Liz'S Microwave Rice
Creamy microwave rice infused with savory chicken bouillon and butter, perfect as a comforting side dish or base for quick meals, suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak rice in 2 cups of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in 1 3/4 cups of hot water.
- Drain and rinse the soaked rice.
- Place rice in a casserole dish and stir in melted butter.
- Season to taste with garlic salt.
- Pour the prepared chicken bouillon over the rice without stirring.
- Cover and microwave for 15 minutes.
- Let stand, covered, for 4 minutes.
- Stir and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use long-grain rice for fluffy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic before microwaving. You can substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option. Additionally, adjust the amount of butter based on your dietary preferences or use olive oil as a lighter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This rice pairs beautifully with Ginger And Rum Roasted Cornish Game Hens or any grilled chicken recipes. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a side of Mashed Peas And Potatoes, which complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This will help maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Liz'S Microwave Rice contains roughly 862 calories, with 22g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1633mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as it requires longer to cook. Typically, brown rice takes about 25-30 minutes in the microwave. You may also need to increase the water slightly to accommodate the longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and chicken bouillon mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve. This makes it easy to reheat for a quick meal during busy days.
What can I do if I don't have chicken bouillon cubes?
If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, you can use homemade chicken stock or broth instead. Just ensure to adjust the salt content accordingly, as store-bought broth can be quite salty. Alternatively, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).