Easy Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe That Tastes Just Like the Real Thing

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

The first time I tasted Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, I knew I had to recreate it at home. This simple yet flavorful side dish has become the foundation of countless Mexican-inspired meals in my kitchen.

Created by Chipotle founder Steve Ells in 1993, this rice has become the signature base for their famous burrito bowls. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring that fresh, zesty restaurant flavor right to your dinner table.

Why this recipe works

The secret to authentic Chipotle-style rice lies in its simplicity. By coating the grains in oil before cooking, each grain remains separate and fluffy.

The bright acidity from fresh lime juice cuts through the richness, while cilantro adds that distinctive herbaceous note that makes this rice instantly recognizable. The cooking method ensures perfectly tender rice every time.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make it:

• Vegetable Oil – Creates a protective coating around each grain of rice, preventing clumping

• White Basmati Rice – Provides the perfect long-grain texture that stays fluffy and separate

• Lime Juice – Adds bright acidity and authentic Chipotle flavor

• Water – Forms the cooking liquid that hydrates and softens the rice

• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the acidity of the lime

• Cilantro – Contributes fresh, herbaceous notes characteristic of Mexican cuisine

If you don’t like cilantro…

You can just leave it out of the recipe. I know cilantro can be a tricky ingredient for some.

Even Chipotle understands not everyone likes cilantro.

Chipotle actually has plain rice they serve for anyone who doesn’t enjoy it. So it’s perfectly ok if you leave it out of this recipe and just enjoy the lime flavor.

How to make cilantro lime rice

1. Using a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil on low heat.

1. Add the white rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.

1. Then you will put in the water and salt and bring to a boil.

1. Cover and turn down the heat to low.

1. Simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.

1. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro leaves (optional).

1. Enjoy with your favorite meal or another copycat Chipotle recipe.

Do I have to use basmati rice?

The simple answer is no. However, Basmati Rice is a long-grain rice that works perfectly in a cilantro lime rice recipe.

If you prefer to use brown rice, you can certainly do so. Just follow the instructions for making the brown rice.

Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so just make sure you follow the instructions.

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

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Cook 25 minutes mins

The first time I tasted Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, I knew I had to recreate it at home. This simple yet flavorful side dish has become the foundation of countless Mexican-inspired meals in my kitchen. Created by Chipotle founder Steve Ells in 1993, this rice has become the signature base for their famous burrito bowls. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring that fresh, zesty restaurant flavor right to your dinner table.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

• ▢ Vegetable Oil – Creates a protective coating around each grain of rice, preventing clumping
• ▢ White Basmati Rice – Provides the perfect long-grain texture that stays fluffy and separate
• ▢ Lime Juice – Adds bright acidity and authentic Chipotle flavor
• ▢ Water – Forms the cooking liquid that hydrates and softens the rice
• ▢ Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the acidity of the lime
• ▢ Cilantro – Contributes fresh, herbaceous notes characteristic of Mexican cuisine

Method

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1. Using a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil on low heat.
2. Add the white rice and lime juice and stir for 1 minute.
3. Then you will put in the water and salt and bring to a boil.
4. Cover and turn down the heat to low.
5. Simmer until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro leaves (optional).
7. Enjoy with your favorite meal or another copycat Chipotle recipe.

Nutrition info is automatically calculated as an estimate — actual values may vary. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate results!

Notes

If you don’t like cilantro… You can just leave it out of the recipe. I know cilantro can be a tricky ingredient for some. Even Chipotle understands not everyone likes cilantro.

Chipotle actually has plain rice they serve for anyone who doesn’t enjoy it. So it’s perfectly ok if you leave it out of this recipe and just enjoy the lime flavor.

Do I have to use basmati rice? The simple answer is no. However, Basmati Rice is a long-grain rice that works perfectly in a cilantro lime rice recipe.

If you prefer to use brown rice, you can certainly do so. Just follow the instructions for making the brown rice. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so just make sure you follow the instructions.

Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

- Reheating: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice when reheating to restore moisture. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat in a covered pan on the stovetop.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of rice when reheating to restore moisture. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat in a covered pan on the stovetop.