Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

If you love Chipotle-style cilantro lime rice, this recipe will show you how to recreate it at home with perfectly fluffy rice, fresh lime juice, and fragrant cilantro. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with burrito bowls, tacos, grilled meats, and more. The combination of zesty citrus and fresh herbs gives the rice a light, refreshing taste that complements a variety of dishes.

Unlike plain rice, this Cilantro Lime Rice gets a boost from a touch of olive oil and a hint of salt, making every bite full of bright, fresh flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving a family dinner, or building a burrito bowl, this easy-to-make rice will take your meal to the next level. It’s just like the Chipotle version—but even better because it’s homemade!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork for fluffing rice
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients Overview

• Long-Grain White Rice: The best type for light and fluffy texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness.
• Lime & Lemon Juice: Brings the signature zesty flavor.
• Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• 2 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for balance)
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice, salt, and olive oil, then stir.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Fluff & Add Flavor

1. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in lime juice, lemon juice (if using), and chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve warm as a side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or seafood.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
• To Keep Rice Fluffy: Don’t stir too much while cooking—this helps prevent mushiness.
• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for a kick.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes and use 2 1/2 cups of water per cup of brown rice.

How long does this rice last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze cilantro lime rice?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water to restore texture.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
• Herb Swap: Try parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
• Butter Option: Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

If you love **Chipotle-style cilantro lime rice**, this recipe will show you how to recreate it at home with **perfectly fluffy rice, fresh lime juice, and fragrant cilantro**. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with **burrito bowls, tacos, grilled meats, and more**.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Medium saucepan with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Fork for fluffing rice
• - Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati
• - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
• - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional, for balance
• - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Cook the Rice**
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• In a medium saucepan, bring **2 cups of water** to a boil. Add **rice, salt, and olive oil**, then stir.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for **15 minutes**, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• #### **Step 2: Fluff & Add Flavor**
• Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for **5 minutes** to steam.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in **lime juice, lemon juice (if using), and chopped cilantro**.
• #### **Step 3: Serve & Enjoy**
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve warm as a side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or seafood.