Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe) + Video
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This Cilantro Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and packed with that bright, citrusy flavor you know and love. A must-get at every Chipotle Mexican Grill visit. Every bite has fresh lime, a hint of lemon and orange, and just enough cilantro to keep it clean and vibrant. It’s simple, but it hits exactly the way it should… fresh, zippy, and completely addictive.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHIPOTLE RICE RECIPE
- Tastes just like Chipotle… maybe even better
- Light, fluffy rice with fresh citrus flavor
- Simple ingredients, nothing complicated
- Perfect base for bowls, burritos, or meals
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
Cilantro Lime Rice
I’ve always been a huge fan of Chipotle. Like… enough that I started recreating my favorites at home so I could have them whenever I wanted.
And this cilantro lime rice? This is a staple.
It’s simple, but it’s one of those recipes that people always ask about. That rice is light, fluffy, just the right amount of citrus… it makes everything else on the plate better.
And honestly, after making it this way for so long… I like it better than the original.
Don’t skip the fresh citrus at the end. That’s where it all comes together.
CHIPOTLE CILANTRO LIME RICE RECIPE VIDEO
Want to see how easy this comes together? Watch our quick recipe video 👇
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Long-Grain White Rice: Jasmine or basmati both work well since they stay fluffy and don’t clump together.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle depth while the rice cooks. Don’t skip it.
- Fresh Citrus Juice: The mix of lime, lemon, and orange gives that signature flavor. Bottled won’t hit the same!
- Canola Oil: Keeps the rice from drying out and helps carry the flavor. The original Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe calls for rice bran oil, but any neutral oil works.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds that clean, fresh finish. Chop it finely so it blends evenly into the rice.
VARIATIONS
Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice, but add a little extra water and cook a few minutes longer.
Extra Lime: Add more lime juice if you like your Chipotle cilantro lime rice brighter and more citrus-forward.
No Cilantro: Skip it completely if you’re not a fan. The citrus still carried the flavor.
Spicy Add-On: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Garlic Touch: Add a small pinch of garlic powder for a subtle savory layer.
Low Carb: Make fresh cauliflower rice instead.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Use copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice as a base for chicken, steak, or veggie bowls.
- Stuff it into burritos or wraps with your favorite fillings… like barbacoa beef or pork carnitas!
- Add black or pinto beans, avocado, and grilled veggies for an easy meal.
- Pair with our Chipotle corn salsa for a full spread.
CILANTRO LIME RICE RECIPE FAQ
Yes. Rinsing removes excess starch from the outside of the grains so it’s fluffy (not sticky) when cooked. Keep rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, then drain well before adding it to the pot.
It keeps the flavor bright and fresh instead of muted or bitter.
Fresh is strongly recommended for this Chipotle rice recipe. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Let it rest after cooking, then fluff gently with a fork. Never stir cooked rice with a spoon! Stirring activates the starch and will make your rice gummy.
I’ve made a lot of copycat recipes over the years, and this cilantro lime rice recipe taught me something simple but important… timing matters.
If you add the citrus while the rice is cooking, it disappears. The flavor dulls out, and you don’t get that fresh, clean bite. But stir it in at the end? Completely different story.
That’s what gives you that real Chipotle flavor.
And fluffing matters too. Don’t stir it like you’re mixing something heavy. Use a fork, keep it light, and let the grains stay separate. That’s how you get that soft, fluffy texture every time.
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Rinse the rice beforehand if you want extra fluffy grains.
- Keep the lid on while it cooks. No peeking, or you’ll mess it up!
- Let the rice rest before fluffing so it finishes steaming.
- Add citrus and cilantro after cooking. You’ll lose the flavor if you add it early.
- Taste and adjust citrus to your preference.
- Chop cilantro finely so it distributes evenly.
- Reheat cilantro lime rice with a splash of water to bring it back to life.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Medium Saucepan with Lid: Essential for properly cooking and steaming the rice.
- Fork: For easy fluffing without smashing the grains.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Keeps the ratios right.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping cilantro and citrus.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION
- Copycat Chipotle rice that’s bright, fresh, and fluffy
- Citrus added at the end keeps flavor vibrant
- Jasmine or basmati work best
- Bay leaf adds subtle depth while cooking
- Fresh lime, lemon, and orange make the difference
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
- Works as a base for bowls, burritos, and more
- Simple recipe that just works every time
Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, jasmine or basmati
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
Instructions
- BOIL WATER: In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water to a boil over high heat.
- ADD RICE: Add 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir once to combine.
- SIMMER: Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- REST: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
- FLUFF RICE: Remove the bay leaf. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
- ADD FLAVOR: Add 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral oil, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon orange juice. Stir gently until evenly combined.
- SERVE: Serve warm.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2012, updated and republished May 2026
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
Lately, I've been using a lot of lime juice and I've slowly come to like cilantro (is it an acquired taste?) I just know this rice would be terrific with your margarita chicken. Slated for my last of summer meal — or maybe all winter.
Cilantro always smelled like a garden weed to me. But once you start using it, it goes well with so much. Bahn mi sandwiches, Thai soup, Mexican dishes, etc. It bolts so rapidly in the garden that we don't grow it and have to settle for the grocery store variety.
This sounds great! I am always looking for new ways to spice up plain old rice!
Allergic to oranges 🙁 can I substitute a different juice? Grapefruit?
I would just use more lime juice in its place. Hope that helps.
I am also allergic to oranges. I would just leave it out. Maybe add a touch of sugar or sweetener or some sort. The orange would have sweetened the rice a little.
When I was in a Chipotle near me years ago, I was watching the person in back make the rice. I asked him what he just poured in and he said "pineapple juice". That is how I make mine.
Curious do you only use pineapple juice or do you just replace the orange juice with it?
This was a great recipe. We served it with the barbacoa recipe that you posted in February, as well as pico de gallo and a copycat of the corn salsa. Thanks for posting!
How .any servings will this make? I am very excited to try it and I want to make sure that I make enough…. enough to share. Tehehe… 😉
Serves about 4. I updated the recipe to show the 4 servings. Thank you and enjoy!
I made this rice last night to accompany Tangy Asian Meatballs – it was a great hit. I shared the recipe (with credits) to my face book group, Slow Cooker & Other Recipes Friends, we LOVE your recipes.
Thanks for Sharing.
I made this rice last night and the flavor was delicious, thank you for sharing. The only thing was my rice came out sticky, any ideas?
Try adding oil in the rice before cooking and salt in at the end when mixing in cilantro and citrus!
I saute the rice in the oil before adding hot water to it.. each grain gets coated.
As a chipotle worker, switch the jasmine rice for plain white rice, take out the orange juice, and add a little more salt
I would also add in some garlic powder or fresh for more flavor.
This recipe sounds amazing! I’m a big rice fan & would love if u could find a copycat recipe for TGIFRIDAYS rice. I could eat it by the gallons. Lol. Can’t wait to try this recipe as well. Thanks for posting ��
Enjoy christymk!
Can I double the recipe safely?
I am one of a few people who can't eat Cilantro because to us it takes kinda soapy. Is there a substitute for it.
This rice tasted very fresh and a little zesty, which was perfect. My family loved it.
wow, this recipe so good and easy to make. tastes amazing just like the restaurant version. 5 stars!
Hi Jayla!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
donna’s chipotle rice recipe was a breeze to make! I added some black beans for extra protein, and it turned out fantastic. 5 stars!
Hi Lily!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
I can’t believe how delicious this Chipotle Rice is! Thanks, Donna and Chad for another fantastic recipe!
Hi Ryan!!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Unfortunately I have the enzyme and to me Cilantro tastes like perfume. Maybe Flat Leaf Italian Parsley…
Hi Bren!
We’re so glad you enjoyed.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn