Author: This Chipotle rice recipe is fluffy, flavorful, and packed with fresh lime and cilantro, just like the cilantro lime rice served at Chipotle. It's an easy copycat recipe that's perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, meal prep, or anytime you want to make plain rice a little more exciting.
If you've ever built a burrito bowl at Chipotle, you know the rice is one of the best parts. The combination of fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, and bright lime adds so much flavor with very little effort. This homemade version is easy to make with pantry staples and pairs perfectly with sofritas, black beans, fajita veggies, guacamole, and more.
Why This Chipotle Rice Recipe Is Even Better Than Takeout
- Fresh and flavorful: Lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro make this rice taste vibrant and fresh.
- Easy to make: Just cook the rice and stir in the flavorings. That's it!
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and use it throughout the week in bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads.
- Cheaper than takeout: Get several servings for a fraction of the cost of takeout.
Ingredients for Chipotle Rice
- Long-grain white rice: Basmati or jasmine rice both work well here.
- Water and salt: For cooking the rice.
- Lime: The zest adds lots of fresh lime flavor while the juice brightens everything up.
- Fresh cilantro: Chop this finely so it's evenly distributed.
How to Make Chipotle Rice
- Rinse the rice: Add the rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
- Rinse the rice: Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt to a medium saucepan.
- Cook the rice: Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Add the lime and cilantro: Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Fluff again until everything is evenly mixed. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Tips and Variations
- Don't skip rinsing the rice: Rinsing helps the grains stay light and fluffy instead of gummy and sticky.
- Add the lime after cooking: Adding lime juice to the cooking water can affect how the rice cooks. For the fluffiest texture, stir in the lime juice after the rice has finished cooking.
- Brown rice option: If you order the brown rice at Chipotle, you can make that at home too! Just adjust the cooking time and water according to the package directions.
- Rice cooker method: This recipe works perfectly in a rice cooker too. Once the rice is cooked, simply stir in the lime and cilantro.
Ways to Serve Chipotle Rice
This cilantro lime rice goes with just about everything and has a flavor that lends itself to both Mexican and Asian dishes. Try it:
- In burrito bowls and burritos (such as my breakfast burritos)
- Alongside tacos (try my easy soy curl tacos)
- Served with fajita veggies
- Paired with black beans or refried beans
- Added to meal bowls
- As a base for chickpea curry
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Chipotle rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let the rice cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the fluffy texture.
If you try this copycat Chipotle rice recipe, let us know by leaving a comment and rating it. I'd love to see what you made. Share your creation in the It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken Community (this is where we're all hanging out now!) or tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Chipotle Rice Recipe (Cilantro Lime Rice)
This Chipotle rice recipe is fluffy, lightly seasoned, and finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro for that signature fresh flavor. Inspired by Chipotle's cilantro lime rice, it's easy to make at home and perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, meal prep, or serving alongside beans and veggies.
Servings:
PRINT
PIN
COMMENT
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Add the rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch so the rice cooks up fluffy and separate.
- Cook the rice (stovetop): Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.Rice cooker method: Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt to your rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
- Season the rice: Add the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Gently fluff again until everything is evenly mixed. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Notes
Brown rice option: You can use brown rice instead, but you'll need to increase the water and cook time according to your package directions. Stir in the lime and cilantro after cooking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to help bring back the fluffy texture.
Serving suggestions: Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, burritos, or as a simple side for beans, fajita veggies, or grilled tofu.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Leave a Reply