Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

The Cilantro Lime Rice from Chipotle is one of my favorite side dishes to get at the popular Tex-Mex restaurant. But it’s SO easy to make at home, you won’t even believe it. The tasty rice is perfect for layering in a burrito, taco, salad, burrito bowl and more. When you make this Chipotle copycat at home, you can save money and have it on hand to serve with your favorite Mexican recipes. Serve as a side with some black beans, fresh guacamole and you’ve got a fiesta fit for your whole family!

Ingredients in Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

This simple rice dish packs a huge flavor punch without a whole lot of tedious steps or hard to find ingredients. Here’s all you need:

1 cup basmati rice – one cup. This rice is best with any form of long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine rice. Olive oil – one teaspoon. I like using extra virgin olive oil for a light taste that doesn’t interfere too much with the rice. Minced garlic – half a teaspoon minced garlic or about one garlic clove, finely chopped. Chicken broth – two cups of chicken broth or chicken stock. Feel free to use low-sodium broth too. It really doesn’t affect the taste of the rice. Butter – one tablespoon any type of butter you like. To control the salt amount you can use unsalted butter. Lime juice – one quarter cup or the juice of about one lime. If you don’t have any lime juice on hand lemon juice will work as well. Add in some fresh lime zest for extra flavor. Fresh cilantro – about two-thirds cup, which is about one full bunch. Make sure it’s finely chopped.

Best Type of Rice for Chipotle Rice

The famous fast-food chain uses long-grain rice like Jasmine rice or basmati rice. Those are probably the best to use in this recipe because it cooks up fluffy, holds its shape well and absorbs flavor. They also have a slightly floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the cilantro and lime in the finished dish. You can, in a pinch, use short grain rice like short-grain white rice or certain brown rices. They just have excess starch and don’t hold their shape as well as a longer grain rice variety.

Steps to Perfectly Fluffy Chipotle Rice

Additional Ingredients to Try

While this chipotle rice copycat recipe is perfect as is, you can add in extra vegetables or protein to bulk it up a little bit more. Try any of these yummy options:

Diced red, green or yellow bell peppers Jalapenos or Chili peppers Tomatoes, finely chopped Fresh corn kernels Black beans or pinto beans Sliced avocado Shredded cheese Barbacoa pork or shredded chicken Salsa

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover cilantro lime rice should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool completely to room temperature before storing in the fridge. To reheat, microwave individual servings or reheat in a saucepan on the stove. If the rice seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water. READ MORE: Mastering Mexican Rice – Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips

More Tasty Rice Recipes

Rice makes the best side dish to so many meals! Whether you’re looking for something to complement chicken, tacos, meatballs, and more, there’s a rice side for it! Try some of our very favorites.