Description

This Herb Rice recipe features basmati rice baked to perfection with a fragrant blend of garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, and parsley, enriched with butter and chicken broth. It’s an easy, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, offering a tender and fluffy texture with aromatic herb notes. A splash of fresh lemon juice and parsley adds a bright finishing touch.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Cooking spray
1-1/2 cups uncooked rice (basmati preferred)
2-1/2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried parsley
Salt and pepper (start with 1/2 teaspoon each)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Optional Garnishes

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the rice.
Prepare Baking Pan: Generously spray a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared pan, add the uncooked basmati rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried parsley, and salt and pepper (starting with 1/2 teaspoon each). Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Add Butter and Cover: Scatter the butter pieces evenly across the top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
Bake Covered: Place the covered pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and liquid.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake the rice uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps to achieve a fluffy texture and slight browning on top.
Rest the Rice: Take the pan out of the oven and cover it again with the foil. Let the rice rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to firm up and prevents mushiness.
Fluff and Serve: Remove the foil and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If desired, stir in freshly chopped parsley and squeeze 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

Use basmati rice for the best texture and flavor, but long-grain white rice may be substituted.
Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth or water can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Adjust salt carefully depending on the saltiness of your broth.
Resting the rice after baking is essential to avoid mushiness and achieve perfect fluffiness.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice are optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American