Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This Texas Roadhouse rice recipe is even better than the original. It combines fluffy long grain white rice with a blend of spices and savory chicken broth to make the most delicious seasoned rice ever. It's so good, and it works great with all sorts of dishes! 

The Best Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

Texas Roadhouse knows its side dishes, and while the Texas Roadhouse rolls are the best side on the menu, their rice pilaf is a strong second.

And since I can never say no to a good copycat recipe, I just knew I had to come up with one for their seasoned rice. This recipe has a blend of spices and seasonings to create a flavor that you just won't get in any other rice. And it has a fluffy consistency that is just addictive and will keep you coming back for more with each bite!

Plus, in addition to being loaded with flavor, it couldn't be easier to make this recipe. All you have to do is toast the rice in butter, then add the chicken broth and spices and let it simmer until it's fluffy and delicious.

It's really that easy!

By the way, while the rice is simmering, you'll have plenty of time to work on the main dish. If you're looking for what to serve with Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice, this Texas Roadhouse grilled shrimp or this Texas Roadhouse country fried chicken are both great choices. That way, you get the whole Texas Roadhouse experience!

Ingredients

One of the things I love most about this easy seasoned rice recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Honestly, you probably have most of what you'll need on hand already since they're all everyday pantry ingredients.

Anyway, here are all of the Texas Roadhouse rice ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 5 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

Pretty easy, right?!

Oh, and don't be afraid to stock up on the white rice since you can use it to make this Popeyes red beans and rice next!

Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions

While I recommend making this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe with the ingredients listed above for the most authentic flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Rice Options: The restaurant uses long-grain white rice, which cooks up light and fluffy with separated grains. If you’d like to switch it up, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, jasmine rice for a slightly floral aroma, or wild rice for a hearty, earthy variation. Just remember that the cooking time will change—brown and wild rice usually take longer to become tender, while jasmine rice may cook faster.
• Seasoning Variations: The classic Texas Roadhouse rice seasoning is smoky, savory, and slightly buttery. That said, you can easily adjust the spice blend to make it your own. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Stir in soy sauce and minced garlic for a bolder umami flavor, or sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an herbaceous finish.
• Extra Mix-Ins: For even more texture and flavor, you can toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. A handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts also adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. These additions aren’t traditional, but they make this copycat Texas Roadhouse rice recipe even more versatile as a side dish.

How To Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This simple copycat recipe is about as easy as it gets to make. Even if you don't cook rice often, I guarantee you'll have no trouble getting perfectly cooked rice on your first try!

So, with that said, let's stop wasting time and get cooking!

Step 1: Toast The Rice

First things first, you'll want to rinse the rice if you haven't done so already to get rid of the excess starch.

Then you're going to want to melt butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat, and once it's melted, you can add the rice and sauté it for about 5-7 minutes until it's slightly browned.

Step 2: Add The Chicken Broth and Spices

As soon as the rice is looking good, you can add the onion, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, and crushed red chili flakes to the skillet with the rice and mix to combine everything.

Once the spice blend is fully combined, you can add the chicken stock, give everything another mix, and bring it all to a boil. 

Step 3: Simmer The Rice

Now that it's boiling, you can reduce the heat to low and cover the rice. Let the rice simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice has softened and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finally, when the rice has finished cooking, serve it warm with a garnish of fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

Expert Tips To Follow

• Toast the rice for flavor. Don’t rush the first step—sautéing the rice for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden brings out a nutty, toasty flavor and keeps the grains from clumping. Have patience—this step is one of the main keys to authentic Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice.
• Use good-quality chicken stock. Since the rice absorbs most of the cooking liquid, the stock you choose makes a big difference. I like to use a rich, low-sodium chicken stock. It gives the rice a deeper savory base without being overly salty.
• Mind your seasoning balance. Paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and crushed red pepper create the signature flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add extra crushed red pepper or cayenne. For a smokier taste, swap in smoked paprika. Adjust at the end with a pinch of salt if needed, since every stock is different.
• Resist lifting the lid. Once the rice is simmering, keep the lid on and let it cook undisturbed. Trapping the steam ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors fully. Peeking too often can release steam and extend the cooking time. 
• Rest before serving. After the rice finishes cooking, let it sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat. This resting period allows the grains to firm up and makes the rice fluffier when you stir it. I know it'll be hard not to dig right in, but the resting time makes a huge difference in the texture of the rice. 
• Garnish for freshness. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving brightens the dish and adds that restaurant-style finish you’d expect from a copycat Texas Roadhouse rice recipe.

How To Store Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This copycat Texas roadhouse seasoned rice recipe makes about 6 servings, so it's a great side dish for a big family dinner. If you end up with leftover rice, then consider yourself lucky because it tastes great the next day.

Speaking of leftovers, you can store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. And if you want to keep the rice pilaf for longer, you can store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How To Reheat Seasoned Rice

Once you're ready to enjoy your seasoned rice again, you'll definitely want to reheat it. So to best reheat rice, I suggest transferring the leftovers to a microwavable dish and adding a bit of water or one ice cube to the bowl. Then microwave it in 30-second increments, stopping to stir between each until it's completely heated through.

Alternatively, you can also transfer the leftover rice to a skillet set over medium heat with a splash of water. Then just let it cook, covered, for several minutes until it reaches your desired temperature.

FAQS About This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe

Can I make Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice ahead of time?

Absolutely. This copycat Texas Roadhouse rice can be cooked 1–2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore its moisture and fluffiness. I love prepping this rice in advance for a convenient side dish for meal prep, holidays, or family dinners.

What is Texas Roadhouse rice made of?

The original Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice is made with long-grain white rice that’s first toasted in butter for a nutty flavor, then simmered in chicken broth with a blend of seasonings. The classic spice mix includes paprika, garlic powder, onion, crushed red pepper, and dried parsley, which gives the rice its signature savory taste and light reddish color. My copycat recipe captures all the textures and flavors you'd find in the rice from the restaurant!

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can make this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice recipe with brown rice, but the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes about 40–45 minutes to become tender compared to 25–30 minutes for white rice. The flavor will also be nuttier and the texture slightly chewier, but it’s a great option if you want a more wholesome version of this recipe.

What do you season rice with?

When it comes to seasoning rice, the opportunities are endless! Some of my favorite ways to season rice include fresh or dried herbs, spices, garlic, onion, soy sauce, or lemon juice. You can also spice up plain rice by cooking it in chicken broth or vegetable stock instead of water.

How many calories are in Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice?

According to the Texas Roadhouse website, a 1 cup serving of their seasoned rice is about 360 calories. Homemade versions can have fewer calories depending on the amount of butter and broth you use, so this copycat recipe lets you adjust the richness while still keeping that classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice! This honestly might be the best rice dish ever. My family and I are obsessed with it right now. Between the balance of flavors and textures, I know after one bite, you'll be as obsessed as we are! Plus the fact that it's so easy to make, this recipe is one you'll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this perfectly seasoned rice recipe as much as I/we did. As always, if you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it went!

More Copycat Recipes

If you enjoyed this Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice copycat recipe, we have a ton of other copycat recipes on the blog you can try out next! Here are some reader favorites:

• Texas Roadhouse ranch recipe
• Longhorn Steakhouse mac and cheese
• Ruth Chris Steak House creamed spinach
• Chipotle cilantro lime rice
  
• Chicken salad chick recipe
• Popeyes biscuits

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