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This delicious zesty Cilantro Lime Rice- just like Chipotle’s– has a sharp lime kick and is a perfect side for any of your Tex-Mex favorites!
This recipe has been updated since it’s original publishing date in 2015.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of contents
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 my kids absolute favorite things from Chipotle though is their rice- the slightly sweet, buttery, cilantro and lime packed delicious rice that they make so well. Today I am sharing my 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 (I dont care how similar my foods tastes- there is just nothing compared to fresh Chipotle burritos that I don’t have to cook)- but it can help my kids satisfy their love for their rice in between trips!
Be sure to try our Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat and our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa, too!
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 perfect 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 pie, baked 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.
FAQs
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Absolutely! Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
You may have used too much water, or stirred the rice while cooking.
It’s great with grilled meats, in burrito bowls, or as a stand-alone side.
Yes, but it’ll have a different, yet still delicious, citrusy flavor.
Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use dried cilantro. Use it sparingly, as it’s more concentrated.
No, but it does give the best aromatic and fluffy results. Jasmine rice is a good alternative.
Yes! Follow your rice cooker’s guidelines for water-to-rice ratio and add the other ingredients accordingly.
What to Serve With Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Black Beans: Go for a plant-based meal by combining the rice with seasoned black beans, instant pot pinto beans, or 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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Chipotle Copycat Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup cilantro, diced , divided
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup basmati rice
Instructions
- In a large, heavy pan, melt butter on high.
- Add in 1/2 cilantro and lime juice.
- Cook until butter is foamy, add 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 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let "steam", 20 minutes.
- Fluff rice with fork and add 1 tsp lime juice and second 1/2 cilantro.
- Serve!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This rice looks delicious! We featured you at The Project Stash. Stop by and pick up your featured button! I can’t wait to see how you used your stash this week
This rice looks so yummy! What a wonderful side. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle Sunday! Hope to see you again.
Oh yum! This cilantro lime recipe looks delicious! Thank you very much for joining in the celebration of #purebloglove, we enjoy having you each week. I hope to see you on Thursday at 8PM, EST through Sunday night. ~Cydnee
I am obsessed with Chipotle burrito bowls but my wallet doesn’t appreciate the frequent trips…can’t wait to try this rice at home! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
Oh how I love Chipolte’s rice! I will have to try your version. I have tried other copy cat recipes that did not taste (nor looked) like Chipolte’s version at all. Yours looks like the real deal! Thanks for sharing!
Ooooooh I am a HUGE fan of Chipotle Cilantro Rice! I have been searching for the recipe and THANK YOU so very much for sharing it today! I am so gonna try it ????