Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice is one of those simple sides that somehow manages to outshine the main dish. It’s buttery, savory, and full of bold spices—and you can make it right at home with just a few pantry staples. No need to wait for a night out to enjoy it.
This dish is technically a rice pilaf, which just means the rice gets toasted in butter before being simmered in broth and spices. The result? Rich, flavorful rice with the perfect fluffy texture. Serve it with just about anything—from steak to pulled chicken—and you’ve got a winning meal.
If you’ve ever had this at Texas Roadhouse, you already know how addictive it is. The good news? It’s incredibly easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Honestly, it’s just as tasty, and a whole lot more affordable.
Why You’ll Love This copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
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Toasted in butter for rich, nutty flavor
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Loaded with savory spices
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Uses basic ingredients
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Perfect with steak, chicken, or seafood
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Naturally gluten-free with a few swaps
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Quick, easy, and budget-friendly
Ingredients
Salted Butter: Toasting the uncooked rice in butter adds depth and richness to the final dish. It’s the key to good rice pilaf.
Long-Grain White Rice: The base of the dish. You can also use brown rice if you’d like a heartier option.
Onion: Adds flavor and aroma—this is what gives pilaf that classic smell. Shallots can work too if you prefer something milder.
Paprika: For warm, earthy notes and a subtle smoky color.
Garlic Powder: You can also use freshly minced garlic if you have it.
Cayenne Pepper: For a little heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Chicken Broth: Adds body and richness to the rice. You can also use bouillon dissolved in water if you don’t have broth on hand.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip the final taste test.
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
1. Toast the Rice: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add rice and cook until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add the Flavor: Stir in the diced onion, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally.
4. Simmer and Steam: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 22–25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff and Finish: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips for the Best Rice
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Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent clumping and gives you fluffier grains.
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Use a nonstick or heavy-bottomed pot to avoid burning or sticking.
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Toasting the rice in butter deepens the flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
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If your broth evaporates too quickly, just add a little more water and continue simmering.
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Let the rice sit uncovered at the end if it feels too wet—about 5 to 10 minutes should do it.
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Use a fork—not a spoon—to fluff the rice.
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Customize the seasoning with herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill.
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Serve with pork chops, shrimp, or chicken. Leftovers are great in burrito bowls or rice salads.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating.
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You can freeze it too — store in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free, just make the following swaps:
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Use unsalted butter instead of salted
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Make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free
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Replace soy sauce (if using) with gluten-free tamari
That’s it — follow the exact same steps as the original, and you’re good to go.
What to Serve With This Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice Recipe
Texas Roadhouse rice pairs well with everything:
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Grilled steak or barbecue pulled chicken
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Smoked shrimp or any roasted meat
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Toss it in a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs and sausage
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Add leftover veggies or top with shredded pork for a full bowl-style dinner
Why Is My Rice Mushy or Dry?
- Mushy rice: You may have added too much liquid or skipped rinsing the rice beforehand.
- Dry rice: Could be not enough liquid, a loose-fitting lid, or cooking over too high heat. Make sure to reduce the temperature after the broth starts boiling.
What Browning the Rice Does
Browning the rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor, similar to toasting almonds.
It also helps keep the grains from sticking together and gives the final dish that signature restaurant-style finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water and break up clumps with a fork. Microwave for about 1 minute.
- Stovetop: Add rice to a pot with a splash of water. Break up clumps, cover, and heat over medium-low until warm.
Final Thoughts
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice is one of those budget-friendly recipes that feels like a treat. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and totally hits the spot.
If you’re looking for more ideas to add to your rice rotation, check out this post on rice cooker recipes.
Make it, share it, save it — it’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again.
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the rice and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to turn golden brown and smells nutty.
- Stir in the onion, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine and release the aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 22–25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit (still covered) for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with parsley if using, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
