Lemon Herb Rice Recipe

This Lemon Herb Rice is simple to prep and goes great with a variety of flavors.  Using just a few basic ingredients, like fresh parsley, lemon juice, and garlic, you can easily transform plain white rice into something fabulous!

This recipe is easy to make on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Below you will find instructions on how to prepare this side dish both ways. And if you are looking for even more rice recipes, you can try our Rice Pilaf, Garlic Parmesan Rice, or this Thanksgiving Wild Rice side dish.

Delicious Lemon Herb Rice

You’ll be hard-pressed to find something that doesn’t go well with Lemon Herb Rice. What’s not to love about perfectly cooked white rice, fresh herbs, and lemon juice?  It’s easy to swap out different herbs and spices to your liking if necessary.  

We have provided you with step-by-step instructions to make this on the stove top, Instant Pot, or in your rice cooker so that you’ll be well-equipped to eliminate boring white rice from your life for good!

Key Ingredients

• Rice – we like to use long-grain white rice for this recipe. Basmati or Jasmine rice would make excellent substitutes.
• Chicken Broth – broth adds an extra layer of flavor, compared with water.  You can substitute vegetable broth if you want to make this vegetarian.
• Butter – feel free to add a little extra to make your rice a little more creamy.  You can also substitute olive oil if you would prefer that flavor.
• Garlic – we used fresh minced garlic, but you could use garlic powder if you prefer.
• Parsley – this recipe calls for fresh parsley, but fresh basil, mint or cilantro would taste great, too.
• Lemon Juice – fresh lemon juice has the best flavor.  If you want a little more zip, you can also add some fresh lemon zest to your cooked rice.

How to Make Lemon Herb Rice on the Stovetop

1. Bring the rice to a boil. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.  Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
2. Simmer. Let simmer, without stirring or removing the lid, for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all water has absorbed.
3. Fluff the rice. Once the rice is tender and all of the liquid has absorbed, remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and fluff the cooked rice using a fork, then serve immediately.  Enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt into the Instant Pot and stir.  
2. Close and lock the lid, then turn the venting know to “Sealing” position.
3. Pressure cook on High Pressure for about 6 minutes.  Once finished cooking, switch to “Venting” position using a kitchen towel to release the remaining pressure.  
4. Lift the lid carefully and mix in the lemon juice.  Stir with a fork, then serve immediately.

Rice Cooker Instructions

1. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, butter, garlic, parsley and salt to the rice cooker and press the “White Rice” setting.
2. Once the rice has cooked completely, stir in the lemon juice and fluff using a fork, then serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing And Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.  
• To reheat in the microwave: combine the rice and 2-3 tablespoons of water in a microwave safe container and mix well.  Lay a wet paper towel over the rice and heat on high for about 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• To reheat on the stovetop: transfer rice to a small pot and stir in a splash of water.  Mix well, then cover and turn heat to low.  Continue to cook on very low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

More Delicious Rice Recipes

• Cheesy Green Chili Rice Casserole
• Garlic Parmesan Rice
• Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
• Easy Ham Fried Rice
• Turkey and Rice Soup
• More Rice Recipes
• More Easy Side Dish Recipes

This Lemon Herb Rice recipe is simple to prep, super refreshing and goes great with a variety of flavors.  We have provided you with step-by-step instructions to make this on the stove top, Instant Pot or in your rice cooker so that you’ll be well-equipped to eliminate boring rice from your life for good!