Super Delicious Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Learn how to make Chipotle cilantro lime rice at home with this easy copycat recipe. Soft, fluffy rice infused with citrusy lime and bright cilantro is a tasty, zesty side dish for bowls, burritos, and more.
Make your favorite Chipotle side dishes from the comfort of your kitchen. Try my Super Simple Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe and Easy Chipotle Black Beans Recipe next!
Chipotle cilantro lime rice is a delicious Mexican side dish. If you want to upgrade your plain white rice, this dish is flavorful and clump-free.
It’s as simple as simmering rice with a bay leaf, fluffing it, then adding lime juice and cilantro. Your wallet and your taste buds will be thankful for this one!
Why you will love Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice:
Cheap! I love Chipotle, but when you’re feeding a family, eating fast food adds up quickly. Making this rice at home is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the same delicious flavors without breaking the bank.
Flavorful! This recipe is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors from the citrusy lime and aromatic cilantro, creating a tasty and refreshing side dish that elevates any meal.
Versatile! This cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from burritos and bowls to grilled meats and veggies, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients for Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
To make cilantro lime rice from Chipotle, you will need the following ingredients:
- Jasmine rice: Rinse and drain this long-grain rice to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming sticky and clumping together.
- Water: You need liquid to cook the rice.
- Salt: This enhances the overall taste.
- Bay leaf: This adds a mild herbal note.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice gives the rice a vibrant pop of citrus flavor.
- Cilantro: Finely chop the cilantro so you get that flavor in every bite of rice. And yes, you can use the stems!
How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This ensures the removal of excess starch for perfectly fluffy rice. Then, in a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water.
Alternatively, you can use the “finger trick” method: after adding the rice to the pot, fill it with water until it reaches the first knuckle of your index finger when you rest your fingertip on the surface of the rice.
Sprinkle in the salt and add the bay leaf for a subtle hint of flavor. Place the pot on the stove uncovered and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
After this time, remove the pot from the heat but keep the lid on. This allows the rice to rest and absorb any remaining moisture for an additional 5 minutes.
Then take off the lid, discard the bay leaf, and stir in the finely chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice until everything is well combined. Your Chipotle cilantro lime rice is now ready to be served immediately. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Chipotle uses bran oil for their rice but you honestly don’t need to use oil for this recipe. The rice cooks perfectly with just water.
- To make this cilantro lime rice recipe with brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes, keeping the pot covered and simmering until the rice is tender. Follow the same steps for rinsing, seasoning, and adding cilantro and lime juice after cooking.
- Once the rice has cooled down, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- To make this recipe in a slow cooker, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, water, salt, and bay leaf in the slow cooker, then cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the rice is tender. Once done, remove the bay leaf, stir in the cilantro and lime juice, and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
- Grilled Chicken: The fresh, citrusy flavors of the rice complement the smoky, savory taste of Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor perfectly.
- Fish Tacos: The zesty lime and cilantro in the rice enhance the flavors of the fish and add a refreshing element to the dish.
- Burrito Bowls: Cilantro lime rice serves as a flavorful base that ties together all the ingredients in a burrito bowl. Add some juicy steak bites and Fajita Veggies for bold flavor.
- Black Beans: Top your rice with tender black beans for a quick protein-rich vegetarian meal.
FAQ
More delicious rice recipes you’ll love
- Fluffy and Delicious Yellow Greek Rice
- The Best Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole
- How to Make the Perfect White Rice on the Stove
Ingredients
- 2 cups Jasmine rice rinsed and drained
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 whole Lime juiced
- ¼ cup Cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse your rice under water until the water runs clear. Now add 4 cups of water into the pot with the rice, or use the “finger trick” method: after adding the rice to the pot, fill it with water until it reaches the first knuckle of your index finger when you rest your fingertip on the surface of the rice.
- Sprinkle your salt into the pot and add in your bay leaf. Place the pot on the stove uncovered and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat down to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and leave the lid on for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid. Take out the bay leaf, add in the cilantro and the lime juice, and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Serve right away, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
