, flavorful base that’s perfect for pairing with everything from chicken to beef to veggies. It’s the kind of side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love Stick of Butter Rice
This recipe is all about comfort. With a minimal amount of ingredients, it transforms ordinary rice into something special. Here’s why it’s an absolute favorite:
Simple & Quick
Sometimes the best dishes are the simplest ones. This rice is made with just a handful of ingredients, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.
Rich & Flavorful
The star of the show is, of course, the stick of butter. It makes the rice incredibly creamy and rich, creating a flavor that you just can’t resist. Plus, the garlic and broth bring everything together in the most delicious way.
Versatile
While this rice is amazing on its own, it’s also a great side dish to just about anything. It pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, pork, or even fish. It’s like a comforting, flavorful hug for whatever main dish you’re serving.
Budget-Friendly
Using just a few pantry staples like rice, butter, and broth, this dish is easy on the wallet. You don’t need to break the bank to make something that tastes like a million bucks!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Stick of Butter Rice:
For the Rice:
- Long grain white rice: This type of rice works best for creating that fluffy texture.
- Stick of butter: The key ingredient that makes this dish so rich and creamy.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the rice.
- Garlic powder: A subtle, savory flavor that makes the rice even more irresistible.
- Onion powder: Adds a nice background flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, bringing everything together and enhancing the flavors.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s make this easy and mouthwatering dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the rice bakes evenly and absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
In a medium baking dish, add your long grain white rice. Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Seasonings
Place the stick of butter on top of the rice. You can cut it into chunks to help it melt evenly, or just leave it whole—it’ll melt perfectly during baking. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the rice for flavor.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth evenly over the rice. The liquid will cook the rice and infuse it with all that buttery goodness. Cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the rice to get a bit of golden color.
Step 6: Fluff & Serve
Once the rice is done, take it out of the oven and fluff it with a fork. This will help separate the grains and make the rice light and fluffy. Serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 640mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice
This rich, creamy rice pairs perfectly with almost anything! Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
As a Side Dish
Serve this rice alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, beef stew, or even fish. It’s the perfect, comforting side that can take any meal to the next level.
With Saucy Dishes
This rice is great with saucy dishes, like chicken curry, stir-fry, or even gravy. The rice soaks up all those delicious juices, making each bite even more satisfying.
With Roasted Vegetables
Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a complete meal. The rich rice complements the crispy, savory veggies perfectly.
As a Simple Comfort Meal
Sometimes, you don’t need anything fancy. Serve the rice on its own, maybe with a little sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese on top for an extra touch. It’s simple, comforting, and delicious.
Additional Tips
Add Cheese
For an extra creamy, cheesy version of this dish, try adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan to the rice during the last 5 minutes of baking. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist!
Use a Rice Cooker
If you’re short on time or want to make this dish even easier, use a rice cooker. Just combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker and let it do the work. The results will be just as delicious.
Try It with Brown Rice
If you prefer brown rice, feel free to swap it out. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly. You may need to add a bit more liquid as well.
Make It Spicy
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the rice before baking. It’ll give the dish a nice spicy kick!
Leftovers
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and creamy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, you can use brown rice! However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and add a bit more liquid.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of broth?
A2: Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth or beef broth instead of chicken broth to change the flavor profile a bit.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prep the rice and store it in the fridge before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: Can I make this dish in a rice cooker?
A4: Yes, you can. Just combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker and cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
Q5: How can I make this rice more flavorful?
A5: You can add some herbs like rosemary or thyme, or sprinkle in some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A6: You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich and buttery. The butter really shines in this recipe, so it’s worth using if you can.
Q7: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Store the rice in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a little extra broth.
Q8: How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
A8: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to the rice?
A9: Yes! You can add diced carrots, peas, or even corn to the rice for added texture and flavor. Just toss them in with the rice before baking.
Q10: Can I make this dish spicy?
A10: Definitely! You can add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the rice for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Stick of Butter Rice is comfort food at its finest—simple, creamy, and delicious. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich buttery flavor and easy prep, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, grab that stick of butter, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest rice dishes you’ll ever try!
PrintStick of Butter Rice
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a simple, savory side dish that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort! This easy-to-make rice dish is made with just a few ingredients: rice, butter, chicken broth, and a touch of onion soup mix. The result is a buttery, fluffy rice that’s perfect to complement any meal, from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. It’s a family favorite and a must-try for those who love easy, no-fuss recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the rice: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the rice, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine.
- Add the butter: Place the stick of butter (unwrapped) directly on top of the rice mixture.
- Add the onion soup mix: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the rice and butter.
- Bake the rice: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite main course!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the rice after baking.
- You can also add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make this dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Make sure to cover the dish while baking to retain moisture and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg