An easy, flavorful side dish made with pantry staples and fresh greens

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this garlic butter rice with kale is it. Its rich, garlicy, and buttery, with just enough greens to feel good about going back for seconds. We make it on repeat around here.

This is a way to use up the fresh kale leaves you just picked from your garden or that bag of kale in the fridge. And it’s easy to swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand. Let’s get into it.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Rice with Kale

4 cups of fresh kale
2 teaspoons of olive oil
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons of butter
3 cloves of fresh garlic
1 cup of white rice
2 cups of chicken broth

Step-By-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Rice with Kale

Chop kale into smaller pieces and place in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the kale and add a pinch each of salt and pepper. Massage kale with your hands for about 30 seconds and set aside.

Melt butter in a large pan. Add garlic and saute for a minute.

Add rice and chicken broth. Add lid to pan and simmer on low for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Turn off heat and add kale. Place lid on pan and rest for 10 minutes.

Stir kale into rice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips for Lighter, Fluffier Kale Rice Every Time

Massage kale before adding it. A quick 30 second massage with a splash of olive oil and salt softens the kale and boosts tasting appeal.

Use broth instead of water. Cooking rice in chicken or vegetable broth deepens the flavor.

Let it rest with the lid on. – After cooking, toss the kale on top, cover and rest for about 10 minutes. This will steam the greens without overcooking them.

Finish with extra butter or olive oil. – Add richness by stirring in a tablespoon of butter or oil. This will also help separate the grains.

Add-Ins or Variations

Use brown rice if you prefer. – It will just need a longer cook time.

Add protein. – Chicken or shrimp will make a full meal instead of a side-dish.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Rice with Kale

This garlicy rice is the perfect side dish for simple weeknight dinners. It pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted salmon. You could even serve it alongside a bowl of broccoli cheese soup or use it as base for a veggie bowl with roasted squash or sweet potatoes.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze garlic butter rice portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. The kale softens a little more after freezing, but the flavor holds up beautifully.

Garlic Butter Rice with Kale FAQ’s

Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh? Yes! I freeze kale and use it for this recipe, and it is just as delicious as using fresh kale.

How long does this rice keep in the fridge? Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Can I make this vegan? Yes! Just use plant-based alternatives for butter and broth.

This is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly flexible. If you try it, let me know how you make it your own.