Garlic and Herb Butter Rice: Fluffy, Buttery, and Full of Flavor

 Hey y'all!  Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen.  If comfort food has a best friend, it would be this Garlic and Herb Butter Rice.  It's cozy, flavorful, and dangerously simple to make.  The buttery, garlicky, aroma fills your kitchen long before you even take a bite.  Once you do, you'll understand why this dish becomes an instant family favorite.  

Whether you're using a rice cooker, stove top, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, this recipe guarantees fluffy, flavorful rice every time.  It's the perfect partner for just about everything, chicken, steak, seafood, or roasted veggies.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE GARLIC AND HERB BUTTER RICE:

• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (like jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups Water or Chicken Broth (for extra flavor)
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic or Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Dried Minced Onion or Finely Diced Onion
• 1-2 tsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC AND HERB BUTTER RICE:

Rice Cooker Method (The Easiest Way)

1. Rinse the Rice:  Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Add Ingredients:  Combine rice, water or broth, butter, garlic, onion, soy sauce, and Italian herbs in the cooker.  Stir once. 
3. Cook:  Close the lid and press "White Rice" or normal cook cycle.  
4. Fluff & Finish:  Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then fluff gently.  Taste for seasoning before serving.

Stovetop Method (Classic and Reliable)

1. Rinse the Rice
2. In a saucepan, bring broth or water, butter, garlic, onion, soy sauce, and Italian herbs to a boil. 
3. Stir in the Rice:  Add the rice reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. 
4. Remove from Heat:  Remove the pot from the heat, keep covered, and steam for 10 minutes.
5. Fluff & Finish:  Fluff with a fork and add extra butter, taste for seasoning before serving.  

Crockpot Method (Set it and Forget it)

1. Lightly butter or spray the crockpot.
2. Add rinsed rice, broth, butter, garlic, onion, soy sauce, and Italian herbs.  Stir well. 
3. Cook on HIGH for 2-21/2 hours or LOW for 31/2 to 4 hours, until tender.  
4. Fluff and stir in extra butter if desired.  Taste for seasoning. 

Instant Pot Method (Fast and Foolproof)

1. Rinse your rice and drain well.
2. Add rice, broth, butter, garlic, onion, soy, and Italian herbs to the instant pot.  
3. Pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. 
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam.  
5. Fluff, stir in extra butter, and taste for seasoning.  

DELICIOUS VARIATIONS:

• Garlic Butter Rice:  Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the rice for a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Herb Butter Rice:  Add parsley, dill, thyme, or green onions for freshness and color. 
• Brown Butter Rice:  Let your butter cook until golden and nutty before mixing in.  It adds toasty richness! 
• Cheesy Herb Rice:  Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella for a creamy, comforting twist.  

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

This Garlic and Herb Rice pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Roasted salmon or shrimp
• Sautéed vegetables or mushrooms
• Curry or stir-fried dishes

It's the kind of side dish that goes with everything and makes your main course taste even better.

PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT RICE EVERY TIME:

• Rinse your rice!  This removes extra starch for fluffier grains.
• Don't peek too soon.  Letting the rice rest after cooking keeps it tender and perfect. 
• Add fresh herbs at the end.  It keeps them vibrant and aromatic.  

This Garlic and Herb Butter Rice is simple, versatile, and so satisfying.  It's buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned.  It's the kind of dish that quietly steals the show at dinner.  Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this rice is always a winner.  

Make a double batch.  You'll thank yourself when you realize it tastes even better the next day.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all

~The Kitchen Wife~