The Perfect Bone Broth Rice Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this nutrient-packed bone broth rice recipe! Rice is infused with the rich flavors of a homemade bone broth. It's simple yet nourishing and comforting. Enjoy as a side dish or serve with other ingredients to make this a complete meal. 

Jump to Recipe

As we approach winter, it's become more important to be to keep bone broths on hand. I've been doing a lot of reading and have become more aquainted with the benefits of bone broth. Not to mention, flu season is here.

Family and friends have been going through seasonal sickness during this time and my natural remedy has been bone broth everything. This includes soup of course and this delicious rice recipe. This bone broth rice is so simple and easy to make. It absorbs all the flavors of the bone broth and turns into this savory, filling, and warm dish that truly comforts the soul.

Jump to:

• What is Bone Broth? 
• Why You'll Love Bone Broth Rice 
• Ingredients and Substitutions 
• How It's Made 
• Instant Pot Instructions 
• Rice Cooker Instructions 
• Ways to Serve Bone Broth Rice 
• Must Try Variations 
• Storing and Reheating 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• More Recipes You'll Love
• The Perfect Bone Broth Rice Recipe

What is Bone Broth? 

Bone broth is a broth made by simmering bones (typically beef, chicken, or fish) along with vegetables, herbs, and spices. The slow and prolonged cooking process extracts nutrients, collagen, and flavors from the bones and other ingredients.

One of the biggest distinctions between bone broth and other broths is the collagen content that gets extracted from the bones and into the broth. This is the reason for the bone broth being gelatinized as it cools in the refrigerator. Some research has shown that there can be up to 9 grams of protein in 1 cup of bone broth as opposed to only trace amounts found in regular broth. 

Why You'll Love Bone Broth Rice 

Rich Flavor: Bone broth imparts a deep and savory flavor to the rice, elevating it beyond a standard side dish and making it a delicious and satisfying part of your meal.

Nutritional Benefits: Bone broth is packed with nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals that you wouldn't otherwise get from regular broth. 

Versatility: This rice can be used as a base for various dishes. You can pair it with the meat of your choice, vegetables, or even sauces to create diverse and flavorful meals. You can also cook the rice in 4-6 cups of broth with other vegetables to make a delicious, comforting rice soup. 

Easy to Make: Making this recipe is relatively simple. All the ingredients are placed in a small pot then are cooked in no time.

Budget-Friendly: Making your own bone broth at home is often more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged versions, and you can use it not only for rice but also in various other recipes.

Ingredients and Substitutions 

Jasmine rice - This is a long grain, fragrant rice. It's perfect for absorbing flavorful broths. Other types of long grain rice can be used. See the FAQ for more details on that. Only one cup of rice is used which makes about 4 servings of cooked rice. 

Chicken bone broth - You can either make your own or go and purchase a packaged bone broth. Making your own is so much fun and the flavor is beyond rewarding. However, it can take time. I suggest making the bone broth a day or two in advance. Beef bone broth can be substituted. 

Sofrito - This ingredient is optional and most bone broth rice recipes on the internet are made without sofrito. If you have it on hand, it will only enhance the flavor. If you don't know, sofrito is made up of garlic, onions, peppers, and cilantro. Many people make their own and keep it refrigerated to use in various recipes. The sofrito I used was store bought. It adds so much flavor to anything you're making. 

Cilantro - To add freshness and color to the rice. 

Butter - To keep the rice from drying out, to add flavor, and make it nice and creamy. If you want a dairy free alternative, olive oil or coconut oil can be substituted. 

How It's Made 

Step 1. Rinse rice with cold water to remove excess starch and to prevent the rice from being overly sticky. 

Step 2. Bring bone broth and sofrito to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir to be sure the sofrito is well combined in the chicken broth. 

Step 3. After the bone broth mixture is boiling, add the jasmine rice. Stir to prevent sticking. Cover and reduce heat to medium, medium low. Simmer for around 15 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed. 

Step 4. Once done, remove the lid and fluff rice. Stir in butter and cilantro then serve immediately. 

Instant Pot Instructions 

The rice can easily be made in the instant pot. You do need to adjust broth so instead of using 1 1/2 cups, use 1 cup. Below are the instructions: 

Step 1. Place the rinsed rice, bone broth, and sofrito in the instant pot. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the "Sealing" position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow for a natural release for at least 10 minutes. 

Step 2. Once done and all the pressure has been released, fluff the rice and fold in butter. Top with fresh cilantro and serve warm. 

Rice Cooker Instructions 

Don't have an instant pot and don't want to use the stove? You can easily make this using a rice cooker. Again you will need to use only 1 cup of broth for 1 cup of rice. 

Step 1. Place the rinsed rice, broth, and sofrito into the rice cooker. Start the rice cooker according to its instructions for white rice.

Step 2. Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is done, let it rest for around 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and makes it easier to fluff.

Step 3. Fluff the rice with a fork, fold in the butter and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately. 

Ways to Serve Bone Broth Rice 

As a Side Dish: Serve as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein. Pair it with roasted vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

In Soups and Stews: Use as a base for soups and stews to enhance flavor and add nutritional value. Drop pre-cooked rice into a hot soup just before serving for a quick and hearty addition.

Stuffed Peppers or Vegetables: Stuff bell peppers or tomatoes with rice and bake for a tasty and satisfying dish. Add ground meat, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.

In Casseroles: Incorporate bone broth rice into casseroles for added richness and substance. Mix it with vegetables, cheese, and your choice of protein for a complete one-dish meal.

Fried Rice: Make a delicious fried rice by stir-frying with vegetables, protein, and soy sauce. Add scrambled eggs, peas, and diced carrots for a classic fried rice flavor.

As a Base for Bowls: Use bone broth rice as a base for grain bowls. Top it with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, avocado, and a protein source for a nutritious bowl meal.

With Gravy or Sauce: Serve with a rich gravy or sauce, such as mushroom gravy or a savory tomato-based sauce.This can elevate the dish and add extra layers of flavor.

Must Try Variations 

Turmeric and Ginger: Infuse the bone broth rice with turmeric and grated ginger for a warm and earthy flavor. This combination adds anti-inflammatory properties and a zesty kick.

Mushroom and Thyme: Sauté mushrooms and thyme in butter before adding them to the bone broth rice. This creates a savory and aromatic side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

Lemon and Garlic: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic to the bone broth rice for a bright and tangy flavor. This pairs well with seafood or grilled chicken.

Chipotle and Cilantro Lime: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and fresh cilantro to the bone broth rice. Squeeze lime juice over the top for a smoky, spicy, and citrusy kick.

Pesto Parmesan Mix in pesto sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bone broth rice for a flavorful and cheesy side dish. This pairs well with grilled vegetables or chicken.

Cumin and Black Bean: Add ground cumin and cooked black beans to the bone broth rice for a Southwestern-inspired dish. Serve it with grilled meats or as a filling for burritos.

Storing and Reheating 

To store the bone broth rice, allow it to cool to room temperature. Store bone broth rice in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer term storage, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw completely before eating. 

To reheat, place the bone broth rice in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep in the moisture. Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between until fully reheated. You may consider adding a little extra bone broth or water to the rice before microwaving to ensure the rice isn't too dry. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does cooking rice in bone broth add protein to rice? 

Yes, cooking rice in bone broth can add some protein to the rice. Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, and sometimes bits of meat, which contribute protein to the cooking liquid. When you use bone broth instead of water to cook rice, the rice absorbs some of the proteins from the broth during the cooking process.

While the protein content may not be as significant as in a piece of meat or a legume-based dish, it can still be a nutritious addition, especially if you're looking to boost the protein content of your meal. Additionally, the proteins in bone broth also bring other beneficial components, such as amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, which can contribute to joint health and digestion.

What other types of rice can be used? 

You can use various types of rice to make bone broth rice, depending on your preference and the flavor profile you're aiming for. Here are some common types of rice that work well with bone broth:

White Rice: This is a versatile option with a mild flavor. It tends to absorb the flavors of the bone broth well and has a soft, fluffy texture when cooked.

Brown Rice: Brown rice is a whole grain option that offers a nuttier flavor and chewier texture compared to white rice. It's a nutritious choice and pairs nicely with the richness of bone broth. Keep in mind this may require a longer cook time and possibly more liquid. 

Basmati Rice: Basmati rice has a distinct aroma and long grains. It works well with bone broth, absorbing the flavors while maintaining a separate and fluffy texture. This is my favorite rice to use when I'm not using Jasmine. 

Wild Rice: Wild rice complements bone broth beautifully. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor that adds depth to the dish. Much like with brown rice, more liquid and a longer cooking time may be required. Be sure to do your research on this before using in this recipe. 

Can I use regular broth instead of bone broth? 

Yes, you can absolutely use regular broth instead of bone broth in bone broth rice. While bone broth provides a richer flavor and additional nutrients due to the collagen and minerals extracted from bones during the cooking process, regular broth can still contribute great taste and moisture to your rice.

More Recipes You'll Love

Easy Tuna Fried Rice

Green Curry Fried Rice

Gluten Free Spanish Rice

Yellow Mediterranean Rice

Lemon Basil Rice

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl