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Home / Recipes / Side Dish / Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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Author:

Kimber Matherne

Updated:

January 17, 2024

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Cilantro Lime Rice is the most delicious side for serving with grilled meats, fish, and all of your favorite Mexican dishes. This recipe is a Chipotle copycat formulated using the recipe that they official Chipotle account shared on TikTok, so it tastes just like the restaurant!

Cilantro Lime Rice with chicken on a plate this Recipe

Table of contents

Toggle
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – Just like Chipotle!
  • Recipe Notes
  • Recipe Variations
  • Dietary Considerations
  • What to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice with
  • Cilantro Lime Rice Leftovers
  • More Easy Side Dish Recipes
  • Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice – Just like Chipotle!

The official Chipotle restaurant TikTok account started sharing some of their coveted recipes on their account over the past few months. We have already share Chipotle’s Corn Salsa recipe with you, and by popular request we are sharing the Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime rice copycat recipe today!

On TikTok, they share a more generalized recipe, so we took what they gave us, played around, did some due diligence and research and put together a Cilantro Lime Rice recipe that tastes just like eating at the restaurant!

This recipe is EASY, using just a few every day ingredients and one pot. It can be made quickly, and goes well with all of the Chipotle classics like burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls, and also goes great with grilled meats and other main dishes.

Recipe Notes

This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is as simple as promised! Just 6 ingredients and one pot for a family friendly side dish that goes well with almost everything!

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use when making this recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients to make chipotle cilantro lime rice including jasmine rice, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, oil

Ingredients

  • Jasmine rice – Jasmine rice has the perfect texture and “fluff” without being sticky, so it is perfect for this recipe. You can use other long grain rice varieties, brown rice, however, you will need to consult the package to make sure to use the correct amount of water when cooking rice.
  • Water– For Jasmine rice you will use a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water. This means we need 3 cups of water to make 2 cups of dry rice. If you use a different kind of rice, you will likely need to change the amount of water you cook the rice in.
  • Cilantro– One of the key ingredients to this dish, you will need to use fresh cilantro, and chop it into really small pieces so that the flavor will integrate well. Make sure to see my tips on picking great cilantro below.
  • Lime– Using fresh lime juice is really important for the flavor of this recipe. Some employees say that Chipotle uses a combination of lime juice and lemon juice, but I have always preferred the flavor just using lime juice.
  • Oil– I use vegetable, but you can also use canola if preferred.
  • Salt
Cilantro Lime Rice with chicken on a plate

Recipe Tips

  1. Always use fresh– Sometimes you can get away with using. a dried or bottled ingredient in place of fresh, but you just can’t in this recipe! If you are not using fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice, you will not get the same great flavor.
  2. Pick the best cilantro! Since cilantro is such a key flavor to this dish, it is important to pick the best bunch possible. Here is what to look for:
    • Brightly colored leaves– avoid bunches with yellowing or brown leaves
    • Fresh distinctive smell. Cilantro should have a distinct smell when it is fresh. The longer it sits on the shelf, the less intense the smell (and flavor) will be.
    • Crisp firm stems– The stems should hold themselves upright and should not be limp.
    • Make sure it is cilantro– Cilantro resembles flat leaf parsely and is often located near it in the produce section. Make sure you get cilantro, and don’t accidentally pick up a bunch of parsley instead.
  3. Rinse your rice– Rinse the rice in a colander or mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This will remove extra starch and help prevent it from becoming sticky.
  4. Let it sit– If you let the rice sit for about 10 minutes after cooking, it becomes more uniformly soft and fluffy and helps the texture of the rice.
  5. Cook it how you like– We outline the instructions for a stove top version of the cilantro lime rice, but you can also use a rice cooker, or Instant pot to cook the rice if you prefer.

Recipe Variations

  • Cilantro Lime Brown Rice– Make the recipe as directed substituting brown rice for white rice. Adjust the amount of water used to cook the rice, and the time per the package instructions. Continue as directed.
  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice– Place the water, rice, salt and oil in the pressure cooker. Set to cook at high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow to naturally release for 8 minutes, then remove the lid, fluff the rice, and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans– Prepare rice as directed. Once done, drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz) of black beans and stir it into the hot pot. Let sit 5 minutes to warm the beans, then serve.

Dietary Considerations

If you have special dietary needs, this recipe will comply with many.

As always, check all store bought ingredients for compliance on specific dietary needs. The notes below are a general guide.

  • Gluten free: This recipe is naturally gluten free.
  • Dairy free: Cilantro Lime Rice is naturally dairy free.
  • Nut free: This recipe is naturally nut free
  • Egg free: This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is naturally egg free
  • Macros: The approximate macro calculation for this recipe is- P: 3g C: 38g F: 2g
White Cilantro Lime rice in a pot on the stove

What to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice with

Since this Cilantro Lime Rice was made famous by Chipotle, you know it goes well with almost anything on their menu! You can also pair it with many other Mexican inspired main dishes, other every day dinners like grilled meats, or use it for meal prep.

Chipotle Classics

Load up your option with meat, sautéed veggies, Cilantro Lime Rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, corn salsa, cheese, chopped romaine lettuce, and sour cream. You might have a hard time believing it isn’t actually from Chipotle!

  • Burritos
  • Burrito bowls
  • Salad
  • Tacos
  • Quesadillas

Main Dish Ideas

  • Chicken Tinga – Slow Cooker Recipe- this makes AMAZING tacos! (this does have a kick to it)
  • Mexican Shredded Beef – Feeds a crowd!
  • Tex Mex style Chicken Fajitas – Family favorite!
  • Steak Fajitas- These come out sizzling just like the restaurant
  • Cilantro Lime Chicken – One of our grilling favorites
  • Salsa Chicken Bake – Easy one dish classic!
  • Avocado Smothered Chicken – You’ll love how fast this meal can be prepped and into the oven.

You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner. 

Cilantro Lime Rice Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can pair with another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store:

  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer up to a month

Reheating Instructions

  • Stovetop– Place rice in a pot and add about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice. Cover and heat over medium low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
  • Microwave– Place rice in a microwaveable dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat, heating in 30 second increments until piping hot throughout. Let sit covered for 3-5 minutes, then serve.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my Easy Side Dish recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

  • Mexican Roasted Veggies
  • Tableside Guacamole
  • Southern Squash Casserole
  • Mexican Corn Salad
Cilantro lime rice just like Chipotle being scooped out of the pot

Cilantro Lime Rice

By: Kimber Matherne
5 from 2 votes
This Cilantro Lime Rice is just like the rice made at Chipotle. The flavor and texture of the rice is heaven and makes the perfect filling for burritos, burrito bowls, salads and tacos, or for serving as a side dish with your Mexican favorites.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
8 servings
Rate this Recipe Print Pin SaveSaved!

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup lime Juice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Rinse your rice until the water runs clear, then place the water, salt, and rice in a pot and bring to a boil. Immediately cover reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Once tender remove from heat let rest for 10 minutes, and then fluff with a fork.
  • Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and oil and stir to evenly combine.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

Substitutions:
  • White Rice– Make the recipe as directed substituting brown rice for white rice. Adjust the amount of water used to cook the rice, and the time per the package instructions. Continue as directed.
  • Oil– I use vegetable, but you can also use canola if preferred.
How to Store: To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store:
  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer up to a month
How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 186kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 38g (13%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 2g (3%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Sodium: 298mg (13%), Potassium: 67mg (2%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 67IU (1%), Vitamin C: 3mg (4%), Calcium: 16mg (2%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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2 responses

  1. Pearl
    January 10, 2025

    I just found this recipe and I am going to give it a try. Cilantro Lime rice is one of my all time favorites! I am so glad I found this page.

    Reply
  2. Elisabeth Smith
    October 22, 2023

    5 stars
    This is a nice recipe that goes with so many entrees. It makes a fluffy pot of rice. I will say that it’s not authentic Chipotle, because it does not have bay leaves, but I really like it and will absolutely keep making it.

    Reply
Kimber Easy Family Recipes Headshot

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I’m Kimber. Mom of 3 and home cook.

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