The week I learned to keep a jar of chopped cilantro in the fridge, dinners stopped feeling complicated. I often have 20 minutes to get a meal on the table after work. A simple side of bright rice changes everything. This Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat) became my quick go-to for bowls, tacos, and leftovers that reheat without losing flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
This rice is fast, reliable, and bright. It finishes in under 25 minutes and wakes up plain cooked rice with lime and fresh cilantro. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep bowls, and anyone who wants a quick flavor boost without fuss. Kids and adults both tend to eat it, and it pairs easily with beans, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes |
Cook Time: 18 minutes |
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Optional 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for a richer finish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This prevents clumping and keeps the grains separate.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until a few grains look glossy.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water and add the salt. Bring to a gentle boil on high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 3 minutes to finish steaming.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and butter if using. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
- Serve warm or let cool slightly for bowls or wraps.
Tips & Tricks
- Rinse rice well to remove excess starch and keep grains fluffy once cooked.
- Use broth instead of water for more savory depth when pairing with simple proteins.
- Zest the lime before juicing so you get the most zest and juice from one fruit.
- Chop cilantro finely and add it off heat to preserve color and fresh flavor.
- If rice seems dry after resting, stir in 1 tablespoon of warm water and fluff again.
Serving Ideas
- Build a rice bowl with black beans, grilled chicken, salsa, and avocado for a quick dinner.
- Serve alongside grilled fish or shrimp for a light weeknight meal.
- Use as a filling for burritos or soft tacos with roasted vegetables and cheese.
- Pair with roasted vegetables and a squeeze of extra lime for a simple vegetarian plate.
- Offer as a side at casual gatherings or potlucks where guests can customize bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten free
Yes. Use a gluten free broth if substituting broth and ensure other bowl components are also gluten free.
Can I use lime concentrate instead of fresh lime
Fresh lime gives the best bright flavor but you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Start with less and taste before adding more.
How do I keep the rice from getting gummy
Rinse the rice thoroughly and avoid stirring while it simmers. Let it rest covered after cooking to finish steaming without becoming sticky.
Can I freeze cilantro lime rice
You can freeze cooked rice for up to 1 month. Portion into freezer bags, flatten, and thaw in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh lime and cilantro after reheating for best flavor.
Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
This rice is fast, reliable, and bright. It finishes in under 25 minutes and wakes up plain cooked rice with lime and fresh cilantro. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep bowls, and anyone who wants a quick flavor boost without fuss. Kids and adults both tend to eat it, and it pairs easily with beans, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Optional 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for a richer finish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This prevents clumping and keeps the grains separate.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until a few grains look glossy.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water and add the salt. Bring to a gentle boil on high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 3 minutes to finish steaming.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and butter if using. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
- Serve warm or let cool slightly for bowls or wraps.
Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat) fits neatly into busy evenings. It is quick, forgiving, and brightens many meals with minimal effort. Make a batch, keep it handy, and you will find more ways to use it across the week. Trust the simple steps, adjust lime to your taste, and enjoy a fast side that feels much more deliberate than the time it takes to prepare.
