DIY Recipes in a Jar: 5 Easy Seasoned Rice Mixes for Quick Meals

Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite kitchen projects: DIY recipes in a jar. If you’ve ever wanted quick, convenient, and flavorful meals ready to go, these seasoned rice mixes are a perfect solution. The best part about these DIY recipes in a jar is that you can prep them ahead of time, store them on your shelf, and enjoy homemade rice whenever you want—without digging through multiple ingredients.

I’m Carrie from Keep It Simple DIY, and I’m excited to share five of my favorite seasoned rice mixes. From classic chicken-flavored rice to bold Indian masala, these DIY recipes in a jar are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for anyone who loves simple meal prep.

1. Chicken Seasoned Rice

Let’s start with a classic: chicken seasoned rice. This mix is perfect for pairing with any meal. I added 1½ cups of rice into a jar, then mixed in some chicken bouillon, minced onion, parsley, basil, garlic powder, dried weed (just a little!), seasoned salt, and a touch of lemon pepper.

The beauty of DIY recipes in a jar like this is “dump and go.” When you’re ready to cook, just melt some butter or oil, toast the rice and spices in the pan, then add water—1½ cups for a pressure cooker or double that for the stove. In minutes, you’ll have a flavorful rice ready to serve.

2. Herbed Garlic Rice

Next up is a garlic-forward herbed rice mix. Again, I started with 1½ cups of rice and added lots of garlic powder, plenty of parsley, some bouillon, coriander, and black pepper. This herbed garlic rice is simple, aromatic, and perfect for a side dish or as a base for a quick dinner. These DIY recipes in a jar are perfect for anyone who wants a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Indian Masala Rice

For something with a little extra spice, try Indian masala rice. This jar gets 1½ cups of rice plus half a tablespoon of cumin and coriander, ¾ teaspoon each of turmeric and garam masala, ¼ teaspoon of coriander, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This mix adds a warm, exotic flavor to your meals and is ideal for those who love bold flavors. Another great example of how DIY recipes in a jar make cooking fast and stress-free.

4. Tomato Seasoned Rice

Our fourth mix is tomato-based and a little tangy. I used tomato powder, garlic, minced onion, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and a tiny pinch of cayenne. This jar is perfect for adding a little brightness to any meal. The tip here is to toast the rice and spices in a bit of oil or butter before cooking—it brings out the flavors beautifully.

5. Texas Roadhouse Copycat Rice

Finally, we’re making a fun copycat version of Texas Roadhouse rice. I used garlic powder, parsley, minced onion, onion powder, salt, pepper, a hint of paprika, a dash of cayenne, and Umami seasoning in place of soy sauce. Even if you’ve never had Texas Roadhouse rice, this mix is savory, aromatic, and totally versatile.

All five of these DIY recipes in a jar are simple, convenient, and customizable. Once prepped, you can have a flavorful rice dish ready in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Tips for Cooking Your Jarred Rice Mixes

Melt a little butter or oil in your pan before adding the rice and spices.
Toast the rice briefly to enhance the flavor.
Add water according to your cooking method: 1½ cups for a pressure cooker or 3 cups for stovetop cooking.
Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize flavors.

These DIY recipes in a jar are a fun way to stock your pantry with quick, flavorful meal options. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these rice mixes make meal prep simple, convenient, and delicious.