I love crafting my Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice as a refreshing twist to my meals. I mix fluffy long grain white rice with water, oil, and just the right pinch of salt. The vibrant zing of fresh lime juice and crisp cilantro makes every bite feel like a delightful nod to a popular restaurant favorite.

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I’ve been experimenting with flavors lately and I gotta say, this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat) is one of my favorites so far. I was amazed by how quick and easy it was to put together using just 1 cup of long grain white rice, 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro.

This recipe brings all the magic of Chipotle rice right to your kitchen. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how much it tasted like the real deal at Chipotle, yet it was 100% homemade.

It’s one of those recipes that make you feel like you’re recreating an epic dish from your favorite restaurant. Whether you’re a fan of Chipotle Copycat Recipes or simply want to enjoy some authentic-looking Chipotle Rice, you really gotta try this out!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, it’s super easy and fast to make—even when I’m in a rush it never fails me. Second, I really enjoy how the rice gets toasted with a little oil before the water, because that extra step gives it a nice, nutty flavor that you don’t get with plain rice. Third, the combination of fresh lime juice and cilantro makes it taste just like the Chipotle version I love, adding a bright, tangy zing that really wakes up any meal.

Ingredients

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Long grain white rice is a carbohydrate source that creates texture and hearty fullness.
Water is essential for cooking rice evenly, resulting in a tender, fluffy dish.
Vegetable oil adds subtle richness and helps prevent sticking while imparting mild flavor.
Salt heightens every taste note and balances flavors, enhancing the overall deliciousness.
Fresh lime juice gives an energizing tang, adding sour brightness perfectly to the dish.
Chopped fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbaceous aroma, vitamins and a pop of green.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup long grain white rice

2 cups water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or butter if you want)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make this

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1. First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear then drain well.

2. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, then pour in the rice and stir for about 2 minutes so it gets a little toasted.

3. Add 2 cups of water and the salt to the pan and stir so that everything mixes together.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.

5. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. Turn off the heat and keep the pan covered for another 5 minutes so the rice steams.

7. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to loosen it up.

8. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, making sure all the rice gets a bit of that zing.

9. Taste the rice and adjust the salt if needed.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your Chipotle style cilantro lime rice!

Equipment Needed

1. Fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice
2. Saucepan with a lid for toasting and simmering the rice
3. Measuring cups for the rice and water
4. Measuring spoons for the salt, oil, and lime juice
5. Fork to fluff the rice
6. Knife and cutting board to chop the cilantro and slice the limes

FAQ

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?

A: Yeah you can but just note that brown rice takes longer to cook and it might change the texture and flavor a bit.

Q: Is it okay to use butter in place of vegetable oil?

A: Sure thing! Using butter gives the dish a richer flavor, so its totally up to your taste.

Q: How do I keep my rice fluffy and not mushy?

A: The key is to measure your water correctly and don’t stir the rice while it cooks. Let it sit covered after cooking for a little bit too.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a couple days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Q: Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

A: Rinsing isn’t absolutely necessary but it does help to get rid of extra starches which makes your rice less sticky.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Copycat) Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have long grain white rice, try using jasmine or basmati rice – they work fine even if the flavor is a bit different.
Replace water with chicken or veggie broth if you want a richer taste in your rice.
If vegetable oil is missing, olive oil or canola oil can be used as substitutes.
Out of fresh lime juice? Lemon juice is a decent swap, though the taste won’t be exactly the same.
Not a fan of cilantro? Try using parsley instead for a similar fresh flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Try using a low sodium chicken or veggie broth instead of water for a richer flavor profile. Its a little twist that usually makes the rice taste even more bomb.
2. When toasting the rice in the oil, consider tossing in a minced garlic clove to give it a subtle extra kick. It really takes the dish to the next level.
3. Make sure you use a pot with a tight lid. That helps the rice steam evenly so it comes out light and fluffy every time.
4. Once the rice is done, gently fold in the lime juice and cilantro. Over stirring can break up the rice too much so be sure to mix it in slowly.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Copycat)

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

235

kcal

Equipment: 1. Fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice
2. Saucepan with a lid for toasting and simmering the rice
3. Measuring cups for the rice and water
4. Measuring spoons for the salt, oil, and lime juice
5. Fork to fluff the rice
6. Knife and cutting board to chop the cilantro and slice the limes

Ingredients

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or butter if you want)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear then drain well.
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, then pour in the rice and stir for about 2 minutes so it gets a little toasted.
Add 2 cups of water and the salt to the pan and stir so that everything mixes together.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and keep the pan covered for another 5 minutes so the rice steams.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to loosen it up.
Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, making sure all the rice gets a bit of that zing.
Taste the rice and adjust the salt if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy your Chipotle style cilantro lime rice!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.