Parsley rice in a serving dish.

Parsley Rice

0.0 from 0 votes

Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by Sarah Leadon

Parsley rice is fluffy, aromatic, and so flavorful. It’s cooked with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, so every grain of rice can soak up all of that delicious flavor.

This parsley rice recipe is the perfect side dish to serve with your favourite mains. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or something saucy, this parsley rice fits right in.

It’s versatile, budget‑friendly, and always a crowd‑pleaser. This parsley rice is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Parsley rice in a serving dish.

Ingredients

Parsley rice is easy to make. It only needs a few ingredients.

  • Rice: I used basmati rice. You can use jasmine or even brown rice (just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook).
  • Butter: Adds flavor and helps keep the grains from sticking to each other.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavour and a pop of colour. I used flat-leaf parsley, but you can also use curly parsley.

Scroll down to the recipe card to see the ingredients and measurements.

Tips

  • Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. You can wash the rice in a fine-mesh sieve to make things easier. Washing the rice removes excess starch and helps give it a fluffy texture rather than a sticky one.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork after its done cooking. This keeps the grains separate and keeps the rice from developing a mushy texture.
Parsley rice in a serving dish.

Variations

This parsley rice is already delicious, but there are lots of ways to make it better.

  • Lemon Parsley Rice: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavour.
  • Herb Blend: Mix in other fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or chives for a more complex flavour.
  • Make It Vegan: Add vegan butter for a dairy‑free version that’s still rich and delicious.

What To Serve With Parsley Rice

Parsley rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled, fried, or roasted meats, roasted vegetables, or saucy dishes like stews. I serve it with Crispy BBQ Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. Here are some other options you can serve it with:

Storage Instructions

Store leftover parsley rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute until warm or on the stovetop. If you are reheating the rice on the stove, add a little water or vegetable broth and heat it just until it’s warm.

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Parsley Rice

Recipe by Sarah Leadon
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: SidesCuisine: Gluten-FreeDifficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

221

kcal
Total time

40

minutes

Parsley rice is fluffy, aromatic, and full of flavor. Rice is cooked with onions, garlic, and plenty of fresh parsley to create a vibrant, herb‑infused side dish. The rice simmers in vegetable broth for extra flavour, then gets finished with a few pats of salty butter.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 ⁄2 medium onion, small dice

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (I used basmati rice), washed

  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

  • Place the olive oil in a large pot. Set it over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook them for 2 minutes.
  • Add the garlic. Cook it for 1 minute.
  • Add the rice. Cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring often until the rice is toasted.
  • Add the vegetable broth, salt, and parsley, and stir until combined. Let it come to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover it, and cook for 25 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat, and sprinkle the butter pieces evenly over the rice. Cover it and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork.

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 4
  • Calories: 221kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 23mg
  • Sodium: 265mg
  • Potassium: 480mg
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Calcium: 103mg
  • Iron: 5mg
  • Vitamin D: 0mg
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Author

  • Sarah Leadon

    Hello. Welcome to my food blog! I am a recipe developer/content writer and creator. Food is universal. Its more than something you eat. Food is an experience that can be enjoyed alone or with others. It can affect your physical health and your mood. I love food and I believe it affects how we feel which is why I started this blog that provides you with delicious healthy recipes, useful tips and tricks, guides, and informative articles.

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