Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat 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! This is the perfect rice for Mexican recipes, or to eat just as it is!
This rice has so much flavor! This Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a great recipe for fresh flavor and simple meal prep.
With a quick cooking time, you’ll have your own burrito bowl in no time at all!
I love eating a simple bowl of rice, and this easy recipe is a great way to take your Mexican dishes to the next level.
Whip up homemade copycat Chipotle burrito bowls, or enjoy this copycat recipe any way that you want.
I’ve found that the best way to eat this cilantro lime rice recipe is to add some more fresh lime juice, stir in some cooked black beans, and add jalapeno’s to make a super hearty and delicious side dish.
No matter how you make and eat this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice, it’s going to be perfect!
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!
How to Make Chipotle Rice
- In a medium saucepan over high heat bring water to a boil.
- Add rice, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to coat, then return to a boil.
- Once it is a full rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Fluff Chipotle rice with a fork, then add the oil, cilantro, and juices. Gently stir to combine before serving.
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.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe + Video
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
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 June 2024
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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