If you’re a fan of rich, comforting rice dishes that bring a whole new level of buttery goodness, this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly simple to make yet delivers deep, savory flavors that elevate plain rice into something irresistibly silky and flavorful. Whether you are looking to impress guests at dinner or just craving a cozy, satisfying side, this recipe promises that perfect balance of creamy texture and delicious aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Let me show you how easy it is to create this luscious dish that will quickly become a household favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a certain magic in using just a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously in this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The base of the dish that soaks up all the flavorful liquid while staying fluffy and tender.
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter: The star ingredient that melts down to coat every grain, giving the rice its signature richness.
- 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and subtle complexity that plain water just can’t provide.
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix: Brings a wonderful burst of seasoning with perfectly balanced herbs and onion flavor.
- 1 ½ cups water: Ensures the rice cooks evenly and helps create that tender finish.
How to Make Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature lets the rice cook gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without risking burn or dryness.
Step 2: Combine Rice and Liquids
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth, and water. This combination is key to cooking the rice evenly and infusing it with savory goodness right from the start. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated with the broth and water.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Place the stick of unsalted butter, unwrapped, directly on top of the rice mixture. As it bakes, the butter will melt slowly, seeping into each grain and creating that famously rich and luscious texture that makes this recipe so special.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Onion Soup Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the rice and butter. This seasoning packet delivers an unbeatable punch of flavor, elevating the dish with its blend of herbs and savory onion notes.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. The foil traps steam, cooking the rice to the perfect softness while allowing that butter to infuse thoroughly.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once the cooking is complete, remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork. This breaks up any clumps and ensures every bite is light, fluffy, and coated in that buttery sauce. Get ready for a mouthful of comfort!
How to Serve Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten the dish and add texture contrast. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chopped chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a lovely zing that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This buttery rice is the perfect side to accompany a wide range of main dishes. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even pan-seared fish for a meal that feels special yet simple. It’s also fantastic alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Stick of Butter Rice Recipe in decorative bowls or molds for an elegant touch at dinner parties. You can also mix in toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts before serving to add some delightful crunch. For a fusion twist, stir in some cooked peas or corn for bursts of sweetness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and I promise you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals or lunch boxes.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, squeezing out excess air. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or use the defrost function on your microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to help restore moisture, then microwave covered or warm on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to evenly heat without drying out. The buttery richness will still shine through, making the leftovers just as enjoyable!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Stick of Butter Rice Recipe?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and takes longer to cook, so it’s not ideal for this exact recipe. If you want to experiment, you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish, especially since the onion soup mix already contains salt. However, if you have only salted butter on hand, just reduce any additional salt you might add.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking it?
While baking allows for even cooking and melding of flavors, you can try cooking it on the stovetop by simmering the rice, broth, water, butter, and onion mix together on low heat, covered. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels and stir occasionally.
What can I substitute for the dry onion soup mix?
If you don’t have the soup mix, you can make a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to mimic those savory, herby flavors. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add delicious seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe traditionally uses chicken broth and onion soup mix that likely contains meat derivatives. To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth and use a vegetarian-friendly onion seasoning blend instead.
Final Thoughts
This Stick of Butter Rice Recipe is one of those rare, comforting dishes that feels both indulgent and simple at the same time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to elevate your meal without fuss. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will swiftly become one of your go-to favorites, filling your home with the warm, inviting smells of buttery goodness that are impossible to resist.
Print
Stick of Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Stick of Butter Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender long-grain white rice baked with a whole stick of butter, chicken broth, and dry onion soup mix. This simple recipe yields fluffy, rich rice with a savory onion twist, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the rice evenly.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and water. Stir the ingredients gently to evenly distribute the liquids throughout the rice.
- Add the butter: Unwrap the stick of unsalted butter and place it directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. This will melt during baking and infuse the rice with rich buttery flavor.
- Add the onion soup mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top of the rice and butter, adding a savory and tangy depth to the dish.
- Bake the rice: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest briefly. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving. This buttery onion rice is ready to accompany your favorite main dishes.
Notes
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the rice from drying out during baking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives after baking for an extra fresh flavor.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews.
