• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Southern Soul

A Southern Soul

Easy Recipes & Entertaining Ideas For Everyday Life

Search
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Comfort Food
    • Crockpot/Slow Cooker
    • Desserts
    • Grilling
    • Main Dish
    • Party Food
    • Salads
    • Side Dish
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Stews
    • Southern Classics
    • All Recipes
  • Midweek Menu
  • eBook
  • About
  • Shop
Home » Blog » Recipes » Side Dish

Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice

by Donya Mullins July 12, 2019 40 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.

Fluffy rice, seasoned perfectly and then flavored with garlic and fresh herbs, turns out beautifully every single time, thanks to the Instant Pot! Garlic and Herb Rice is full of amazing flavor and is a terrific side dish that can be served any time of year.

This rice is terrific served with Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs or Oven Baked BBQ Chicken for a weeknight meal, and perfect for Sunday supper.

Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!


If you’re a fan of the Instant Pot craze, you have to try this dish! It’s simple to make, but it’s packed with flavor. The best part is how tender the rice turns out when it’s cooked in the pressure cooker.

It’s hard to resist a bowl of perfectly seasoned rice, especially for my sons, who could eat it every day. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that rice can be cooked in the Instant Pot in less than 20 minutes.

Using this “hands-off” cooking method, I can focus on preparing other dishes for my meal, which saves me a lot of time. Plus, this inexpensive side dish is incredibly versatile – you can add a variety of flavors to rice, so let your imagination run wild!

Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!

To get great results, make sure you use the right amount of water for the amount of rice you’re cooking. As a general rule, one cup of rice needs one cup of water for the Instant Pot. Also, be sure to spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the pot, whether you’re using wild rice or basmati rice. By following these tips, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal in no time!

I love having a go-to recipe that can be made for every season, is easy to make, and one that I know my family and friends will enjoy. This Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice recipe does all those things wonderfully!

Tips For The Best Instant Pot Rice

  1. Use the right rice-to-water ratio: For long grain rice, use a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water. This will ensure that the rice cooks properly and doesn’t become too mushy or dry.
  2. Consider adding cooked wild rice: If you want to add some texture and variety to your dish, mix in some cooked wild rice. This will also increase the nutritional value of your meal.
  3. Adjust cooking times for brown rice: If you’re using brown rice instead of white rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time.
  4. Explore flavors from other parts of the world: Add some variety to your garlic and herb rice by incorporating flavors from Indian and Pakistani cuisine, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This will give your dish a unique and delicious twist.
Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!
Arrow icon in teal blue for email opt-in.

5 Days of Fall Cooking: Southern Style!

FREE Email Bonus: Get ready for your tastiest fall ever

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of long-grain rice in this recipe. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio to ensure that the brown rice cooks properly. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time than white rice.

Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the rice?

Yes, you can add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the rice for a complete meal. Just make sure to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly based on the type of vegetables you’re using.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so you’ll need to use less of them. As a general rule, use â…“ the number of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Can I use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor?

Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. This will give your rice a savory, rich flavor that pairs well with garlic and herbs. Just keep in mind that the sodium content in chicken broth is higher than in water, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Need ideas of what to serve with Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice? Try these recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Grilled Lemon Chicken
  • Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast in the Crock Pot
  • Sheet Pan Hamburger Steak with Mushrooms and Onions
Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!
5 from 13 votes

Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice

Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 199kcal
Print Pin Rate
Garlic and Herb Rice is full of amazing flavor and is a terrific side dish that can be served any time of year.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt (or less if you prefer)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives – chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  • Place rice in a strainer and rinse under running water until water runs clear, 3-4 minutes. Add water, rinsed rice, garlic and olive oil to Instant Pot and stir. Secure lid on pot. Select RICE button (it will set to 12 minutes) and close steam valve.
  • Once timer goes off, do a quick release on steam valve. Carefully, remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. Add in parsley, chives, salt and butter, gently mixing into rice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers
  • Store cooled leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
 
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g
Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!
Did you make my Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Want To Know More About Using The Instant Pot?

If you are new to cooking with an Instant Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Instant Pot like a pro!

How To Get Started Using An Instant Pot

Rice made in the Instant Pot with garlic, fresh parsley and chives, along with butter is an easy to make side dish that turns out perfectly every time!


Want more?

Then grab my Ebook!

1 Week of Family Favorite Menus

 7 menus, 29 recipes, 41 pages, tons of tips!

Ideas, recipes, and strategies to make easy meals loaded with flavor. Each of these recipes is affordable and simple to prepare using common ingredients.

Buy Now
More Info
Arrow icon in teal blue for email opt-in.

Subscribe So You Never Miss A Menu

FREE Email Bonus: Get ready for your tastiest fall ever

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Pam

    February 14, 2023 at 11:34 pm

    How much longer would I have to cook the rice if I used brown rice instead of white rice?

    Reply
    • Donya Mullins

      February 15, 2023 at 12:16 pm

      I’ve never tested with brown rice.
      Donya

      Reply
  2. Kobuu

    November 29, 2022 at 1:22 pm

    I just made this for lunch using Jasmine rice. I know, not traditional, it came out perfectly. I doubled the garlic because…garlic. And it needed more butter at the end with Jasmine rice being so sticky. But, this is going in my back pocket for quick rice sides or bases for other ingredients. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Donya

      November 29, 2022 at 1:49 pm

      Hey there!
      I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, it sounds like you made an absolutely delicious lunch! I have a couple different Instant Pot Rice Recipes you can search for on my site, but I think you’d really enjoy the Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice. If you’re interested in using these recipes as a base for ingredient measurements, cooking times, or flavor ideas, you should definitely check out the coconut lime rice since it’s made with more liquid. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this recipe and for your fantastic rating, I really appreciate your support! Let me know if you ever have any questions, I’d be more than happy to help!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  3. Sherri

    November 16, 2022 at 7:15 am

    Hi Donya,

    Two questions …
    1. What is the serving size? It says 8 but I’m trying to understand if that’s cups or 1/2 a cup, etc
    2. Did you ever get a response from the person who doubled the recipe? Trying to make this recipe for a Thanksgiving potluck.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Donya

      November 16, 2022 at 8:22 am

      Hey there Sherri!
      Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, I think it’ll make a wonderful potluck dish for Thanksgiving! The serving size is about 8 people if you’re giving them 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup portions. If you’re making this dish for a larger crowd, you can double the recipe but I would recommend using the RICE setting instead of the PRESURE COOK setting. I hope this helps, let me know how everything turns out, I’d love to hear what you think!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  4. Rebecca

    August 15, 2022 at 5:27 pm

    This rice is perfect for picky eaters who aren’t so adventurous with flavours, but it is still a great side dish for all. I add everything but the butter during the pressure cooking and also use dried herbs. It comes out amazing! It’s just SO EASY. This is a weeknight staple for us. Very happy with this recipe, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Donya

      August 16, 2022 at 8:35 am

      Hey there Rebecca!
      Wow! I am so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed this recipe, I completely agree that it’s a great middle-ground for picky eaters and people who prefer flavored rice, and adding extra herbs is always a great idea! If you liked this recipe, you should check out my Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice, it’s just as easy to make and it’s subtly flavored so our picky eaters can still enjoy it. Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate all your support!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  5. Kirsten

    July 28, 2022 at 9:53 am

    If your pressure cooker doesn’t have a rice setting, what temp. should it be set to?

    Reply
    • Donya

      July 28, 2022 at 11:41 am

      Hey there Kirsten!
      Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, that’s a great question! If you’re using an Instant Pot or any pressure cooker without a rice setting, you can Pressure Cook the rice on HIGH for 5 minutes, do a natural release for 13 minutes, then a quick release of the valve and let it sit for 3 minutes before fluffing the rice. I hope this helps, let me know how everything turns out, I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  6. Stacy

    July 18, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    This was wonderful. I’d had it with stovetop rice after moving to a new home with gas burners. This is an answered prayer. Thank you for another fantastic recipe.

    Reply
    • Donya

      July 19, 2022 at 8:24 am

      Hey there Stacy!
      I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, the flavors are pretty hard to beat! If you liked this rice recipe, you should check out my Coconut Lime Rice, it’s just as easy to make and it’s perfect to serve with any main dish. Thank you so much for your kind words and your phenomenal rating, I really appreciate your support!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  7. Wenda

    January 24, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    Delish,
    I’ve made this recipe quite a few times now. My white rice setting is for 8 minutes. I did it for time in recipe first time and was a bit chewier but an interesting texture. I like that it’s ready to eat as seasoned and as you’ve said open to different flavors dependent on which fresh herbs or dried I use. Thanks for a tasty and easy recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Donya

      January 25, 2022 at 8:27 am

      Hey there Wenda!
      Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so happy to hear you’ve found my recipe useful! I completely agree with you that it’s nice to have the rice ready to serve as soon as it’s out of the instant pot and you can switch up the flavors depending on the meal. If you liked this recipe, you should check out my Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice recipe, I think you’d like it. Thank you so much for your support and your fantastic rating, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to ask!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  8. Molly

    January 10, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    Only had dried herbs, so added them while the rice was cooking. Turned out delicious and everyone ate it up. Definitely will make again!

    Reply
    • Donya

      January 12, 2022 at 7:54 am

      Hey there Molly!
      Thank you so much for your kind words and this fantastic rating! I am so happy to hear everyone enjoyed this recipe, in my experience it turns out just as well with dried herbs as when you use fresh. If you liked this recipe you should check out my Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice recipe, it’s just as easy to make, it just has a different flavor combination. Thank you for your support, if you ever have any questions feel free to reach out!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  9. Marnie

    June 21, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    Absolutely delicious. We substituted cilantro for parsley and loved it! It’s our family’s favorite rice dish!

    Reply
    • Donya

      June 22, 2021 at 8:30 am

      Hey Marine!
      Wow! Thank you so much for your sweet words and this phenomenal rating, I am thrilled y’all are enjoying this recipe. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes that is dependable and perfect for weeknight dinners. Thank you for your support, have a great day!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  10. Kari

    March 3, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    Hello – I do not have an instant pot but it sounds delicious. Is there another way to prepare this?

    Thank you,
    Kari

    Reply
    • Donya

      March 9, 2021 at 7:44 am

      Hello Kari!
      Of course you can make this without the instant pot! You can always make your rice the classic way on stove top over a medium heat. Add an additional half cup of water and wait until your 2.5 cups of water come to a boil before you add your rice, then just follow the recipe for all the toppings!
      Hope you enjoy the recipe!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  11. Carrie

    December 15, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    If you don’t have fresh herbs can you use dried herbs?

    Reply
    • Donya

      December 15, 2020 at 3:04 pm

      Hey Carrie.
      Yes, you sure can. Let me know how you like the recipe.
      Have a great day,
      ~Donya

      Reply
  12. Brittany Adams

    October 30, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    How much longer did you cook the brown rice?

    Reply
  13. Jeremy

    September 2, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    This turned out to be SO amazing. Thank you for the inspiration and a beautiful side dish to pair with grilled lemon butter garlic drumsticks. This is a must make again.

    Reply
    • Donya

      September 3, 2020 at 12:06 pm

      Thanks for sharing, Jeremy! You’ve made my day.
      Have a great rest of the week,
      ~Donya

      Reply
  14. Donya

    August 8, 2020 at 9:14 am

    Hey there.
    The recipe is updated. Thanks so much.
    Have a great day,
    ~Donya

    Reply
  15. Diane

    July 9, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    This is really very yummy! I’ve made this five or six times already. Today I made it with a little sprinkle of chicken bouillon and we had with chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts. What a great meal and the rice was again a big hit. What drew me to the recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve added frozen peas to it previously as well. Thanks for this keeper!

    Reply
  16. gracie

    June 2, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    Happened upon this recipe while looking for a side dish to go with kabobs; it. was. perfect! By far one of the best rice dishes I’ve made. It’s a keeper! :o)

    Reply
    • Michelle

      September 26, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      I want to say this is the best rice that I have ever made! I’ve always done the 4 minutes for white rice because a lot of recipes say not to use the rice button. I will always do it like this from now on and will tell everyone I know that this is the best way
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Donya

        September 27, 2022 at 8:34 am

        Hey there Michelle!
        My goodness, I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! Using the Instant Pot is always the way to go when cooking rice, I’m really glad that you found this method more useful than the rice button, I think it just comes out more moist and well cooked this way. If you liked this recipe, you should check out my Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice recipe, it’s just as simple to make and the bright flavors are incredible. Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing my recipe, I really appreciate your support! Let me know if you ever have any questions, I’m always happy to help where I can!
        ~Donya

        Reply
  17. Amanda

    January 19, 2020 at 6:19 am

    This was very good. I didn’t have parsley at all and only dried chives on hand (I added them during cooking) and it still came out wonderfully. This has enough flavor that it is not just plain boiled rice, but the flavor is mild enough to be neutral and go with any meal.

    Reply
  18. Hannah

    December 14, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    I tried this tonight and absolutely loved it! I’m new to using the instapot and this recipe sealed the deal for me. There was so much flavor jam packed into this rice! I’m absolutely going to make this again and again:)

    Reply
  19. Jennifer

    September 16, 2019 at 11:04 pm

    This is absolutely delicious!!! This is my go to rice dish from now on, my family refuses to eat rice any other way!!! Thsnk you for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Donya

      September 18, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      That’s great Jennifer!
      Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad y’all like it.
      Have a wonderful day,
      ~Donya

      Reply
    • Sherry

      September 28, 2022 at 4:57 pm

      Would thi be good served with sweet and sour chicken?

      Reply
      • Donya

        September 29, 2022 at 8:10 am

        Hey there Sherry!
        Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe and for your wonderful rating, that is a great question! I think that the flavors in this rice would go well with sweet and sour chicken, but I also have another Instant Pot Rice Recipe that I think might work even better. The flavors of my Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice would compliment the sweet and sour chicken beautifully, I will link the recipe below so that you can compare the flavorings of each rice recipe and chose which one you think will work best for you, honestly they’d both be delicious sides! Let me know if you have any other questions, I’d be more than happy to help, I hope you enjoy the recipes!
        https://www.asouthernsoul.com/instant-pot-coconut-lime-rice/
        ~Donya

        Reply
  20. paula

    July 24, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    Have you made this in a larger quantity in the pressure cooker? I’m wondering how much time to add on?

    Reply
    • Donya

      November 4, 2019 at 9:10 pm

      I have not made a larger quantity. I would use the RICE setting and just let the pressure cooker do its thing.
      Hope this helps.
      ~Donya

      Reply
    • Diane F. Petronio

      July 8, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      I haven’t made this particular recipe in larger quantities but I have just doubled everything for others, pressed ‘rice’ on the instant pot and it works fine. Will let you know on this one, making it for a crowd tomorrow.

      Reply
      • Donya

        July 8, 2022 at 1:21 pm

        Hey there Diane!
        Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, I think you’re going to love the flavors! I usually make this dish for family dinners, so I’m not sure if I’ve ever actually tried doubling it. I think you’ve got the right idea, it should turn out perfectly! Please let me know how everything turns out, I hope everyone enjoys!
        ~Donya

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

Donya with A Southern Soul

Meet A Southern Soul

Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

5 Days of Fall Cooking: Southern Style!

FREE Email Bonus: Get ready for your tastiest fall ever

Easy Dinner Favorites

Ladle with homemade spaghetti sauce.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs in bowl of pot with serving fork.

Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs on spoon with pineapple.

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

2 hamburger steak patties served with cooked onions and mushrooms and green beans on a plate.

Sheet Pan Hamburger Steak with Mushrooms & Onions

Reader Favorites

  • Crock Pot Chicken Thighs in bowl of pot with serving fork.Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
  • Hot Dogs in buns cooked in the air fryerEasy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
  • Baked Potatoes made in the Air Fryer are tender and fully on the outside with a crispy skin that makes them irresistible. Easy to make, just add your favorite toppings like butter, chives, sour cream, salt and pepper.Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Ripe tomatoes and mozzarella pearls make the Best Caprese Pasta Salad.Best Caprese Pasta Salad (Fresh and Easy)
  • Celery stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, herbs and cheddar cheese are outrageously good! Served as an appetizer or snack, this is a recipe that's sure to become a favorite at parties, BBQs and family gatherings.Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
  • Warm dip made with spinach and artichokes.Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

My New eBook!

1 Week of Family Favorite Menus

Buy Now
More Info

Trending Now

  • Beef pot roast cooked in the crock pot with onions and seasoned perfection until tender and juicy.Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast Recipe
  • Crock Pot Chicken Thighs in bowl of pot with serving fork.Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
  • Tomato cucumber red onion salad in a light citrus dressing.Tomato Cucumber Salad (Fresh And Easy)
  • Homemade Sausage Gravy served over hot biscuits is a breakfast made in heaven. Made with only 3 ingredients, this classic recipe is delicious, filling, and a time-honored tradition.Best Homemade Sausage Gravy
  • Baked Potatoes made in the Air Fryer are tender and fully on the outside with a crispy skin that makes them irresistible. Easy to make, just add your favorite toppings like butter, chives, sour cream, salt and pepper.Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Warm dip made with spinach and artichokes.Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Donya with A Southern Soul

Meet A Southern Soul

Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recipes by Category

  • Air Fryer
  • Appetizers
  • Beverages
  • Bread
  • Breakfast
  • Comfort Food
  • Crockpot/Slow Cooker
  • Desserts
  • Grilling
  • How To
  • Main Dish
  • Meal Planning
  • Party Food
  • Round Ups
  • Salads
  • Side Dish
  • Snacks
  • Soups & Stews
  • Southern Classics
  • All Recipes

© 2023 · A Southern Soul · Cookie Policy · Privacy Policy