Print

Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice Chipotle Copycat Recipe

cilantro lime rice - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and flavorful copycat recipe of Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, featuring fluffy long-grain white rice tossed with fresh lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro. Perfect as a side for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 185 grams), rinsed
  • 2 cups water (480 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Juice of 1 to 2 fresh limes (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt if desired. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer gently for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to finish steaming.
  5. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
  6. While the rice is still warm, stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, salt, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains. Letting the rice rest after cooking allows steam to finish cooking evenly. Fluff with a fork to avoid mashing. Add lime juice while rice is warm for better absorption. If rice is dry, add a splash of water or more lime juice; if too wet, spread on a baking sheet to evaporate excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, Chipotle copycat, easy rice recipe, side dish, Mexican rice, fresh lime rice, cilantro rice

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/fresh-cilantro-lime-rice-chipotle-copycat-recipe-easy-homemade-flavor-guide/