Chipotle Lime Rice

This good zesty Cilantro Lime Rice like Chipotle's– has a sharp lime kick and is a solid side for any of your Tex-Mex favorites!

This recipe has been updated since it's original publishing date in 2015.

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Chipotle Style Cilantro Lime Rice

One of our absolute favorite restaurants is Chipotle- we love their burritos, burrito bowls, and all of their fillings. One of our kids absolute favorite things from Chipotle though is their rice- the slightly sweet, buttery, cilantro and lime packed good rice that they make so well. Today we are sharing our favorite new technique for making a Chipotle Knockoff Cilantro Lime Rice– and it's incredibly quick and easy!

Now, this won't cut down on our frequent trips (we dont care how similar our foods tastes- there is nothing compared to fresh Chipotle burritos that we don't have to cook)- but it can help our kids satisfy their love for their rice in between trips!

try our Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat and our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsatoo!

Chipotle Rice Recipe Ingredients

To make this recipe, we need the following ingredients:

• Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh and zesty kick that contrasts well with the richness of the butter.
• Lime Juice: Lends tanginess and brightens up the dish, complementing the cilantro.
• Water: The cooking medium for the rice, pretty straightforward!
• Basmati Rice: A long-grain rice that's aromatic and fluffy, serving as the solid base for the other flavors to shine.

Cilantro Lime Rice Method

Once you've gathered your ingredients, we will use this process:

Melt Butter

In a large, heavy pan, melt butter on high. Add in 1/2 cilantro and lime juice. Cook until butter is foamy, add rice.

Cover & Cook Rice

Stir rice and let butter absorb, slightly toasting the rice. Add water and turn heat to high. When water is boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.

Let Sit

Let sit 20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let “steam”, 20 minutes.

Fluff

Fluff rice with fork and add 1 tsp lime juice and second 1/2 cilantro.

Enjoy!

Serve with chicken tinga tacos enchilada piebaked fish, or spicy garlicky beans!

Chipotle Rice Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Rinse the Rice: Wash it until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This makes the rice less gummy.
• Use a Good-Quality Lime: Fresh, juicy limes will make a difference.
• Cooking Liquid: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
• Butter or Oil: If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter touch.
• Fluff, Don't Stir: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork rather than stirring to keep it from getting mushy.
• Cilantro Timing: Add half while cooking and half afterward for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: After it's cooked, taste and add more lime or salt as needed.
• Cooking Method: Consider using a rice cooker for consistent results.
• Don't Rush: Letting the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking helps with texture.

A few answers

Can we use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can we make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

How do we store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can we freeze cilantro lime rice?

Yes, you can! make sure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Why is our rice mushy?

You may have used too much water, or stirred the rice while cooking.

What can we pair cilantro lime rice with?

It's great with grilled meats, in burrito bowls, or as a stand-alone side.

Can we use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, but it'll have a different, yet still good, citrusy flavor.

What if we don't have fresh cilantro?

Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use dried cilantro. Use it sparingly, as it's more concentrated.

Do we have to use basmati rice?

No, but it does give the best aromatic and fluffy results. Jasmine rice is a good alternative.

Can we make cilantro lime rice in a rice cooker?

Yes! Follow your rice cooker's guidelines for water-to-rice ratio and add the other ingredients accordingly.

Serve it with

Black Beans: Go for a plant-based meal by combining the rice with seasoned black beans instant pot pinto beansor spicy garlicky beans!

Fajitas: Whether it's chicken, beef, or veggie, fajitas and this rice are a match made in heaven.

Shrimp Skewers: Grilled or sautéed shrimp add a seafood flair to the mix.

Chili: A spicier chili is nicely balanced out by the refreshing tang of the rice.

Burrito Bowls: Use the rice as the base and pile on your favorite toppings like guac, sour cream, and salsa.

Quesadillas: Serve it on the side to add a fresh element to cheesy quesadillas.

Steak: Particularly good with a citrus-marinated steak or carne asada.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup cilantro, diced, divided
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup basmati rice

Method

1. In a large, heavy pan, melt butter on high.
2. Add in 1/2 cilantro and lime juice.
3. Cook until butter is foamy, add rice.
4. Stir rice and let butter absorb, slightly toasting the rice.
5. Add water and turn heat to high.
6. When water is boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.
7. Let sit 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat and let "steam", 20 minutes.
9. Fluff rice with fork and add 1 tsp lime juice and second 1/2 cilantro.
10. Serve!