Looking for a Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe? This easy recipe will show you how to recreate that signature Chipotle flavor right in your own kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll be serving up this delicious rice dish in no time. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness! Let's get started.
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
There's something undeniably amazing about Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice. It's the perfect balance of bright lime, cilantro, and hot, fluffy white rice.
Serve it alongside Grilled Chile Lime Chicken or Shrimp Fajitas for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Use it as a base for your Smoked Cider-Braised Pork Burritos, adding your favorite toppings like black beans, smoked salsa, and Homemade Guacamole. It's a fantastic accompaniment to Mexican-inspired dishes like street tacos, Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas, or Steak Fajitas. You can even turn it into a flavorful rice and beans dish by adding some seasoned black beans. The options are endless, making this rice a must-have recipe in your repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Dish#
- Chipotle-Inspired Flavor – Bright, fresh, and just the right amount of citrus.
- Perfect Burrito Bowl Base – Holds up well with meat, beans, and salsa.
- Quick Cook Time – Done in about 20 minutes, with no special tools.
- Customizable – Add more lime, less cilantro, or use it as a base for other add-ins.
Try my Instant Pot Mexican Rice too!
Recipe Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Uncooked Long Grain Rice – Stick with white rice here; rinse before cooking for the best texture.
- Water – Standard 2:1 water-to-rice ratio works perfectly.
- Avocado Oil – Neutral flavor and high smoke point. Olive oil or butter also work fine.
- Lime Salt or Kosher Salt – Lime salt adds citrusy zing, but kosher salt does the job if that’s what you have.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds herbaceous flavor and a fresh pop of green.
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice – Brings the brightness; don’t sub in bottled if you can help it.
Serve my Homemade Bean Dip!
How To Make This Recipe
This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Combine Ingredients – Add rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt to a pot over medium heat.
- Simmer + Cover – Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
- Cook Low + Slow – Let cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- Turn Off Heat – Keep covered and let sit for 15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid.
- Fluff + Finish – Fluff with a fork and gently stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve warm.
Our Traeger Elote is a great side too!
Cilantro Lime Rice FAQ
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes! This dish can be made in advance. It keeps really well in the fridge.
What's the best way to store and reheat Cilantro Lime Rice?
Keep the leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, max. Reheat in the microwave for best results.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- Traeger Carne Asada
- Traeger Chicken Enchiladas
- Beef Quesadillas
- Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
- Blackstone Breakfast Quesadillas
- Traeger Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Blackened Shrimp Tacos
- Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet
Cilantro Lime Rice
This easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is perfect to serve with tacos, enchiladas, or inside your next burrito! If you love Chipotle's rice, you'll really love this!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Lime Salt (or regular kosher salt)
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Place your rinsed rice along with the water, avocado oil, and salt into a pot with a lid on the stove over medium heat.
- Bring the rice to a simmer, uncovered, and then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let the rice cook over low heat for 10 minutes and then turn the heat off. DO NOT UNCOVER.
- Let the rice sit, covered, on the stove for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix in the cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve hot.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.