Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Chipotle Copycat) - Evolving Table (2024)

Chipotle’s famous Cilantro Lime Rice is simplified into this 5-ingredient recipe that takes under 30 minutes to make! By selecting the right type of rice, and adding a touch of oil before boiling, you’ll get super fluffy grains that don’t clump together with a ton of flavor from fresh lime juice and cilantro. Serve this quick side with your favorite Mexican dishes, fajitas, or even in a Chipotle chicken burrito bowl!

Whenever you go to Chipotle, you can always be assured of a few things… That the food is fresh, the guac is extra, and the cilantro lime rice is out-of-this-world.

Before I found out that Chipotle added bay leaves while boiling their rice, and a hint of lemon juice at the end, I was making this much easier 5-ingredient recipe.

And you know what? Everyone goes CRAZY for it when I make it alongside our favorite Steak Fajitas or to go in these Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls.

So while this may not be an exact replica of their rice, it IS much easier to make with less ingredients. And that, my friends, is always a big WIN in my book!

2 Things to Make This Recipe a Winner

It’s not just the type of rice that matters, but it’s also what you DO with that rice. Either a long grain white rice, or my personal preference, basmati rice, will work equally as well. However, since they both have a starchy outer coating, you will want to make sure and rinse those rice thoroughly before cooking for the fluffiest, clump-free results.

Secondly, use all parts of the cilantro herb to get the most flavor-packed rice. But since stems can be fibrous, you’ll want to make sure and finely chop this fresh herb so you don’t get any unpleasant chunky bites in your rice.

The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes about the ingredients needed for this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe are below. Jump to recipe for the exact measurements.

• Rice. It is best to use white, long-grain rice to achieve a soft and fluffy texture. Basmati rice also works great and is my personal preference! Avoid using medium- or short-grain rice, as it has a tendency to turn sticky and mushy. Brown rice will also need more liquid and additional cook time.
• Lime. Fresh lime juice is best and bottled lime juice should be avoided.
• Cilantro. Fresh cilantro should be used, because dried won’t have nearly the same flavor or effect. When measuring, pack the chopped cilantro down in order to get an accurate measurement.
• Oil. This works even better than butter for this recipe. It gives the rice a silky feel, and prevents the grains from clumping together. Either a mildly flavored olive oil or avocado oil are recommended.

How to Make Simple Cilantro Lime Rice

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts. Jump to recipe for the printable instructions.

1. Rinse the rice. Pour the dried rice into a small fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cool water for 1-2 minutes. Gently stir and agitate the rice with your fingers to ensure all the starch is knocked loose. When the water runs clear, drain the rice thoroughly to avoid introducing excess water to the cooking process.
2. Boil water, then simmer the rice. Bring water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and rinsed rice. Stir briefly, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness at 20 minutes for chewier rice, or cook up to 25 minutes for a softer texture.
3. Chop cilantro, and mix in with lime. Finely chop the cilantro, including stems for extra flavor. Fluff the cooked rice, then mix in oil, lime juice, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning and serve with a cilantro garnish.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

• Prep-Ahead: This rice is best when served immediately, but it can be prepared up to 1-2 days in advance. Reheat then mix in the cilantro just before serving.
• Storage: Cilantro Lime Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3-4 days. The rice can also be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. The rice should be fully defrosted before reheating.
• Reheating: Add the rice to a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of oil. Cook it for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice makes an incredible side dish for any one of these Mexican main dishes:

• Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl (with Chipotle Corn Salsa, Guacamole and Chipotle Chicken)
• Blackened Fish Tacos
• Chicken Mole Enchiladas
• Mexican Zucchini Taco Boats
• Instant Pot Tacos al Pastor
• Easy Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
• Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
• Easy Skillet Steak Fajitas Recipe

More Easy Rice Dishes

This versatile grain can be utilized across loads of different flavor profiles, including these other simple, amazing recipes:

• Mexican Beef and Rice
• Mexican Rice Recipe
• Ground Turkey Broccoli Cheese Rice Skillet
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Mediterranean Yellow Rice
• Sushi Rice
• Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice