For most Americans (Norte Americanos, Yanks, USers) rice is one of those dishes rarely used by itself, so bland. I can't disagree with that which is why I never make it bland.

The simplest variation is to note the directions for boiling rice are to add salt to the water. Instead of salt, try that salty chicken or beef bullion powder. With only that it is no longer bland.

How about some dried chopped onions? Onion powder? Garlic powder? How about a packet of dried soup mix? How about leftover soup instead of plain water? Remember that turkey soup as the last gasp of the Thanksgiving carcass? Any canned soups at the back of the shelf?

Not exotic enough? A little (or a lot) of chili powder never hurt. Or try the spices used in the other chili.