Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
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This copycat recipe for Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and zesty side dish that combines fresh cilantro and tangy lime for a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, adding bright flavors to any meal with minimal effort.
What You Will ❤️ About Cilantro Lime Rice
- Flavortown! I love the zing of a little salt and a little lime in my rice!
- Easy! Once your rice is cooked you just stir in the extra ingredients and toss it together!
- Versatile! You can use this rice with Mexican or Indian style food – I make a big batch and then keep it in fridge for easy meals all week.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple delicious ingredients make this side dish quick and easy to make! You only need 5 ingredients and trust me – this is FAR better than plain old rice!
- White Rice – I’m not the biggest fan of long grain white rice – I typically will use Jasmine rice if it’s a Mexican-style recipe or Basmati rice if it’s an Indian recipe – but any rice will work! You can also use brown rices.
- Water – it’s a 1:2 ratio with rice: water – you can also use chicken broth or beef broth depending on which will complement your main dish
- Cilantro – be sure you use FRESH cilantro for this one! You can buy a big bunch for less than $1
- Lime – again – FRESH lime juice is best! You can use bottled lime juice if you’re in a pinch. You can also add a dash of lemon juice if you like – but I just load up on the limes! If you want even more lime flavor – add a little lime zest!
- Salt – mmmmm salt! Be sure to use coarse sea salt here so you can taste it!
A lot of folks say that Chipotle adds a bay leaf to the water – I tried it both ways and prefer it without. But add one if you like!
How to make Cilantro Lime Rice
I don’t know why I used to be intimidated by cooking rice on the stovetop – it’s so simple! Now I’m making this dish on the weekly (and no need for a rice cooker!)! Here’s how to make rice just like Chipotle (maybe even better!):
- In a medium saucepan, over high heat, bring water to a boil.
- Add rice and stir. Lower heat to low and cover for 13-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. (Cooking times may vary based on your type of rice. Please review instructions on the package.)
- Move rice to a large bowl and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add salt, juice from one large lime and chopped cilantro. Toss until combined.
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Ways to use Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
This is a delicious side dish and you can use it in multiple ways! Here are a few ideas:
- Hibachi – jazz up your favorite Hibachi recipe by using Cilantro Lime rice
- Bowls – I love to make copycat Panera Grain Bowls and this is a perfect base!
- Indian Food – Grab a jar of tikki masala sauce and you’ve got dinner!
- Chipotle Burritos – whether you like ground beef, pulled pork or Barbacoa – this rice is great in burritos! Then load it up with sour cream & cheese just like Chipotle!
- Burrito Bowls – transfer everything from a tortilla into a bowl for a more keto-friendly dish like this Chicken Enchilada Bowl!
Tips, Tricks & FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can put in freezer for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minutes.
Nope! The cilantro stems are just as flavorful as the leaves! I just whack a chunk off the end of the bunch and chop it all up very finely and toss it with the rice!
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Copycat Chipotle Recipes
Recipes that use Cilantro Lime Rice
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lime
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, over high heat, bring water to a boil.3 cups water
- Add rice and stir. Lower heat to low and cover for 13-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. (Cooking times may vary based on your type of rice. Please review instructions on the package.)1.5 cups jasmine rice
- Move rice to a large bowl and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add salt, juice from one large lime and chopped cilantro. Toss until combined.1 tsp salt, 1 lime, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
