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    Home » Recipes » Course

    Garlic Basmati Rice

    Published: Jul 30, 2021 · Modified: Feb 7, 2023 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a comment.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Skip the plain, unseasoned white rice and instead opt for flavorful Garlic Basmati Rice. The bold flavors of oregano and garlic, combined with rich and creamy butter, create a side dish that you will be having seconds and thirds of.

    Garlic Basmati Rice on a round plate, with a spoon.

    A simple side dish like cooked rice can be effortlessly upgraded with flavorful additions like butter, garlic, dried oregano, and fresh parsley. Take the flavor a step further, and cook your Garlic Basmati Rice in chicken broth instead of plain water!

    Basmati rice is light, fluffy, and has a slightly nutty flavor. It'll pair well with chicken, fish, pork, and most vegetarian recipes.

    So the next time you're making Baked Panko Chicken, Roast Chicken with Garlic Butter, or Blackened Pork Chops, throw a pot of this delicious Garlic Basmati Rice on the stove!

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment needed
    • How to make Garlic Basmati Rice
    • What to serve with
    • Variations and substitutions
    • Expert tips
    • How to store, freeze and reheat
    • What is the difference between Jasmine and Basmati rice?
    • Easy sides you might also like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Hungry for more?
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • This is a versatile recipe that pairs well with just about any cuisine!
    • My Garlic Basmati Rice recipe takes boring, plain rice and turns it into rich, garlicky, and fresh-flavored basmati rice!
    • Basmati rice is naturally gluten-free and low in fat. You can easily make this a vegetarian recipe by subbing vegetable broth in for the chicken broth.
    • Basmati rice is quick-cooking and will easily be done at the same time as the rest of the meal!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make Garlic Basmati Parsley Rice.
    • White basmati rice - Basmati rice is a variety of long-grain rice grown in the Himalayas and Pakistan. It has a nutty flavor and a firm texture. Basmati rice can be brown or white. I used Carolina White Basmati.
    • Low-sodium chicken broth - You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth. If you don't have low-sodium chicken broth on hand, you may want to reduce the amount of salt called for in this recipe.
    • Butter - Butter adds depth and flavor to the dish and will absorb into the rice while it's cooking.
    • Seasonings - You'll need garlic powder, dried oregano, coarse kosher salt, and fresh parsley.

    Equipment needed

    • Small saucepan or pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook the rice in.
    • Measuring cups & measuring spoons
    • A small cutting board and chopping knife are needed to chop the fresh parsley. Kitchen scissors would also work!

    How to make Garlic Basmati Rice

    Step 1: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil on the stove.

    Step 2: Stir in 1 cup of basmati rice, butter, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano into the boiling chicken broth.

    *Note - Most varieties of basmati rice will instruct you to cook 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of liquid. Refer to the package instructions on the brand of rice that you are using to make this recipe. Adjust the amount of liquid if needed.

    Chicken stock, rice, seasonings, and butter in a saucepan.

    Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook over low heat for 18-20 minutes.

    Step 4: Uncover, remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it cool slightly before serving. Mix fresh parsley into the cooked rice, or simply sprinkle it on top like a garnish.

    Cooked basmati rice in a saucepan with a fork and fresh parsley mixed in.

    What to serve with

    Chicken: Basmati rice with garlic and parsley pairs well with Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, and Buffalo Chicken Thighs.

    Fish: If you're serving fish for dinner then you can serve rice alongside Baked Panko Cod, Blackened Cod, Pesto Crusted Salmon, or Air Fryer Frozen Salmon.

    Pork: Basmati rice goes well with Pulled Pork, Blackened Pork Chops, and Pork Tenderloin!

    Variations and substitutions

    Rice: My recipe calls for white basmati rice. You could use brown basmati rice instead. If you don't have basmati, then jasmine rice would be a good substitute.

    Herbs: Try this recipe out with dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried parsley, and different fresh herbs like fresh basil and fresh oregano.

    Butter: If you don't want to use butter, then you could use extra virgin olive oil instead.

    Parsley Rice: This recipe is similar to the popular Parsley Rice recipes. You can use this recipe as a base, and increase the fresh parsley to ¼ to ½ cups. Mix the fresh parsley in at the end of cooking time.

    Cooked rice on a plate with a spoon.

    Expert tips

    • Double-check your rice packaging to make sure the same ratio of liquid to rice is recommended as I have recommended in this recipe. It is usually a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio. However, you never know when a package could recommend something different for its specific brand.
    • Don't remove the lid when cooking your rice! I know how tempting it is to check under the lid to see how the rice is doing. However, steam is very important in the cooking process and if you remove the lid, all the steam will escape.
    • It's highly recommended that you rinse your rice prior to cooking. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch from the outside of the grains. The excess starch can cause the rice to get sticky and gummy. To rinse rice, pour it into a fine mesh strainer and run cold water over it for a minute or two or until the water runs clear.

    How to store, freeze and reheat

    How to store: Store leftover Garlic Basmati Rice in a glass, airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    How to freeze: Cooked rice freezes really well. Transfer the cooked rice into a plastic, zip-top, freezer bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing, and lay the rice flat in the freezer. Freeze rice for up to 6 months.

    How to reheat: Reheat leftover rice in the microwave in 1-2 minute increments, stirring between each increment.

    What is the difference between Jasmine and Basmati rice?

    Jasmine rice has shorter and fatter grains compared to Basmati rice, which is longer and thinner. Jasmine rice has a soft, sticky texture when cooked. Basmati rice does not get sticky, and instead, the grains stay distinctly apart. Both types of rice have a nutty flavor and are often used interchangeably in recipes.

    Easy sides you might also like

    • Blackened corn in a cast iron skillet, topped with cheese, cilantro and fresh lime wedges.
      Blackened Corn
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      Red Skin Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
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      Easy Potato Salad without Eggs
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    Print

    📖 Recipe

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    Garlic Basmati Rice on a plate with a spoon and a striped napkin in the background.

    Garlic Basmati Rice

    ★★★★★

    5 from 9 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Skip the plain, unseasoned white rice and instead opt for flavorful Garlic Basmati Rice. The bold flavors of oregano and garlic, combined with rich and creamy butter, create a delicious side dish.

    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 cup white basmati rice
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - chopped

    Instructions

    1. In a small saucepan, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
    2. Add the basmati rice, butter, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano to the chicken broth and give it a good stir.
    3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
    4. When finished cooking, remove from heat and lightly fluff the rice with a fork.
    5. Mix the fresh parsley into the rice, or sprinkle it over the top.
    6. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Double-check your rice packaging to make sure the same ratio of liquid to rice is recommended as I have recommended in this recipe.
    • Don't lift the lid while the rice is cooking.  You'll allow the steam to escape! 
    • Rinse your rice prior to cooking, until the water runs clear.  
    • The nutrition information shown below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.  It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.  
    • Author: Katie
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: side dish
    • Method: stove top cooking
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Keywords: garlic basmati rice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alexandra

      August 05, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      What a delicious side dish - love the fresh herbs!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. amanda

      August 05, 2021 at 9:20 pm

      This rice was so flavorful!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Oscar

      August 05, 2021 at 9:25 pm

      Loved the basmati rice with the fresh herbs. Totally gave them so much flavour. Great recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Jean

      August 06, 2021 at 12:08 am

      this is an upgrade to regular cooked basmati rice, we love the addition of lots of garlic

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Amy

      August 06, 2021 at 12:49 am

      Oh yum! I could eat this just on it's own!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Linda

      August 06, 2021 at 1:11 am

      This rice is delicious! So many flavors in one bite and butter give this rice an extra texture

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Freya

      August 06, 2021 at 3:26 am

      Ohh yum, this was so delicious and quick to prep!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Sangita

      August 06, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      Love Basmati rice!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Kristina

      August 08, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      My family Loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    I’m Katie, the food blogger, recipe creator, and food photographer at Sugar & Snap Peas. I specialize in easy, budget-friendly, family recipes. My goal is to help you take the stress out of cooking and provide you with simple, creative recipes.

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