Lemon Garlic Rice

Lemon Garlic Rice is bright, buttery, and perfectly seasoned with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley. Cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor, it’s an easy and delicious side that pairs well with chicken, seafood, or veggies.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Hot Eats and Cool Reads may receive a small commission for Amazon purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Looking for more recipes, books, food and travel fun? Follow me!

Subscribe by Email, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook Recipe Group!

CLICK TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

This post was last updated 5/2025.

Thanks so much for supporting a small business and visiting our family owned blog 💕

Shopping list:

• chicken broth
• basmati rice
• small lemon
• butter
• garlic
• fresh parsley
• black pepper

The past few days have felt like a little teaser of spring. Rain showers, sunshine, and temps creeping into the 40s! As much as I love winter and snow, I’m definitely not mad about it.

Lemon always brings spring and summer to mind for me. It’s such a bright, fresh flavor that works beautifully in both sweet treats and savory dishes. This Lemon Garlic Rice is no exception, loaded with buttery richness, bold garlic, and a refreshing burst of lemon zest and juice.

It’s not the healthiest recipe in the bunch, but it’s perfect as a once in a while side dish that pairs deliciously with baked chicken, steak, or fish. My daughter’s favorite way to enjoy it? With shrimp, of course!

And best of all, it’s simple to make, which is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll always find in my kitchen. Easy, flavorful, and family-approved!

Need some more savory lemon recipes, try my Lemon Dill Vinaigrette or Air Fryer Lemon Cod!

If your family loves rice, check out this Cilantro Lime Rice or Fried Rice!

Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙

Recipe tips and substitution ideas:

• I didn't do it for this recipe, but I often sauté my rice in butter before adding the water. Sautéing the rice in butter until lightly browned adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level. This step enhances the aroma and gives the rice a slightly toasty base, making each bite more flavorful and satisfying.

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest add brightness and a more natural citrus flavor compared to bottled juice. You can also use fresh orange juice or lime juice.

• Always rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky or clumping.

• If using an Instant Pot, You can use the “Rice” button (if your model has one), or cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 4–6 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

• If you don't have fresh parsley, try dried, or any fresh herb or dried spice of your choice. Crushed red pepper is a great addition. You can also use any type of broth you have on hand.

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater
• OXO Good Grips 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer
• Nextrend Garlic Twister
• Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System
• Herb Scissors
• Cuisinart Mesh Strainers 

Yield 4 servings

Author Sheena - Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

5 Min

Cook time

25 Min

Total time

30 Min

Lemon Garlic Rice

Lemon Garlic Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish made with basmati rice, zesty lemon, rich butter, and fresh garlic. Light, aromatic, and quick. This side dish brings a fresh twist to any meal!

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 small lemon zested and juiced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan, except fresh parsley.
2. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add fresh parsley, additional black pepper if needed and fluff with a fork to combine.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

280

Fat

12 g

Sat. Fat

7 g

Carbs

38 g

Fiber

1 g

Net carbs

38 g

Sugar

1 g

Protein

4 g

Sodium

529 mg

Cholesterol

32 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

Similar Recipes

Air Fryer Buttery Lemon Pepper Wings

How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemony Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Looking for more recipes, books, food and travel fun? Follow me!

Subscribe by Email, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook Recipe Group!