Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

The first time I tasted Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, I knew I had to recreate it at home. This simple yet flavorful side dish has become the foundation of countless Mexican-inspired meals in my kitchen. Created by Chipotle founder Steve Ells in 1993, this rice has become the signature base for their famous burrito bowls. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring that fresh, zesty restaurant flavor right to your dinner table.

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Why this recipe works

The secret to authentic Chipotle-style rice lies in its simplicity. By coating the grains in oil before cooking, each grain remains separate and fluffy. The bright acidity from fresh lime juice cuts through the richness, while cilantro adds that distinctive herbaceous note that makes this rice instantly recognizable. The cooking method ensures perfectly tender rice every time.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make it:

• Vegetable Oil – Creates a protective coating around each grain of rice, preventing clumping
• White Basmati Rice – Provides the perfect long-grain texture that stays fluffy and separate
• Lime Juice – Adds bright acidity and authentic Chipotle flavor
• Water – Forms the cooking liquid that hydrates and softens the rice
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the acidity of the lime
• Cilantro – Contributes fresh, herbaceous notes characteristic of Mexican cuisine

If you don’t like cilantro…

You can just leave it out of the recipe. I know cilantro can be a tricky ingredient for some. Even Chipotle understands not everyone likes cilantro. 

Chipotle actually has plain rice they serve for anyone who doesn’t enjoy it. So it’s perfectly ok if you leave it out of this recipe and just enjoy the lime flavor.

How to make cilantro lime rice

1. Using a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil on low heat.
2. Add the white rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute. 
3. Then you will put in the water and salt and bring to a boil.
4. Cover and turn down the heat to low.
5. Simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro leaves (optional).
7. Enjoy with your favorite meal or another copycat Chipotle recipe.

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Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

Make Chipotle's famous cilantro lime rice at home with this simple copycat recipe. Perfect fluffy rice with bright lime and fresh cilantro flavors!

Author: Stephanie Manley

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5 from 9 votes

Servings : 6

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time35 minutes minutes

Total Time45 minutes minutes

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup white basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil or butter over low heat. If using butter, stir it occasionally until melted.
2. Add the rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add the water and salt. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Cover, turn down the heat to low and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed about 25 minutes.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro.

Video

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, add the lime juice and cilantro just before serving. This preserves the bright flavors that can diminish with prolonged cooking. If you’re meal prepping, consider adding fresh lime juice when reheating for the best taste experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Do I have to use basmati rice?

The simple answer is no. However, Basmati Rice is a long-grain rice that works perfectly in a cilantro lime rice recipe.

If you prefer to use brown rice, you can certainly do so. Just follow the instructions for making the brown rice. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so just make sure you follow the instructions.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice when reheating to restore moisture. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat in a covered pan on the stovetop.

Love Chipotle? Make more copycat recipes at home.

• Chipotle Barbacoa
• Chipotle Guacamole
• Chipotle Corn Salsa

Favorite Rice Dishes

• Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
• French Onion Rice
• Hibachi Fried Rice
• Popeyes Rice

Popular Mexican Recipes

• Chile Verde
• Mexican Hot Sauce
• Restaurant Style Mexican Beans
• Taco Bell Crunchwrap
• Taco Sauce

Check out my easy Chipotle copycat recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes here on CopyKat!

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