This buttery Garlic Herb Rice is a simple side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. A mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter make this easy dish loaded with flavor and perfect to accompany any meal!

You’ll also love this Easy Fried Rice and Creamy Parmesan Rice!

A large serving dish of garlic herb and butter rice.

I’ve been on a mission to up my side dish game starting with easy recipes that use simple ingredients and require minimal prep.

Lucky for me, I discovered Success® Boil-in-Bag Rice while shopping at Walmart last week. Have you tried it?

It’s ready in just 10 minutes, with no mess, and you can cook it on the stove or in the microwave. Talk about convenience!

This garlic, herb, and butter rice takes only 20 minutes total and calls for just five basic ingredients — but the flavor? Absolutely off the charts

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to make rice with herbs and butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: This is a no-fuss, super simple side dish that will shock you at how easy (and tasty) it is.
  • Flexible: You can use any combination of fresh or dried herbs you like to flavor the rice.
  • Flavorful: This recipe is loaded with buttery, herby goodness. One bite of this rice and your tastebuds will thank you. The buttery garlic mixture and fresh herbs give the rice the perfect amount of flavor, without being too overpowering.
  • Family Favorite: Everyone goes crazy for tender grains of white rice flavored with herbs and garlic!

Ingredients:

This simple garlic herb rice is made with a handful of everyday ingredients, starting with white rice and butter for richness. Fresh garlic and herbs add bold, aromatic flavor, while salt and pepper bring it all together. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs!

  • White Rice: I originally created this recipe using Success® Boil-in-Bag White Rice, but you may also use plain white rice (jasmine or basmati) and cook according to the package directions.
  • Unsalted Butter: Prevents the rice from clumping together, while also adding richness.
  • Garlic: Three cloves of garlic add lots of garlicky flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: I prefer using a blend of fresh rosemary and thyme to flavor the rice, but you may use any herbs you like. Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley would also be good with rice!
  • Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground is best, but use what you have.
A serving dish of garlic herbed rice, topped with rosemary.

How to Make:

This garlic herb rice comes together in just a few easy steps. While the rice cooks, sauté garlic in butter, then toss everything together with fresh herbs. Finish with a drizzle of butter and a sprinkle of parsley for a flavorful side dish.

  1. Cook the rice: Follow the package instructions.
  2. Sauté the garlic: As the rice cooks, melt some butter in a large skillet and then add the chopped garlic.
  3. Add the rice and herbs: Once cooked, add the rice and fresh herbs to the skillet. Toss to coat the rice in the garlic herb mixture.
  4. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, drizzle with extra butter (if desired), and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Can I Use Dried Herbs? 

Yes! I prefer using fresh herbs in my cooking, but I know not everyone keeps fresh herbs on hand. If that’s the case, you can substitute dried herbs in this recipe (see the recipe card below for exact measurements). 

Can I Prep This in Advance? 

Definitely! This seasoned rice side dish lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and reheats very well. Make sure to reheat it with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. 

A bowl of garlic and herb rice topped with fresh rosemary.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this garlic and herb rice with your favorite grilled or baked proteins, or use it to make grain bowls. We love it with the following:

Recipe Variations

  • Rice: If you can’t find Success® Boil-in-Bag White Rice where you live, you may substitute 2 cups dry white rice. Cook the rice according to package instructions. 
  • Herbs: I used fresh rosemary and thyme in this recipe, but you’re welcome to experiment with other fresh herbs. 
  • Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter and then seasoning the rice with salt and pepper. If you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Smash the garlic before chopping to unlock deeper, more intense garlic flavor.
  • Let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains gorgeously.
  • Herb hacks: Use fresh when possible; if using dried, stir them into the warmed broth before pouring, so they bloom.
  • Make it meal-ready: Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for flavor and texture boosts.

Looking for More Rice Side Dish Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

Garlic Herb Rice is a simple side dish that's ready in just 20 minutes. A mixture of fresh herbs, garlic and butter make this easy dish loaded with flavor and perfect to accompany any meal!

Garlic Herb Rice

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
This buttery garlic herb rice is a simple side dish that's ready in just 20 minutes. A mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter make this easy dish loaded with flavor and perfect to accompany any meal!
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 bag Success® Boil-in-Bag White Rice, (or 2 cups of dry white rice)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, (approximately 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped OR 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, (OR 1½ teaspoons dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley and melted butter, for topping, if desired

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Success® Boil-in-Bag White Rice or regular rice according to package directions.
  • While rice is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet. Add chopped garlic and cook for one minute, being careful not to burn.
  • Once boil-in-bag rice is cooked, add to skillet, along with rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring the butter mixture coats the rice.
  • Fluff rice with a fork and then top with fresh parsley and more melted butter, if desired.
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.