Looking for a Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe? This easy, homemade version captures the bright lime, fresh cilantro, and tender white rice that make the original so addictive. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate the flavor at home and use it as the perfect base for burrito bowls, tacos, and more. Follow the clear instructions below to make a batch in about 25 minutes.
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice is beloved for its perfect balance of citrus and herb, combined with light, fluffy rice. This version focuses on freshness and texture: rinsing the rice prevents stickiness, a touch of oil keeps the grains separate, and freshly squeezed lime plus chopped cilantro add the bright finishing notes.
Pair this rice with grilled proteins or use it as the foundation for bowls and burritos. Great companions include: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken, Shrimp Fajitas, and Smoked Cider-Braised Pork Burritos. Top with black beans, smoked salsa, or homemade guacamole for a complete meal. It also works well alongside street tacos, enchiladas, or steak fajitas, or simply mixed with seasoned black beans for a filling rice-and-beans dish.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Chipotle-inspired flavor — bright, citrusy, and herb-forward.
- Built for bowls and burritos — stands up to salsas, beans, and grilled meat without getting soggy.
- Quick and simple — about 25 minutes from start to finish, no special equipment required.
- Customizable — adjust the lime, cilantro, or salt to suit your taste.
Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, gather the following items. Quantities are provided in the recipe card below.
- Uncooked long grain white rice — rinse it for the best texture.
- Water — a standard 2:1 water-to-rice ratio gives tender, separate grains.
- Avocado oil — neutral flavor and helps keep rice fluffy; olive oil or butter can also be used.
- Lime salt or kosher salt — lime salt adds a subtle citrus kick; kosher salt is fine if that’s what you have.
- Fresh cilantro — chop just before mixing in for peak flavor and color.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice — bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
How To Make This Recipe
This overview gives you a quick look at the method. Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below.
- Combine ingredients — place rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt into a medium pot over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover — when it simmers, reduce the heat to low and cover tightly.
- Cook low and slow — let it cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes on low heat.
- Rest — turn off the heat and let the covered pot sit for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Fluff and finish — fluff with a fork and gently fold in chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. Serve warm.
Cilantro Lime Rice FAQ
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes. Cilantro Lime Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for easy meal prep. Make it ahead and reheat as needed.
What’s the best way to store and reheat Cilantro Lime Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- Traeger Carne Asada
- Traeger Chicken Enchiladas
- Beef Quesadillas
- Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
- Blackstone Breakfast Quesadillas
- Traeger Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Blackened Shrimp Tacos
- Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet
Yield: 6 servings
Cilantro Lime Rice
This easy Cilantro Lime Rice is ideal with tacos, enchiladas, or inside a burrito. If you love Chipotle’s rice, you’ll enjoy this fresh, homemade version.
Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil/butter)
- 1 teaspoon lime salt or regular kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Place the rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer uncovered. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered. Let the rice rest for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 57 • Total Fat: 2g • Saturated Fat: 0g • Cholesterol: 0mg • Sodium: 4mg • Carbohydrates: 8g • Protein: 1g
Nutrition data is an estimate.