This Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect copycat recipe for all of you Chipotle lovers. It's full of fresh, zesty flavors and the perfect base for your next burrito bowl! Ready in under 30 minutes and couldn't be easier with this rice cooker method.
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This cilantro lime rice is a homemade take on the classic version served at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Whether you're using a rice cooker or cooking it on the stovetop, I’ve included easy instructions for both.
Using a rice cooker is one of my favorite low-effort dinner tricks! You just set it, walk away, and come back to perfectly fluffy rice every time.
Honestly, any recipe that basically cooks itself deserves a permanent spot in the weeknight dinner lineup!
Ingredients
Long grain white rice is mixed with plenty of finely chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice for a bright and flavorful twist.
The best part? It all comes together effortlessly in a rice cooker. Just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes stand between you and this bright, herby side dish!
White Long-Grain Rice: This cilantro lime rice recipe requires long-grain white rice.
Bay Leaf: Bay leaves should be added to the rice cooker along with the water. They add an herbal, peppery flavor that is wonderful!
Water: Rice cookers require less water than the stovetop method. Read more below.
Avocado Oil: Chipotle uses rice bran oil but I prefer avocado oil or olive oil.
Lime Juice: Lime juice brings a refreshing flavor, but it’s easy to go overboard since it can be quite overpowering. I recommend starting with half the amount and adjusting to taste, adding more if you’d like a stronger lime flavor.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro packs in loads of flavor! Be sure to use both the stems and leaves for the best taste. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out, but keep in mind it won’t have that signature cilantro-lime rice flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
For this delicious cilantro lime rice recipe, you will need a rice cooker. This recipe can be cooked in an instant pot but the cooking method will need to be altered.
A lime squeezer is a handy kitchen gadget to have on hand when making this recipe but it isn't required.
How to Make This Recipe
With this simple cilantro lime rice recipe, burrito bowl night just got a whole lot tastier!
I personally prefer using a rice cooker, but don’t worry if you don’t have one, making it on the stovetop is just as easy.
Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch. Add the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice and bay leaves to the rice cooker.
Step 2: Add the water and secure the lid and cook using the white rice setting.
Step 3: Once the rice is done, remove the bay leaves.
Step 4: Fluff with a fork!
Step 5: Stir in the avocado oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, half of the Kosher salt, and black pepper.
I suggest starting with half the amount of lime juice and salt, then tasting and adjusting to your preference.
Stovetop Instructions
The water-to-rice ratio will differ when using the stovetop instead of a rice cooker. Be sure to check the package instructions for the correct ratio.
Start by thoroughly rinsing the rice in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
Next, combine the rice, bay leaves, and water in a large saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or follow the time recommended on your rice package.
Once done, uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. I recommend starting with half the amount of lime juice and salt, tasting, and adjusting to your preference.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
This flavorful Chipotle copycat rice is perfect for so many dishes!
Add it to a burrito, burrito bowl, taco, or use it as a filling for enchiladas. It’s also great alongside a bowl of chili, with fajitas, or served with grilled veggies.
The possibilities are endless!
Serve with Chipotle Copycats: Chipotle Black Beans, Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa, and Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa.
Serve with Tofu Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Seasoned Beans, and Tofu Ground Beef in homemade burrito bowls, taco salad, or in tacos.
Substitutions & Additions
This easy side dish is perfect because it's completely customizable to what you have on hand!
Long-Grain White Rice: You can use brown basmati rice but the water-to-rice ratio will change so be sure to read the package instructions. Regular white jasmine rice will work as well.
Bay Leaves: If you don't enjoy the flavor of bay leaves, they can be left out.
Lime Juice: I recommend freshly squeezed lime juice but you can use store-bought lime juice if desired. I don't recommend lemon juice as that will change the overall flavor.
Cilantro: If you dislike cilantro, you can leave it out.
Tips & Tricks
Always rinse your rice. Packaged rice tends to come with a good amount of starch. It’s important to rinse it thoroughly to prevent it from turning gummy during the cooking process.
Wait to add the lime juice and cilantro! If you add those ingredients while the rice is cooking, your end result will lack flavor. For best results, add them right before serving.
Use fresh cilantro, not dried. Dried herbs are great but not for this recipe. Stick to fresh!
Refrigerate your leftovers fast. Cooked rice is moist and is known to be a breeding ground for bacteria. Store any leftovers within 1 hour to be safe.
Storage & Reheating
This copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice is a wonderful addition to your weekly meal prep.
Storage: Store your cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This rice recipe reheats beautifully so it's great for meal prep! Just pop your rice in the microwave or heat it on the stovetop and you’re ready to go.
Freeze: Portion cool rice into serving sizes and freeze it in a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container. Defrost by refrigerating overnight to thaw or microwave right from the freezer until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipotle uses rice bran oil. I prefer using avocado or olive oil for this homemade recipe.
It's best served with chipotle-style black beans and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, corn salsa, and vegan sour cream.
This was simply inspired by Chipotle and not an exact recipe but my copycat cilantro lime rice is an incredibly delicious and very flavorful way to make this recipe at home and easier with my rice cooker method.
Yes, the cilantro lime rice at Chipotle is vegan!
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Recipe
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-Grain White Rice
- 2 ¼ cups Water
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Avocado or Olive Oil
- 3-4 tablespoons Lime Juice or to preference
- 1 cup Cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
- Add the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice, bay leaves, and water to the rice cooker. Secure the lid and cook using the white rice setting.
- Once the rice is done, remove the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the avocado oil, 2 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, half of the Kosher salt, and black pepper.
- I suggest starting with half the amount of lime juice and salt, then tasting and adjusting to your preference.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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