Herb Rice couldn’t be easier! Just mix uncooked rice with everything in a large baking dish and bake. Watch it turn fluffy and tender!
Try some other delicious rice recipes next, like Coconut Rice or African-inspired Yellow Rice.
How Do You Upgrade Plain White Rice?
With this amazing Herb Rice, of course! This baked Herb Rice recipe is going to be your new go-to, because not only is it ridiculously easy to prepare, it’s also unbelievably tasty!
Easy may be an understatement for this recipe — it’s a complete “dump it and forget about it” kind of meal, and no slow cooker or rice cooker is required. Here’s a quick breakdown:
How To Make Herb Rice
The full written recipe is included on the recipe card below, but here is a quick overview of the process:
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I recommend ceramic or glass — metal can sometimes react with the herbs and give the entire dish a metallic flavor.
- Dump everything in. That’s right — add everything to the greased dish: the rice, dried herbs, butter, and chicken stock.
- Cover and bake! The bake time is long on this dish, but it’s all pretty hands-off. Don’t try to rush the process; you may end up with unevenly cooked or mushy rice.
- Rest. Once the rice is baked, it needs a bit of a rest period. Just like cooking rice in a pot on the stovetop, it needs time to stand and steam, which keeps it from getting mushy. This recipe is no different; allow time for the herb rice pilaf to rest and become fully tender.
Savory Herb Rice Ingredients
- Basmati rice: This is non-negotiable in this recipe! I tested with all different kinds of rice and none worked out very well except for basmati rice. If you don’t have this particular variety of rice I wouldn’t recommend making this recipe– you won’t like the results.
- Chicken stock: Use high-quality chicken stock for great flavor. I recommend Swanson’s®. Broth is okay too, but a little less flavorful.
- Dried herbs: There is a fair amount of seasoning added, but you can simplify a little by replacing the thyme and oregano with Italian seasoning instead. You can also add some garlic paste in place of the garlic powder if desired.
- Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can perfectly season the mixture to your personal preference.
- Optional: Add fresh lemon juice and zest at the end for a lemon-herb flavor. Fresh parsley adds color but is optional!
Quick Tip
What are the best herbs for rice dishes? I think a wide variety offers the most robust flavor! In this recipe, I rely on a combination of dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
Variations
Simple Variations
- Mediterranean herb rice: Bump up the oregano to 1 full teaspoon, add in a touch of fresh dill at the end, and be sure to add extra lemon (plus some lemon zest!).
- Garlic herb rice recipe: Bump up the amount of garlic powder and/or add in some garlic paste at the beginning along with the dried herbs.
- Italian herb rice recipe: Garnish with fresh basil at the end and add in a teaspoon (or two) of Italian seasoning.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock — easy peasy!
- Add in some veggies: I’ve enjoyed this rice with some frozen peas — simply add in a bag on top of the rice while it’s resting. The residual heat will warm the peas nicely.
- Add leftovers to a salad to add some nice bulk: Instead of using wild rice, add some leftover herb rice into this Pomegranate Salad — yum! Or replace the quinoa with rice in this Quinoa Salad.
What spices go well with rice? I love that garlic and onion powder are, first off, pantry staples, and second, that they create such a great savory base with a subtle umami note. That said, if you’re looking for even more pizzazz, try adding in some chicken bouillon powder. You can also amp up the amount of seasonings in general.
Storage
Once Herb Rice is fully cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-6 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, stovetop, or oven.
To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 6 months. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe container, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to keep the rice from drying out.
Serve This Herb Rice Recipe With The Following Mains:
- Grilled Chicken Marinade our favorite all-purpose chicken marinade
- Baked Chicken Tacos with a simple cilantro-lime sauce
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp with lots of overlapping herbs/seasonings
- Chicken Stroganoff replace the pasta with this rice instead!
- Greek Chicken serve with this rice and a big spoonful of Tzatziki
Herbed Rice
Equipment
- Glass or ceramic 9×13-inch pan
- Cooking Spray (Olive Oil preferred)
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice Note 1
- 2-1/2 cups chicken stock or broth Note 2
- 1 teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon each: dried thyme, dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- salt and pepper
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 large lemon
Instructions
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Very generously spray a glass or ceramic or glass (not metal) 9×13-inch pan. Cut butter into 8 separate tablespoons and set aside.
- BAKE: Right into the prepared pan add the uncooked basmati rice, chicken stock, all the seasonings, salt & pepper to taste (I add 1/2 up to 3/4 tsp fine sea salt and 1/2 tsp pepper — See Note 3). Add cut pieces of butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until ingredients are incorporated and spread in one even layer. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil (save foil — just set aside for now) and bake for 15 more minutes.
- REST: Remove from the oven. Don't stir the rice. Top with the foil again and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. This is very important to avoid mushy rice!
- ENJOY: After 10 minutes, gently mix everything together and lightly fluff rice with a fork. If desired, add fresh parsley to taste (I add 3 tablespoons, finely chopped) and lemon juice to taste (I add 2-3 tablespoons). Taste and add additional salt/pepper if needed. Gently stir and then serve!
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This rice turned out awesome! First time I have ever had basmati. Followed directions exactly other than I didnโt have any parsley (dry or fresh) on hand. Everyone loved it! Thank you!
I’m thrilled to hear this! Thanks Dawn! ๐