Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe – Tangy rice flavored with lime, salt and cilantro! This is an easy side dish using simple ingredients that goes with so many meals. Whether it’s stuffed in your burrito, in a burrito bowl or piled next to your plate of enchiladas, this is a great side dish!
Chipotle Cilantro Rice
When I moved to Fresno, I made many trips for house hunting. My buddy Jessica was our Realtor and days were spent with a long drive from Sacramento, dashing through several homes, lunch, touring homes and back on the road to Sac Town.
Lunches were usually quick and on the go. Chipotle was a favorite then and it still is now. I love the bowls (of course), burritos and tacos. There are so many combinations, you never have to eat the same thing twice!
So since that’s a real favorite I began making their eats at home. It’s always fresh and delicious and one that I’ve perfected is their Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe.
We really love and I think you will too!
What is chipotle cilantro lime rice?
Only the best rice ever! If you’ve been to Chipotle restaurant rice is always an option whether you’re having a burrito, taco or bowl. You can choose white or brown rice, both are delicious.
It’s simply made and flavored with lime, salt and chopped cilantro. It’s the perfect side dish for so many meals.
Shopping list
- rice – white or brown
- lime
- cilantro
- salt
White or brown rice? Short grain, medium or long grain rice – what should I use?
Basmati rice, a long grain rice is ideal for this recipe. However if you only have short grain rice on hand. Don’t sweat! Use what is available to you.
One cup white rice yields about three cups cooked.
Wait, only brown rice is in your pantry? No worries you can use that as well. Brown rice is great option.
It will actually make more servings as one cup of brown rice makes nearly four cups cooked.
Do you use the cilantro stems?
Absolutely! There is so much flavor in the stems you’ll definitely want to use them. Some people say that the stems can be woody, but if the cilantro is fresh, that’s not an issue.
Just be sure to finely chop them, it will be delicious!
How do you make Chipotle Lime Rice Recipe?
This side is so simple to make!
- You’ll start by rinsing the rice well.
- Sauté rice in olive oil – making sure each grain gets toasted.
- Add the salt and water, bring to a boil.
- Reduce to simmer and cook according to package directions.
- When done, remove from heat, fluff with fork and stir in cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice.
Instant Pot directions
- Start by rinsing the rice.
- Turn the pressure cooker to sauté. When hot, add the olive oil and rice. Sauté the rice making sure each piece rice is coated in oil and gets good and toasty!
- Add the water and salt.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker.
- White rice (basmati or jasmine): 5 minutes – Long-grain brown rice: 10 minutes
- Cook on high, natural pressure release at the end for 10 minutes.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
More great Mexican side dishes
This rice would be perfect served with a big platter of Red Chili Enchiladas and a side of black beans. Here are more of my favorites!
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Chipotle Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice basmati or jasmine will work too!
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 2 limes juiced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp canola oil vegetable or peanut oil can be substituted.
Instructions
- Put the rice in a sieve and rinse well under running water.
- In a small heavy pot over medium add the oil and rice, saute for about three minutes. Make sure every kernel of rice is coated and toasted. The rice will begin to smell nutty and fragrant.
- Next add the salt and water. Increase the heat to high and cook as per package directions.
- While the rice is cooking, juice the limes and chop the cilantro.
- When the rice is done cooking, fluff with fork and mix in the lime, zest and cilantro. Mix well, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Instant Pot directions
- Start by rinsing the rice.
- Turn the pressure cooker to sauté. When hot, add the olive oil and rice. Sauté the rice making sure each rice is coated in oil and gets good and toasty!
- Add the water and salt.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker.
- White rice (basmati or jasmine): 5 minutes – Long-grain brown rice: 10 minutes
- Cook on high, natural pressure release at the end for 10 minutes.
