Seasoned Rice Recipe

This Seasoned Rice Recipe is a homemade alternative to boxed mixes like Rice-A-Roni. Make this in minutes using ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Rice Seasoning Is The Answer To Boring Rice Side Dishes

I grew up eating Rice-A-Roni from a box and loving every bite. As an adult, the only thing I’m not loving is seeing things like “ferric orthophosphate” on the ingredient label. Seriously, what is that?

Since I have a well-stocked spice cabinet, it’s actually very easy to recreate something quite similar at home. After many tests to get the flavor just right, I’m happy to share my method for how to season rice with you today.

This flavor-packed side dish complements many different types of meals, including chicken dishes, hearty stews, curries and veggie stir-fries. This seasoned rice is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for whenever you want to turn pantry staples into something special.

Seasoned Rice Recipe Ingredients

• rice – my top choice for this recipe is basmati rice, as it has a light, fluffy texture.
• chicken broth – the cooking liquid for the rice. If you use water instead of broth, your rice won’t have nearly as much flavor.
• butter – adds a touch of richness. Olive oil works too!
• garlic powder – for a savory flavor that will evenly disperse throughout the rice (as opposed to fresh garlic).
• onion powder – enhances the dish with a mild onion flavor.
• chicken bouillon powder – yes, we’re using bouillon AND broth for a double dose of concentrated chicken flavor.
• kosher salt – enhances all of the flavors.
• paprika – adds warmth and a slight reddish hue.
• dried thyme – brings an earthy note to the dish.
• ground black pepper – adds a mild touch of heat.

What If I Don’t Have ALL Of These Spices?

Missing one or two spices or herbs from the list above? No big deal, your rice is still going to turn out great. You can substitute or skip in the rice seasoning as follows:

• garlic powder or onion powder – missing one? Use double the amount of the other.
• paprika – this adds color and a bit of flavor but isn’t critical, so you can skip it if you don’t have it.
• dried thyme – you can substitute dried basil or oregano if you have it, or just skip.
• dried parsley – this is primarily a visual element (so your rice has little green specks in it), but if you haven’t it, you can just skip it, or substitute dried basil.

How To Season Rice

1. STIR. In a small bowl, stir together the dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, bouillon, salt, paprika, thyme and black pepper. 

2. COOK. Heat the broth to boiling, then stir in the rice and the rice seasoning. Return to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer 16 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand another 10 minutes.

3. FINISH. Add the butter and use a fork to fluff the rice until all the butter is melted.

Seasoning For Rice Variations

• MEDITERRANEAN – Add 1 teaspoon each dried oregano and dried basil, and the juice of half a lemon.
• ASIAN-INSPIRED – omit the thyme and paprika. Add 1 tablespoon each soy sauce and sesame oil.
• SPICY – Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but believe me, it’s enough to make the rice spicy!

What To Serve With Seasoned Rice

Choose one item from each column below to create a tasty weeknight meal. All recipes are 30 minutes or less!

Seasoned Rice Recipe Storage

If you have leftovers after making seasoned rice, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge uncovered for a few hours until they are fully chilled, then cover them with the lid and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days.