Homemade Rice Pilaf

This Homemade Rice Pilaf is a quick, flavorful and versatile one-pot side dish that pairs perfectly with anything from chicken to beef.  Made with both white rice and orzo, and cooked in chicken broth, fresh herbs and veggies, this pilaf is reminiscent of Rice-a-Roni, only better!

Jump to:

• What is Rice Pilaf?
• Is Orzo a Pasta or a Rice?
• What’s the Best Rice To Use For Pilaf?
• What to Serve With Homemade Rice Pilaf With Orzo
• Ingredients in Homemade Rice Pilaf
• Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Rice Pilaf on the Stovetop
• Variations of Seasoned Rice Pilaf
• Is This Pilaf Gluten-Free?
• Homemade Rice Pilaf Recipe
• How to Make Homemade Rice Pilaf in an Instant Pot

What is Rice Pilaf?

Rice pilaf is a type of rice dish that is most often cooked in broth or stock, rather than water, as well as cooked in a way in which each rice grain will remain separate (i.e. not sticky!).  

In this recipe, we saute the rice and orzo along with the onions, before adding any of the chicken broth.  This helps infuse a bit more flavor into the rice and orzo, as well as toasts each granule to help them keep a firmer texture while they cook.

Pilafs can be as simple as rice, onions, broth and salt.  In many cases, they are also made with spices, vegetables and even pasta, and can be mixed with all sorts of add-ins, like toasted nuts, lemon zest or fresh herbs.

Is Orzo a Pasta or a Rice?

While orzo may be shaped to look like rice, it is actually a form of pasta that is traditionally made from white flour, or semolina.  You’ll often find it in soups, casseroles, salads or in side dishes like this Homemade Rice Pilaf.

Another part of the confusion stems from the fact that they are cooked almost identically.  Just like with rice, orzo can be added to soups to cook, or simmered and fluffed… you can even make risotto with it!

What’s the Best Rice To Use For Pilaf?

We recommend using long-grain white rice for this Homemade Rice Pilaf recipe.  As opposed to short-grain rice, long-grain white rice holds its shape and stays separated after cooking - one of the important distinctions of a pilaf.  Basmati rice would be another excellent choice.

If you want to experiment with using brown rice, keep in mind you will need to adjust the amount of liquid that you use, as well as the cooking time.

What to Serve With Homemade Rice Pilaf With Orzo

This is one of those perfect side dishes that is so savory and delicious on it’s own, but the flavors are simple enough that it will also work with a wide range of entrees.  Here are a few of our favorite pairings:

• Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken
• Steak Fajitas
• Chili Lime Steak Bites
• Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
• Baked Lemon Chicken

Ingredients in Homemade Rice Pilaf

• Butter - you can also use olive oil, or any other cooking oil that you have on hand.
• Orzo - you can find this in the dried pasta or grain section of the grocery store.  
• Rice - we recommend you use long-grain white rice, or Basmati rice for this Homemade Rice Pilaf.
• Onion - either white or yellow onions would work great.
• Carrots - dice these small, and try and keep them the same size so that they cook evenly.
• Garlic - this recipe calls for fresh minced garlic, but you can substitute garlic powder if needed.
• Chicken Broth - chicken stock or broth is commonly used in pilafs, but if you want to make this vegetarian you can definitely substitute vegetable broth.
• Thyme - fresh thyme gives amazing flavor, but if you only have dried that will work.
• Peas - frozen peas work great - just thaw them prior to adding to your cooked rice.
• Parmesan Cheese - this should be fresh grated.
• Salt - season to taste
• Parsley - this is an optional garnish that we use to finish off the pilaf with a nice, fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Rice Pilaf on the Stovetop

1. Rinse your rice and orzo in water for about 20-30 seconds, then drain it well (it is easiest to put it into a sieve or strainer and run water over it until the water runs clean).
2. In a medium saucepan, add the butter or oil, rice, orzo and onion.  Saute over medium heat for about 3 minutes.  Cook, stirring often, until the rice and pasta are lightly golden brown and the onion has begun to soften.
3. Add the carrots and garlic and stir for one minute, then add the chicken broth and thyme. Stir to combine, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and increase the heat to high.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer and set a timer for 18 minutes.  Do not open the lid or stir the rice!  After 18 minutes, check your rice and cook for another 2-5 minutes more, or until the liquid has completely absorbed.
5. Once the rice has finished cooking, turn off the heat and add the peas and Parmesan.  Cover again and let sit for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Salt to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley.  Enjoy!

Variations of Seasoned Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a great dish because you can really think of it as a blank canvas to season however you like.  If you want to try something other than carrots, peas and herbs, here are a few other ingredients that would taste great:

• Spices such as turmeric, curry powder, cardamom, cinnamon or saffron.
• Mushrooms
• Raisins
• Lemon Zest
• Pinenuts
• Almonds
• Jalapeno
• Bell peppers

Is This Pilaf Gluten-Free?

Rice Pilaf made from rice only would usually be gluten-free.  This recipe, however, also includes orzo, which is made from white or wheat flour.  So, in order to make this Homemade Rice Pilaf recipe gluten-free you would simply need to remove the orzo and double up on the rice.

Here are some other rice side dishes that we love!

• Easy Coconut Rice
• Garlic Parmesan Rice
• Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat)
• Easy Ham Fried Rice
• Cheesy Green Chili Rice Casserole

This Homemade Rice Pilaf is a quick, flavorful and versatile one-pot side dish.  Made with both white rice and orzo, and cooked in chicken broth, fresh herbs and veggies, it's even more delicious than Rice-a-Roni and couldn't be more simple.

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