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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Table of Contents
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
- Using a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil on low heat.
- Add the white rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.Â
- 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 leaves (optional).
- Enjoy with your favorite meal or another copycat Chipotle recipe.
Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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.
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Check out my easy Chipotle copycat recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes here on CopyKat!
Can you use brown rice instead?
I think you could use it, it wouldn’t be the same, but you could use the brown rice
My son loved this and he said it was just as good as Chipotle. He also just had his tonsils out a week ago and was so excited to eat this with a flavor he loves!
I hope your son recovered well.
I made this for a second time tonight, thinking I did something wrong the first time. It turned out dry and the flavor isn’t correct. What am I doing wrong???
Your rice may have needed more water.
this is not correct. you need to use soy oil for the same flavor. and you need to throw in a bay leaf.
Could you use Jasamine rice instead and have it taste the same?
I don’t think it would come out as well with Jasmine rice.
NO, Jasmine rice absorb excess moisture and is extremely hard to cook without it being sticky. Use Basmati rice instead.
this is not enough liquid to rice…. ?
this is not enough liquid to rice…. ?
this is not enough liquid to rice…. ?
This came out great!! Kosher salt made a difference the second time around, but both were great!
Perfect, stupid-simple rice! And I agree with the Kosher salt. Now all I need is Chipotle’s corn salsa and some grilled veggies for a veggie bowl. Thank you.
Next time don’t play that stupid music. You can hear that just fine, can’t her Stephanie for the directions.
We did pull back on the music in future videos. Thank you for that recommendation.
Where is the Chipotle
There is none, it is the name of the restaurant.
Just a tip, you can save a ton of money on basmati rice by purchasing it at an asian grocery store. It’s a quarter of the price.
Basmati rice is sold in bulk at Whole Foods. Cheaper and of better quality and freshness then the expensive supermarket small bags. It also comes in a “Brown Rice” version for better health. Cooking time is longer and water amounts increase with brown. Whole foods has cooking instructions at service counter or on-line recipe sites will provide.
Thank you for your tip.
Jennifer
I wonder if you could tell me how they make the honey chipotle vinigerette dressing. i love that dressing.
The Asian – Indians have been making this pilaf for generations.
Alex,
You said you worked at Chipotle Mexican Grill for a year. Do you by chance know the recipe for the Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa? And would you be willing to share it? I would be greatful if you would. I use to be able to go to Chipotle, but I moved to east TN and there are none close.
Thanks in advance,
Josh
A good tip is to use Kosher Salt. I worked at Chipotle Mexican Grill for a year and I can assure you the Kosher Salt used makes a recognizable difference!
Delicious! I wasn’t sure if the additional cost for the Basmati rice instead of regular rice would be worth it, but it was! The lime and cilantro flavors were perfectly balanced. I will definitely make this again for burritos or as a side dish.
I recently made this rice and used the recipe on here for the ancho marinade. Thankfully, it tasted exactly like Chipotle…especially since there is not one in our area and once a twice a year is just not enough! THANKS SO MUCH!!!