This Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice tastes just like the restaurant version — fluffy white rice tossed with fresh lime juice and cilantro. It’s ready in 20 minutes, costs about $0.19 a serving, and has been a weekly staple in my house for years.
This rice is a weekly staple in our house — I make a big batch at the start of the week and my family uses it for burrito bowls, alongside tacos, or just as a simple side dish with whatever protein is on the menu. In a house with 8 kids having a pot of this in the refrigerator means lunch and dinner come together in minutes all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Budget Friendly — $2.30 total for a big batch that beats the restaurant price every single time
- Tastes exactly like Chipotle
- Ready in 20 minutes with just 4 simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
After 14 years of professionally developing recipes I have made this cilantro lime rice more times than I can count and it is still the most requested rice in our house every single week.
If you love this easy side dish like this one you will also love our Spanish Rice Recipe, and Mexican Rice. They are both budget-friendly, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for recreating your Chipotle favorites at home for a fraction of the price.
What Makes this Taste like Chipotle
The secret to authentic Chipotle cilantro lime rice is using fresh lime juice — not bottled. Fresh lime has a bright clean citrus flavor that bottled juice simply cannot replicate.
For an even more authentic result add a little lime zest as well. I do this every time I make it and the difference is noticeable. Fresh cilantro stirred in right after cooking adds the herby freshness that rounds out the flavor completely.
Ingredients
- Long grain white rice — basmati is our top pick for the fluffiest, most authentic texture. Regular long grain rice works great too and is what we use in the recipe card below. Rinse either one before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Garlic salt — seasons the rice while it cooks and adds the subtle savory depth that balances the bright lime flavor. Garlic powder works as a lower sodium substitute
- Fresh limes — you need fresh squeezed lime juice for the brightest most authentic flavor. Bottled lime juice has a flat processed taste that does not work in this recipe. I also like to add a little lime zest for extra citrus depth — this is optional but highly recommended
- Fresh cilantro — always use fresh. Dried cilantro has almost no flavor and will not give you the authentic Chipotle result. Use both the leaves and the upper stems for the best flavor and texture
Quick yield note: 1 cup of dry rice makes about 3 cups cooked. This recipe uses 3 cups dry rice for about 9 cups cooked rice — enough for 12 half-cup servings.
Carrie’s Tip: Always use fresh lime juice — never bottled. Bottled lime juice is flat and processed and cannot replicate the bright fresh flavor of squeezing a real lime. For an even more intense citrus flavor I like to add fresh lime zest as well — it takes 30 extra seconds and makes a noticeable difference.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare your Rice – In a medium saucepan add the rice. Combine 3 cups of rice with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Before adding the rice to the pan, I like to rinse the rice.
Step 2 – Cook the Rice – Once you have a boil, reduce heat and cover. Cook the rice for 15 minutes or 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 3 – Add Seasoning – Remove from heat. Add garlic salt and chopped cilantro.
Step 4 – Squeeze the Lime – Squeeze the fresh lime over rice. Stir.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Add lid and let sit for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the rice before cooking. Running the rice under cold water until it runs clear removes excess starch and gives you fluffier less sticky rice — skip this step and the rice clumps together
- Always use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice is flat and processed — fresh squeezed lime is what gives this rice its bright authentic flavor. For even more citrus depth add a small amount of lime zest as well — it is optional but worth the extra 30 seconds
- Always use fresh cilantro. Dried cilantro has almost no flavor — fresh cilantro stirred in after cooking is what gives this rice its signature bright herby finish
- Add the lime and cilantro after cooking. Stirring them in off the heat preserves the fresh bright flavors — adding them during cooking dulls the flavor significantly
- Let it rest covered for 5 minutes. After removing from heat the covered rest allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly and makes the texture perfectly fluffy
Why Is My Rice Mushy or Hard?
- Rice is mushy or sticky: Too much water or not enough evaporation before covering. Next time, uncover and check at the 15-minute mark — the water should be mostly absorbed before you put the lid on.
- Rice is still hard in the center: The heat may be too high, causing the outside to look done before the inside cooks through. Keep the heat low and let it simmer the full 20 minutes undisturbed.
- Rice clumps together: This usually means it wasn’t rinsed before cooking. Rinse under cold water until it runs clear to remove the extra starch that causes clumping.
Variations and Substitutions
Rice Options
- Basmati — the top choice for the most authentic Chipotle flavor and texture
- Jasmine — slightly softer and more fragrant — another great option
- Brown rice — substitute in the same amount for a heartier higher fiber version. Brown rice takes longer to cook — follow package directions
- Cauliflower rice — for a low carb version use cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time significantly
Cooking Method Options
- Rice cooker — add all ingredients except lime and cilantro and cook on the white rice setting. Add lime and cilantro after cooking
- Instant Pot — add 1 cup rice and 1 cup water or chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes then natural release for 10 minutes. Add lime and cilantro after cooking. See Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe for even more details
- Chicken broth — substitute chicken broth for water for a richer more savory base
Flavor Additions
- Add a drizzle of olive oil after cooking for extra richness
- Add fresh lemon juice alongside the lime for a brighter citrus flavor
- Add a pinch of cumin for a subtle earthy warmth
If someone in your house isn’t a cilantro fan, swap it for finely chopped green onion or fresh parsley. You’ll still get a fresh, herby finish without the polarizing flavor.
How to Build Chipotle Burrito Bowl at Home
This cilantro lime rice is the foundation of the perfect homemade Chipotle burrito bowl — and making it at home costs a fraction of the restaurant price:
- Start with a scoop of this cilantro lime rice as the base
- Add your protein — Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa or Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Recipe are the most popular choices
- Top with black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded cheese, and guacamole
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime
Feed 4 people for about the cost of one Chipotle bowl at the restaurant.
Storage and Freezer Information
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days — rice continues to absorb moisture as it sits so add a splash of water before reheating. Squeeze fresh lime over the top after reheating to brighten the flavor back up
Freezer
- Spread cooked rice in a thin layer on a baking sheet and cool completely — at least 30 minutes — before freezing. Never freeze warm rice as the steam creates ice crystals that make it mushy. Portion into freezer bags, press flat, squeeze out air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave in 60-second intervals with a splash of water until warmed through — the added water replaces the moisture the rice absorbed while stored. Squeeze fresh lime over the top right before serving to restore the bright flavor
Making this for a party? Cook the rice up to a day ahead, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of water before serving, then transfer to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to hold it for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the combination of fresh lime juice and lime zest together with fresh cilantro stirred in after cooking is exactly what gives Chipotle rice its signature bright fresh flavor.
Chipotle’s rice is rumored to use a citrus blend of both lime and lemon juice. In this recipe, lime alone (juice and zest) gives you a bright, authentic flavor, but if you want to get even closer to the original, try adding 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice along with the lime.
It’s a popular rumor, and some former employees say yes. If you want to test it, drop one bay leaf into the pot while the rice cooks, then remove it before stirring in the lime and cilantro. It won’t hurt the recipe, and it adds a subtle savory background flavor.
Chipotle adds oil to keep their rice from sticking together while it sits in a warming tray for hours at the restaurant. Since you’ll be eating this fresh at home, it’s not necessary. If you’d like to add it anyway for extra richness, stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil after cooking.
No — dried cilantro has almost no flavor and will not give you the authentic result. Fresh cilantro is essential for this recipe.
Yes — substitute in the same amount and follow the package directions for cook time since brown rice takes longer than white rice.
Yes — the upper stems have just as much flavor as the leaves. Chop the top portion of the bunch including both leaves and tender stems for the best result.
More Easy Rice Recipes
A side of rice at Chipotle costs about $2 to $3, while this full batch makes 12 servings for only $2.30. This easy copycat has been a weekly family favorite for years and costs just $0.19 per serving.
After 14 years of developing recipes, it is still one of the simplest and most used side dishes in our rotation. Leave a star rating and comment to let me know whether you served it with burrito bowls or tacos.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry long grain rice
- 6 cups water
- ½ tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 lime
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Add dry long grain rice, water, and garlic salt to a saucepan.
- Once you have a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until most of the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stir in the juice from 1 lime and ½ cup chopped cilantro.
- Add lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
I have a simple question about the rice. You state it can be frozen in a freezer bag for 2-3 months. To warm up, would you just place the sealed rice in boiling water to reheat?
Alicia – Check on my post how to freeze rice. I give all the tips on how to freeze rice and reheat it from frozen.
Love this recipe!!!!
Brian – I’m so glad. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Carrie,
I’ve been very blessed with all the recipes and wealth of information you offer. I’ve learned soooo much. I too am culinary but see your knowledge as indispensible! It looks like it’s your ministry. My husband just read that Dept of Homeland Security said to store 2 weeks of food due to the China virus. My mom had 8 children but 3 died as infants. I’m the youngest. I enjoy your email and enjoy them immensely. Just a note about rice. I use either Knorr or parboiled, which is wonderful rice. Regardless of the rice, it only takes 10 minutes on med. heat once it starts boiling, no more. I keep the lid on and it never fails for the same time. Parboiled is very nutritious, the best unseasoned rice I’ve found and comes in large amounts. God bless and thanks again for your work of love. Tammy