Make perfect cilantro lime rice just like Chipotle’s! Fluffy, zesty, and easy to make at home—ready in 20 minutes for the perfect side dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice
If you love Chipotle’s rice, you’ll want to try this homemade cilantro lime rice recipe! It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned with lime and fresh cilantro—ready in about 20 minutes for a versatile side dish that goes with everything. I love to make my own burrito bowls with it, using my quick black bean recipe, barbacoa beef, sweet barbacoa pork, pork carnitas, or chipotle chicken – and don’t forget the corn salsa!
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
I’ve been making my own Chipotle-style burrito bowls for years—so much that I’ve even included versions in a few of my cookbooks! This cilantro lime rice is a staple in my home, and my daughter loves it so much I even tuck it into her steak tacos. It’s bright, fresh, and comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
Here’s why it works:
- Adds fresh, zesty flavor to any meal
- Quick and easy—ready in about 25 minutes
- Versatile side for burrito bowls, tacos, or grilled meats
- Family-approved (even the kids love it!)
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice at Home
Making cilantro lime rice at home is quick and easy—you only need a few simple ingredients to get that same bright, zesty flavor you love from Chipotle. I use long-grain white rice (or basmati or jasmine) so the grains stay fluffy and separate. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil the rice – Combine rice, water (or broth for extra flavor), olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil and let it boil uncovered until the water skims the top of the rice.
- Cover and cook – Once most of the water has evaporated, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, without lifting the lid. Shut the heat off and keep the lid on (no peaking) 5 more minutes to let the steam continue cooking the rice.
- Fluff and season – Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Taste and adjust – Add more lime or cilantro to taste. For that signature Chipotle touch, use both the cilantro leaves and tender stems—they’re full of flavor!
Tips for Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice Every Time
- My best advice for perfect rice is to always use the same liquid-to-rice ratio each time—2 cups of water for every cup of rice. This consistency ensures evenly cooked, fluffy grains every time.
- Let the water boil down until it just skims the top of the rice before covering—this helps the texture come out perfectly fluffy.
- After cooking, let it rest covered for a 5 minutes without lifting the lid, so the steam finishes cooking the rice, then fluff with a fork.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t skip the cilantro stems—they add so much flavor.
- For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Variations
- Brown Rice: Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just follow the instructions on the package for the correct cook time, then season the same way with lime juice, oil, and cilantro.
- Using Cooked Rice: Have leftover rice? Simply warm it up, then stir in the lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro for a quick shortcut version.
- Instant Pot: Follow my instructions for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Low Carb: Try my cilantro lime cauliflower rice version!
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
Here’s some favorites to make burritos or burrito bowls at home:
- Barbacoa Beef
- Sweet Barbacoa Pork
- Pork Carnitas
- Chipotle Chicken
- Quick Black Beans
- Corn Salsa
- Guacamole
- Pico De Gallo
Storage
For meal prep, make a double batch and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portions up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water to bring back that fluffy texture in the microwave.
More Rice Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this cilantro lime rice, here are a few other rice recipes you might like:
- Arroz Con Pollo – A lighter take on the Latin classic made in one pot with tender chicken and vegetables.
- Yellow Rice – Bright, flavorful, and perfect with chicken or seafood.
- Black Beans and Rice – A classic Latin side dish with protein and fiber.
- Shrimp Fried Rice – Better than takeout and high in protein.
- Instant Pot Rice – Foolproof, fluffy rice made in minutes.
Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra long grain rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice
- 1/2 lime, juice of
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- In a small or medium heavy pot with a tight fitted lid, add the rice, water, 1 teaspoon of oil and salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat until most of the water evaporates and just skims the top of the rice. Cover and reduce the heat to low 15 minutes, without stirring or lifting the lid.
- Shut off flame and keep covered an additional 5 minute, no peaking! After 5 minutes, fluff with a fork.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed.
Last Step:
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Variations
- Brown Rice: Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just follow the instructions on the package for the correct cook time, then season the same way with lime juice, oil, and cilantro.
- Using Cooked Rice: Have leftover rice? Simply warm it up, then stir in the lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro for a quick shortcut version.
- Instant Pot: Follow my instructions for Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Low Carb: Try my cilantro lime cauliflower rice version!
