If you’ve ever found yourself craving that fresh, citrusy rice from Chipotle, then learning how to make Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is exactly what you need!
The Best Side Dish to Your Mexican Favorites
If you’re a huge fan of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice, then you know that it hits different. This Chipotle copycat is the closest you can get to the restaurant’s original. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with so much flavor thanks to that combination of lime, lemon, and fresh cilantro.
After having one too many burrito bowls at home that just didn’t quite measure up, I decided to have my shot at a homemade cilantro lime rice. The goal was simple, make a copycat version that’s a good enough foundation for any Mexican food we’d usually have at home. And guess what? Without a doubt, I nailed it with this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice!
This Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice, which is bright, herby, and fluffy, with just the right hint of citrus, is the result of my recipe tests. It’s everything you love about Chipotle’s version, except you can make it anytime you want, in the comfort of your own home. You can finally enjoy this easy rice recipe at home with your favorite Mexican dishes! My family and I usually have this with my Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat Recipe.
Ingredients for Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
Below are the ingredients you will need to make this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the recipe card for detailed ingredient measurements.
- Long-grain white rice: like Basmati is the kind of rice to use for that signature non-sticky and fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can also use Jasmine rice.
- Water: that’s just the right amount to cook the rice perfectly without over-softening it.
- Bay leaf: renders a subtle background flavor that gives the rice depth.
- Vegetable oil (or rice bran oil): is perfect to use in place for rice bran oil, which Chipotle uses.
- Salt: gives this Cilantro Lime Rice one of its foundational flavors. Use Kosher or sea salt for the cleanest flavor.
- Fresh lime juice + fresh lemon juice: is the duo that brings out that bright, citrusy kick that Chipotle’s rice is known for.
- Fresh cilantro: that’s finely chopped will be added towards the end for that fresh and herby goodness.
How to Make Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
Here's how you can make this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the temperature, cook-time, and full step-by-step instructions.
- Toast the Rice. To begin with, heat oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. In the meantime, rinse rice while in a fine mesh strainer by running it through cool water. This step is important because it removes the excess starch. Once oil is glistening, lower down the fire, and add the rice, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes. Do this until it starts to look lightly toasted and slightly translucent.
- Simmer it. Next, add water, bay leaf, and a teaspoon of salt. Bring everything to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed.
- Steam & Rest. As soon as the rice is cooked and there’s no more water, turn off the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step because it’s crucial for fluffy rice.
- Adjust the flavor if needed. Give your rice a taste. In case it needs a little more salt, make a mixture of lemon and lime juices with a pinch of salt, then drizzle accordingly.
- Add Cilantro. Lastly, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. At this point, stir in the chopped cilantro, then mix altogether. Then, serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
- Use Basmati Rice because the texture is closest to Chipotle’s. Its long, fluffy grains, without the stickiness is what you need for this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Toast your rice. This quick step adds a nutty, slightly toasted flavor that elevates the entire dish.This quick step is important because it adds that distinct nutty, and slightly toasted flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Don’t Rush the Resting: Take the time to rest the rice. Letting the rice steam off the heat makes it light and airy.
- Adjust the Citrus to Your Taste. If you love that bright citrus flavor, feel free to add a bit more juice.
Why You Need to Make This Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
This Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is your ticket to turning any dinner into a satisfying one. It adds the perfect fresh and zesty twist to any of your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether it’s for a homemade burrito bowl, tacos, or simply as a side dish, this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe is an absolute must-try. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that uses simple ingredients ready in about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Yes, you can! Simply adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions. Brown rice is one of those kinds of rice that takes longer to cook. However, it still tastes great with this flavor combo.
It is. All the ingredients in this cilantro lime rice are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Absolutely! But, don’t skip toasting the rice in the rice cooker pot first. Once toasted, just add the cups of water needed, bay leaf, and salt just as you would when cooking over the stove. Finish with the juices and cilantro after cooking.
If you don’t have access to rice bran oil, then vegetable oil works just as fine, as well as avocado oil. More importantly, stick to neutral oils for the most authentic flavor. I don’t recommend olive oil for this recipe.
Yes, you can. Before freezing it, let it cool, then keep in a sealed container. To reheat, add a splash of water to fluff it up once again.
If you want to intensify the flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeño as you toast the rice for heat. Additionally, you can also stir in some black beans as the rice cooks. What’s more, you can substitute water with chicken broth for an added depth. A bit of lime zest towards the end also brings out the taste of fresh limes.
The best way to enjoy this Chipotle-inspired cup of rice is with grilled chicken, carnitas, sofritas, and steak.
If stored in an airtight container, then this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice stays fresh for up to 4 days. Once you want to enjoy it again, reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
How to Make Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice preferably basmati
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or rice bran oil, like Chipotle uses
- 1 teaspoon salt kosher or sea salt
- 3 tbsp lime juice juiced (or 1 ½ key limes), add more to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and turns slightly translucent (about 2-3 minutes).1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Add the water, bay leaf, and salt, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.2 ¼ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 bay leaf
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam.
- Taste the rice and see if it needs more salt. If it does, in a small bowl, mix the lime juice, and lemon hjuice with a pinch of salt until dissolved. Drizzle it over the rice, then fluff with a fork.If it doesn't need more salt, add the juices as is and fluff with a fork.3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and toss the rice to evenly distribute the flavors.¼ cup fresh cilantro
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