Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works beautifully in this recipe, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires 45-50 minutes to cook through and about 4 cups of liquid instead of 5. The nutty flavor of brown rice complements the seasonings wonderfully.

Why is my rice still crunchy after the cooking time?

If your rice remains undercooked, it likely needs more liquid or time. Add an additional ¼ cup of hot chicken stock, cover, and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes on low heat. Different stoves and cookware can affect cooking times, so trust your taste buds over the timer.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock and you'll have a delicious vegetarian side dish. The butter contributes significantly to the flavor, but for a vegan version, you could use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

How can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?

To make a lower-sodium version, use unsalted butter and low-sodium or homemade chicken stock without added salt. The paprika and other spices provide plenty of flavor, so you won't miss the extra sodium. You can always add a small amount of salt at the table if needed.

Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

Name: Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) butter; 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 5 cups chicken stock

This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! Perfectly fluffy rice infused with savory spices, butter, and aromatic onions creates a restaurant-quality side dish right in your kitchen. The beautiful reddish-orange hue from the paprika doesn’t just look impressive—it delivers incredible flavor that transforms plain rice into something truly special. Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal hands-on time, this recipe might just become your new go-to side dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Capture that distinct Texas Roadhouse flavor without leaving your kitchen.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to steaks, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or when you need to feed a crowd.
Flavor Packed: The butter-toasting technique and perfect blend of seasonings ensure every grain of rice is infused with incredible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Long-grain white rice: The foundation of our dish. Rinsing it removes excess starch and helps achieve that perfect, fluffy texture where each grain remains separate.
Butter: Creates a rich foundation and helps toast the rice for a nutty flavor before adding liquid.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet aromatic base that mellows as it cooks, creating depth in the finished dish.
Paprika: Gives the rice its signature color and warm, slightly sweet flavor profile.
Dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note and flecks of color throughout the dish.
Garlic powder: Provides that savory, aromatic quality without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic.
Crushed red pepper: Contributes a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Chicken stock: Forms the cooking liquid that gets absorbed by the rice, infusing it with savory flavor in every bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Spice Levels

Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper. For a milder version, use just a pinch, or kick things up with an extra half teaspoon for those who love heat.

Herb Variations

Try substituting the dried parsley with fresh herbs added at the end of cooking—cilantro for a southwestern twist, or thyme for a more Mediterranean flavor profile.

Protein-Packed Version

Transform this side into a complete meal by adding cooked, diced chicken, shrimp, or even browned ground beef during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Vegetable Additions

Toss in frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes, or sauté bell peppers with the onions for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter completely. Add the rinsed rice and sauté until it turns light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This crucial step develops a nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate after cooking.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Add the diced yellow onion, paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to the toasted rice. Stir thoroughly until all the rice grains are coated with the vibrant spice mixture and the onions begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow to simmer undisturbed for 25-30 minutes.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Check that most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. The surface should still look slightly moist—this is perfect! Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Rinsing: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
Watch the Toasting Process: The rice can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. Stay nearby and stir frequently during this step.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents hot spots that might burn the rice.
Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to peek during cooking—lifting the lid releases steam and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
Let It Rest: Those final 5 minutes of resting time allow the moisture to distribute evenly throughout the rice.

How to Serve

Main Course Pairings

This seasoned rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats—try it alongside a juicy steak, barbecue chicken, or grilled fish for the ultimate Texas-inspired meal.

Complete Your Plate

Round out your dinner with simple steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or Texas Roadhouse-style rolls for an authentic restaurant experience at home.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the rice in a warmed bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. For special occasions, mold the rice using a small bowl and invert onto the plate for an elevated presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated rice, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen rice, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen with a bit more water and extended heating time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works beautifully in this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires 45-50 minutes to cook through and about 4 cups of liquid instead of 5. The nutty flavor of brown rice complements the seasonings wonderfully.
Why is my rice still crunchy after the cooking time?

If your rice remains undercooked, it likely needs more liquid or time. Add an additional ¼ cup of hot chicken stock, cover, and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes on low heat. Different stoves and cookware can affect cooking times, so trust your taste buds over the timer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian side dish. The butter contributes significantly to the flavor, but for a vegan version, you could use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?

To make a lower-sodium version, use unsalted butter and low-sodium or homemade chicken stock without added salt. The paprika and other spices provide plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the extra sodium. You can always add a small amount of salt at the table if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe brings that special restaurant magic right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The technique of toasting the rice in butter before adding the seasonings and stock makes all the difference, creating layers of flavor you simply can’t get from a boxed rice mix. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite protein for a weeknight dinner or as part of a special weekend feast, this rice will quickly become a requested favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight—your family will think you spent hours creating this richly flavored side dish!