If you have ever wondered how to make chipotle cilantro lime rice at home, this is the recipe you need. This chipotle cilantro lime rice is bright, fluffy, and perfectly balanced with fresh lime and chopped cilantro. It tastes just like the cilantro lime rice from Chipotle, but it is even better because it is made fresh in your own kitchen.
I started making this recipe for chipotle cilantro lime rice when we were on a burrito bowl kick at home. Once I realized how simple it was, there was no going back. It pairs perfectly with our Easy Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe and makes meal prep feel effortless.
What Is Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?
This copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice is made with basmati rice cooked in olive oil with a bay leaf for subtle flavor. Once tender and fluffy, it is finished with fresh lime zest, lime juice, and plenty of chopped cilantro.
The result is light, fragrant rice that adds brightness to burrito bowls, tacos, and salads. If you love cilantro lime rice chipotle style, this version will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Lime Cilantro Rice Recipe
It is incredibly easy to make, without any complicated steps or special equipment. The rice turns out fluffy and never sticky, thanks to rinsing and resting the rice. It tastes just like the chipotle lime and cilantro rice from the restaurant! It’s also so versatile, so you can pair it with anything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies to a burrito!
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy these other easy recipes from the blog: Chipotle chicken recipe, Chipotle pinto beans recipe, and chipotle burrito recipe.
What You’ll Need
- Basmati rice: This gives you long, fluffy grains that stay separate.
- Water: The right ratio ensures tender rice without being mushy.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps toast the rice for better flavor.
- Bay leaf: A small detail that adds gentle depth while the rice cooks.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the rice properly.
- Lime zest and fresh lime juice: The zest brings bright citrus flavor, while the juice adds tang and balance.
- Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped so it blends evenly throughout the rice.
How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Step 1: Rinse the rice.
Place the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 30 to 45 seconds until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
Step 2: Toast the rice.
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir constantly for one to two minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook with bay leaf.
Add the water, bay leaf, and salt. Stir once. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Steam and rest.
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for five minutes. This step finishes cooking the rice gently. Discard the bay leaf.
Step 5: Finish with lime and cilantro.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle the lime zest over the top, drizzle in the lime juice, and add the chopped cilantro. Gently fold everything together.
Step 6: Taste and adjust.
Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve warm.
Storage and Make Ahead
Store leftover chipotle cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
You can also make this ahead for meal prep burrito bowls. It reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor.
When to Serve This Cilantro Lime Rice from Chipotle Style Recipe
Serve this chipotle lime cilantro rice recipe in burrito bowls with chipotle chicken, pinto beans, shredded lettuce, and salsa. It is also delicious in tacos, stuffed peppers, or alongside grilled meats.
It truly completes any copycat chipotle spread at home.
- Chipotle Burrito Recipe | Easy Copycat Recipe
- Easy Copycat Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe
FAQs
Yes, but basmati gives the most authentic texture for a copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice.
Yes. Store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water.
Rinse the rice well and let it rest after cooking before fluffing.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- Zest of 1/2 lime
- 1½ tbsp lime juice plus more to taste
- ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear.1 cup basmati rice
- Toast rice in olive oil for one to two minutes.1 tbsp olive oil
- Add water, bay leaf, and salt. Simmer covered until liquid is absorbed.1¾ cups water, 1 bay leaf, ¾ tsp kosher salt
- Rest covered for five minutes, then discard bay leaf.
- Fluff and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.Zest, 1½ tbsp lime juice, ½ cup fresh cilantro
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Rinse rice well for fluffy texture.
- Let rice rest before fluffing.
- Add lime juice at the end for the brightest flavor.
- Pairs perfectly with chipotle chicken, pinto beans, and burritos.
This chipotle cilantro lime rice is one of those simple recipes that makes everything else on the plate better. It is fluffy, bright, and perfectly balanced without being too citrusy or too heavy on cilantro. I love how easy it is to make, and it truly tastes like cilantro lime rice from Chipotle, just fresher and more vibrant. It completely changed our homemade burrito nights and pulls the whole meal together every single time.