Create Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice recipe in your own home with this delicious copycat recipe. If you close your eyes you will think you’re eating one of Chipotle’s rice bowls. This recipe is so easy to make and pairs perfectly with my copycat Chipotle carnitas.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
Chipotle is known for making everything fresh. Every time you go in there, they are busy preparing their signature dishes. Their rice is honestly one of our favorite parts of their menu. After all, it’s seasoned perfectly with cilantro and lime juice.
I love this as a side dish, by itself or as one of their delicious Chipotle’s rice bowls. If you enjoy rice, don’t miss this savory version.
You can make rice just like the Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants with our copycat recipe. Scroll down to see my video on how easy this recipe is to make.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make it:
- Vegetable Oil
- White Basmati Rice
- Lime juice
- Water
- Salt
- Cilantro
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
- Using a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil on low heat.
- Add the rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.
- Then you will put in the water and salt and bring to a boil.
- Cover and turn down the heat to low.
- Simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro (optional).
- Enjoy with your favorite meal or another copycat Chipotle recipe.
Do I have to use basmati rice?
The simple answer is no. But Basmati Rice is long grain rice and works perfectly in this 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.
Love Chipotle? Make more copycat recipes at home.
Favorite Rice Dishes
Popular Mexican Recipes
Check out my easy Chipotle copycat recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes here on CopyKat!
Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 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
- In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil or butter over low heat. If using butter, stir it occasionally until melted.
- Add the rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.
- 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.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro.
Rudy
I always like your recipes. This one was good too.
Patricia
Love The recipes
Melanie Bauer
Yep! Definitely my favorite rice!
Melodie Bauer
Did a double take on the name. Thought it was me for a quick second, but here I am in Elk Grove, CA . Melodie Bauer
Anetta
I totally needed this recipe this week – I just made a big batch of Barbacoa Beef! Perfect timing!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
Love everything about Chipotle especially this rice!
stephaniemanley
I am so glad you enjoy this rice.
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork
We have a major Chipotle addiction in our home. I totally need to try your copy cat recipe!