By Laurel Perry
Published Jan 7, 2026
Garlic rice is one of my favorite easy side dishes. In fact, I never make plain rice anymore because this is too good and just as simple. The crunchy roasted garlic is comforting, flavorful, and pairs well with anything. I use both grated and sliced garlic for double the flavor, plus a little butter and broth to keep things fluffy and rich. I promise this will become your new favorite way to make rice.
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This recipe is all about that double garlic punch. I used both crispy garlic chips on top and grated garlic cooked right into the rice, which adds layers of rich, savory flavor you don’t usually get in a simple side of rice. The garlic chips give it a little crunch, and it all comes together in one pot without much effort. It’s the kind of easy weeknight side I can throw together last-minute but still feel proud serving to guests.
Tips for Beginners
- Rinse the rice. Rinsing rice with cold water washes away surface starch that can make the grains clump together as they cook. Taking this quick extra step helps the rice stay light, fluffy, and perfectly separate.
- Toast it for more flavor. Toasting the rice in butter before adding the liquid brings out a subtle nutty flavor and coats each grain in fat, which helps keep them separate as they cook. It also builds a deeper, more complex flavor base for the garlic to shine.
- Stir and scrape. To prevent sticking, be sure to give everything a good stir before covering the pot. Especially scraping the bottom, so nothing clings and burns. Keep the heat on low during simmering. Too much heat can quickly scorch the rice and dry it out.
- Make fluffier rice. Placing a clean kitchen towel under the lid while the rice steams traps excess moisture and prevents condensation from dripping back onto the rice. This simple trick results in a drier, fluffier texture with no soggy spots.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 6 large cloves garlic divided
- ▢ 6 tbsp unsalted butter use olive oil or vegan butter
- ▢ 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed well with cold water
- ▢ 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ▢ 1 tsp salt
- ▢ chopped fresh parsley or chives optional for garnish
Video
Instructions
- Start by prepping your garlic: slice 4 cloves thinly and grate the remaining two into a paste. 6 large cloves garlic
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the sliced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until the garlic is golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic chips to a paper-towel lined plate. 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- To the same pot, add in the rice and cook, stirring until the rice smells toasty and is coated in the butter. Stir in the grated garlic and cook, stirring, for another 20-30 seconds. 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Stir in the chicken broth and salt. Bring the pot to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp salt
- Remove from the heat, place a clean towel over the pot, then the lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the reserved garlic chips and parsley. chopped fresh parsley or chives
Becky’s Tips
- If you’re using brown rice , increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer for 40–45 minutes.
- Taste your broth first—if it’s on the saltier side, dial back the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. You can always sprinkle in more at the end if needed.
- You can bump it up by adding a pinch of garlic powder when toasting the rice or by stirring in an extra clove of freshly grated garlic just before simmering. It deepens the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Garlic Rice Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Prep the garlic: Peel 6 cloves of garlic. Thinly slice 4 cloves and grate the remaining 2 into a paste.
Crisp the garlic chips: In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Toast the rice: To the same pan with garlic butter, add 2 cups rinsed white rice. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until rice smells toasty.
Add garlic, broth, and simmer: Stir in the grated garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 tsp salt.
Bring to a boil: Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Rest and fluff: Remove from heat. Drape a clean kitchen towel under the lid and let rest for 10 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Top with reserved garlic chips and chopped parsley or chives before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover garlic rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to a zip-top freezer bag, flatten it out to save space, and freeze for up to 2 months—don’t forget to label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture, or microwave it covered until heated through.
Recipe Variations
This garlic rice is easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:
- Add veggies: Stir in chopped spinach or peas at the end for a pop of color and an extra serving of veggies.
- Brighten it up: Add lemon zest just before serving to brighten the flavor and balance the richness of the butter and garlic.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan : for a garlicky, cheesy twist that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted veggies.
- Swap the chicken broth for coconut milk : to create a creamy, slightly sweet version that works beautifully with Thai- or Indian-inspired dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic rice is one of those side dishes that makes any meal feel a little more special. I love serving it alongside grilled or roasted chicken , in salmon bowls, or even with teriyaki tofu . It’s also perfect with stir-fried veggies or pork chops when I want something hearty but still easy. And if you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. Toss the rice into a hot pan the next day with scrambled eggs and whatever veggies you have on hand for a quick homemade fried rice.
More garlicky side dishes to try
Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe (Texas Toast Garlic Bread)
Crispy Garlic Roasted Asparagus (with Garlic Aioli)
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
Garlic Rice
Ingredients
- 6 large cloves garlic divided
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter use olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed well with cold water
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- chopped fresh parsley or chives optional for garnish
Instructions
- Start by prepping your garlic: slice 4 cloves thinly and grate the remaining two into a paste. 6 large cloves garlic
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the sliced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until the garlic is golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic chips to a paper-towel lined plate. 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- To the same pot, add in the rice and cook, stirring until the rice smells toasty and is coated in the butter. Stir in the grated garlic and cook, stirring, for another 20-30 seconds. 2 cups long-grain white rice
- Stir in the chicken broth and salt. Bring the pot to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp salt
- Remove from the heat, place a clean towel over the pot, then the lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the reserved garlic chips and parsley. chopped fresh parsley or chives
Video
Notes
- If you’re using brown rice , increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer for 40–45 minutes.
- Taste your broth first—if it’s on the saltier side, dial back the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. You can always sprinkle in more at the end if needed.
- You can bump it up by adding a pinch of garlic powder when toasting the rice or by stirring in an extra clove of freshly grated garlic just before simmering. It deepens the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
