Chipotle Rice Recipe + Video

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Our Chipotle Rice Recipe with cilantro and lime tastes just like the restaurant version! Learn how to make Chipotle rice that is fluffy and flavorful in just 30 minutes!

titled: Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice


 

Chipotle Rice Recipe

While we certainly love to eat out, it’s just as satisfying to recreate our favorite dishes at home — and for a fraction of the cost!

Chipotle cilantro lime rice is a staple for burritos and bowls, but it goes so well with so many other recipes too.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have enough flavorful, fluffy rice to feed the whole family. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients to make Chipotle lime rice!

Recipe Video

To learn how to make Chipotle rice at home, watch the video in this post!

Have you had a chance to try my other Chipotle copycat recipes yet? 

Pair homemade versions of their guacamole and pinto beans with this Chipotle rice recipe!

Add barbacoa or juicy steak for your very own homemade burrito bowl.

Or, try Copycat Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas for a luscious slow-cooked pork that is so soft and juicy, it melts in your mouth!

rice submerged in water with bay leaf in pot

How to Make Chipotle Rice

  1. In a medium saucepan over high heat bring water to a boil. 
  2. Add rice, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to coat, then return to a boil. 
  3. Once it is a full rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the bay leaf. Fluff Chipotle rice with a fork, then add the oil, cilantro, and juices. Gently stir to combine before serving.
cooked rice with bay leaf in saucepan

Cooking Tips for Fluffy Chipotle Rice

The key to making this Chipotle rice recipe is making sure that the grains are light and fluffy with no lumps.

Here are a few simple tips you can follow when making this recipe to make sure that happens:

  • Clean the rice. Put your uncooked rice in a large bowl filled with cold water. Using your hands, swish it around.

    Then, strain the rice through a colander to remove the cloudy water which contains excess starch.
  • Keep it on low. Do NOT try to cook Chipotle rice on high. The grains will not be cooked through before the water has evaporated. 
  • Let it sit. When the rice is done, allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes with the lid on before you finish the Chipotle rice recipe.

    This step allows the rice to steam, which ensures that it is nice and fluffy.
fluffed rice in saucepan

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice FAQ

Does Chipotle put oil in their rice?

Yes, there is rice bran oil in the original Chipotle rice recipe. If you cannot find this ingredient, simply use any flavorless oil instead.I usually use canola oil when I make my Chipotle cilantro lime rice. For a heart-healthy choice, opt for olive oil.

How do you prevent rice from clumping?

If your rice is clumping together rather than being light and fluffy, you may be stirring it wrong. Never stir cooked rice with a spoon!Always fluff it with a fork instead. This is one of the most important steps in this Chipotle lime rice recipe. Stirring activates the starch and will make your rice gummy.

stirring cilantro into rice

Storing and Reheating

Transfer leftover Chipotle cilantro lime rice to an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

It will keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze cooked rice for up to 6 months.

To reheat, add Chipotle lime rice to a pan on the stove along with 2 tablespoons of water for every cup of rice. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to break up the grains.

You can also reheat it in the microwave if you prefer. I still recommend sprinkling some water over the top so it doesn’t dry out.

bowl of chipotle lime rice topped with lime wedge

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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closeup: bowl of cilantro rice with lime

chipotle rice recipe in a bowl

Chipotle Rice Recipe + Video

Donna Elick
Our Chipotle Rice Recipe with cilantro and lime tastes just like the restaurant version! Learn how to make Chipotle rice in just 30 minutes!
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Method Stovetop
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup long-grain jasmine rice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, or any flavorless oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange juice

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan over high heat bring water to a boil. Add rice, bay leaf and salt. Stir to coat rice. Return to a boil. Once it is a full rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leave covered for 5 minutes.
  • Remove bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork, add the oil, cilantro, and juices. Stir to combine.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 202cal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 590mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

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.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled image (and shown): chipotle cilantro lime rice

Originally published September 2012, updated and republished June 2023

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24 Comments

  1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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… 😉

  4. 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.

  5. 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?

  6. As a chipotle worker, switch the jasmine rice for plain white rice, take out the orange juice, and add a little more salt

  7. 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 ��

  8. 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.

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