How to Make Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice at Home

Create Chipotle’s renowned Cilantro Lime Rice right in your own kitchen with this 5-ingredient recipe that takes merely 30 minutes! By choosing the appropriate rice and adding a splash of oil before cooking, you’ll achieve wonderfully fluffy grains that remain separate, all infused with the delightful zest of fresh lime juice and aromatic cilantro.

Jump to:

• How to Make Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice at Home
• Table of Contents
• My Top 2 Tips
• The 5 Ingredients You Need
• How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
• Step 1: Rinse the Rice
• Step 2: Boil and Simmer
• Step 3: Chop and Mix
• Step 4: Taste and Serve
• Tip for Fluffy, Clump-free Rice
• Storage and Meal Prep Suggestions
• What to Pair with Cilantro Lime Rice
• More Easy Rice Recipes
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Table of Contents

1. My Top 2 Tips
2. The 5 Ingredients You Need
3. How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
4. Tip for Fluffy, Clump-free Rice
5. Storage and Meal Prep Suggestions
6. What to Pair with Cilantro Lime Rice
7. More Simple Rice Recipes
8. Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Whenever you visit Chipotle, you can count on a few things: fresh ingredients, extra guacamole, and that incredibly tasty cilantro lime rice.

And it’s surprisingly straightforward to whip up at home with this easy 5-ingredient recipe.

This rice is perfect alongside Steak Fajitas, Chipotle Chicken, Chipotle Corn Salsa, or as a base for Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls.

My Top 2 Tips

It’s important to note that not only the type of rice you select matters, but also how you prepare it. Long grain white rice or basmati rice both yield excellent results. Due to their starchy surface, it’s crucial to thoroughly rinse the rice before cooking for the lightest, non-sticky texture.

Additionally, incorporate all parts of the cilantro herb to amplify the flavor of your rice. However, since stems can be tough, be sure to finely chop this fresh herb to avoid any unpleasant chunky bites.

The 5 Ingredients You Need

For specific measurements and comprehensive instructions, be sure to check the recipe card below.

• Rice. For the best fluffy texture, opt for white, long-grain rice. Basmati rice is also an excellent choice! Refrain from using medium- or short-grain rice, as they may become sticky and mushy. Brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time.

• Lime. Fresh lime juice is essential; skip the bottled varieties.

• Cilantro. Use fresh cilantro for optimum flavor; dried options won’t provide the same punch. Be sure to pack the chopped cilantro tightly for an accurate measurement.

• Oil. Oil works better than butter for this recipe, providing a silky texture and preventing clumping. Stick with either lightly flavored olive oil or avocado oil.

How to Make Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Please refer to the recipe card below for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Begin by placing the dried rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinsing it under cool water for about 1-2 minutes. Gently stir and agitate the grains to remove excess starch. When the water runs clear, drain well to maintain the cooking quality.

Step 2: Boil and Simmer

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and the rinsed rice. After a quick stir, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check at the 20-minute mark for a chewier texture; if you prefer softer rice, let it simmer for the full 25 minutes.

Step 3: Chop and Mix

While the rice cooks, finely chop the cilantro (including the stems for added flavor!). Once the rice is finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and mix in a bit of oil, fresh lime juice, and the chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For an extra touch, top with a sprinkle of cilantro before serving. Enjoy!

Tip for Fluffy, Clump-free Rice

For optimal results, always rinse rice thoroughly prior to cooking. This removes excess starch, which can lead to clumping and mushiness.

Storage and Meal Prep Suggestions

• Prep-Ahead: This rice is best served immediately, but you can prepare it up to 1-2 days in advance. Reheat it and mix in the cilantro right before serving.

• Storage: Cilantro Lime Rice can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Be sure the rice is fully defrosted before reheating.

• Reheating: To reheat, heat the rice in a skillet over medium-low heat with a drizzle of oil for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until warm.

What to Pair with Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is an excellent companion to any of these delicious Mexican 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 Recipes

This versatile grain can be incorporated into numerous 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

Enjoy making and savoring this simple, flavorful dish at home!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Salisbury Steak Meatballs
• Crispy Zucchini Fritters
• Chipotle Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Tomato Bruschetta

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