Buttery French Onion Rice Recipe is a rich, flavorful side dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creaminess of butter. This rice is soft, aromatic and easy to make at home.
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken or vegetables. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a restaurant-style side dish in your own kitchen.
In this post, I will show you how to make Buttery French Onion Rice step by step. You will also learn the best ingredients for Buttery French Onion Rice and useful tips for the perfect, buttery and flavorful rice every time.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this rice, the aroma filled my kitchen. Caramelized onions with butter created a rich, savory flavor. My family loved it immediately. The rice was soft, buttery and full of taste.
I served it with roasted chicken and it was a hit. Now, I make this dish for dinner regularly. It is simple, quick and elevates any meal. Everyone enjoys it because it is both comforting and flavorful.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Buttery French Onion Rice
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: French / American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Buttery French Onion Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
Peel and thinly slice onions. Heat a skillet with olive oil and cook onions until soft and caramelized.
2. Melt Butter
Add butter to the skillet with onions. Stir until melted and mixed well for a rich, creamy flavor.
3. Add Rice
Add rice to the onions and butter. Stir well so each grain is coated with butter and onion flavor.
4. Pour in Broth
Add chicken or vegetable broth to the rice mixture. Stir gently to combine and distribute the liquid evenly.
5. Season the Rice
Add salt and black pepper. Stir gently. Taste later and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Simmer the Rice
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–20 minutes until rice absorbs the broth.
7. Fluff the Rice
Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork. Mix gently to separate grains and combine with caramelized onions.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot as a side with meat, chicken or vegetables. Enjoy immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture.
- Stir onions slowly for even caramelization.
- Avoid overcooking rice to keep grains separate.
- Adjust butter amount for richer flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and color.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Buttery French Onion Rice with roasted chicken, grilled steak or sautéed vegetables.
It pairs well with hearty main dishes and adds a savory, buttery flavor to meals. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch with a salad.
Best Sides To Serve With
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a small splash of broth or water to refresh moisture and fluffiness.

Buttery French Onion Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 medium onions thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Onions
- Peel and thinly slice onions. Heat a skillet with olive oil and cook onions until soft and caramelized.
Melt Butter
- Add butter to the skillet with onions. Stir until melted and mixed well for a rich, creamy flavor.
Add Rice
- Add rice to the onions and butter. Stir well so each grain is coated with butter and onion flavor.
Pour in Broth
- Add chicken or vegetable broth to the rice mixture. Stir gently to combine and distribute the liquid evenly.
Season the Rice
- Add salt and black pepper. Stir gently. Taste later and adjust seasoning if needed.
Simmer the Rice
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–20 minutes until rice absorbs the broth.
Fluff the Rice
- Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork. Mix gently to separate grains and combine with caramelized onions.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot as a side with meat, chicken or vegetables. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture.
- Stir onions slowly for even caramelization.
- Avoid overcooking rice to keep grains separate.
- Adjust butter amount for richer flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and color.
FAQs about Buttery French Onion Rice
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works, but it requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly for softness.
2. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, replace butter with plant-based margarine and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. How do I make the onions caramelized faster?
Cook onions on medium heat and stir occasionally. Adding a pinch of sugar can speed up caramelization.
4. Can I use pre-chopped onions?
Yes, but fresh sliced onions provide better texture and flavor. Pre-chopped onions may release more water.
5. Can I prepare this rice in advance?
Yes, cook and store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a little broth to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
This Buttery French Onion Rice Recipe is easy, flavorful and perfect as a side dish. Now you know how to make Buttery French Onion Rice at home. The ingredients for Buttery French Onion Rice are simple and easy to find. This dish pairs beautifully with meats, vegetables and hearty meals. Try this recipe for a comforting, buttery and aromatic rice that everyone will love.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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