Copycat Chipotle Rice Recipe
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The secret to the best Chipotle rice recipe is making it in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you’re a fan of the restaurant favorite, you’ll love this homemade version that turns out light, fluffy, and packed with a fresh, vibrant flavor every time. Brighten your meals with this easy 25-minute recipe.
I live in a rice loving household. Whether I serve a side of cauliflower rice or broccoli rice casserole, rice dishes are always a hit at meal times at home. Also, if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I like sharing copycat recipes. You guys loved the copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice pilaf recipe that I shared a while back, so I’m confident that you’ll also enjoy my take on Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice.
It’s the easiest way to add life to plain rice and turn it into something bright, flavorful, and completely crave-worthy. It’s ideal for burrito bowls, tacos, grilled meats, seafood, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple recipe: This chipotle rice recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. Simply cook the rice, mix in the cilantro and lime, and serve.
- Easy, everyday ingredients: A few pantry basics make a side dish that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version – only fresher and better!
- Budget-friendly: Get the same restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the price.
- Delicious, comforting side: Takes basic rice from boring to bold in just minutes! Lime and cilantro keep it light and refreshing, while the fluffy rice brings that cozy, satisfying comfort.
- Versatile: Pairs with everything and complements almost any main dish.
- Great for meal prep: A fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it all week with different meals.
How to Make Chipotle Rice
This is the only Chipotle rice recipe you need – one bite, and your plain rice game will be a thing of the past. This homemade version is light yet satisfying, fresh yet comforting – like a warm, fluffy cloud of citrusy goodness! Serve the rice topped with your favorite herbs and lime wedges for a picture-perfect side that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Long-grain white rice: Use any long-grain or extra-long-grain variety that you like, but my top choices for this recipe are Basmati and Jasmine rice.
- Lime juice: Using freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled lime juice, which can taste a bit dull or slightly bitter.
- Water
- Salt
- Cilantro: Gives the rice its signature fresh, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant green flecks.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, enhances the flavors, and helps coat the grains so they stay fluffy and separate.
Step-By-Step Instructions
To make cilantro lime rice, all you need to do is cook the rice, add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, garnish, and serve. Prep for just 5 minutes and cook for 20 – it’s a delicious side perfect for busy days or for entertaining.
Step 1: Rinse
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear. Shake it off and set aside.
Step 2: Cook
Fill a small sauce pot with water, rice, oil and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking uncovered until most of the water is absorbed into the rice and it is cooked through. Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix, garnish, and serve
Mix in the cilantro and lime juice just before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as desired.
Substitutions
No need to run to the store to make this Chipotle rice recipe – just use what you have. Here are some simple swaps to keep your recipe on track.
- Long-grain white rice: Substitute with brown rice for a whole-grain option, but it will require more water and a longer cooking time. You can also use cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
- Lime juice: Swap with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus kick, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a mild tang.
- Water: Replace water with a light broth like chicken or vegetable broth for a boost in flavor.
- Cilantro: You could substitute with parsley but it won’t be a copycat recipe anymore.
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil for a milder taste or butter if you prefer something more indulgent.
Expert Tips
- Use a rice cooker or instant pot: For a hands-off approach, cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Just adjust the water-to-rice ratio accordingly.
- Watch the salt: If you’re using broth instead of water, be mindful of the salt – some broths are already salty, so you may need to use less or skip adding salt separately.
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This helps absorb any remaining moisture for perfect texture.
- Avoid stirring: Always fluff the rice with a fork after cooking instead of stirring with a spoon to avoid breaking the grains.
- Customize with mix-ins: Mix it up by adding chopped green onions or diced tomatoes for a fresh touch, or spice things up with jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Keep the rice warm: Keep the rice warm without overcooking by covering the pot with a clean kitchen towel once it’s cooked. This is helpful when you’re entertaining or serving the rice at gatherings.
How to Store This Recipe
Copycat Chipotle rice is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheat in a pan over low heat with water or broth, stirring frequently. Add more lime juice and garnish with freshly-chopped cilantro before serving for the best flavor. Thaw frozen rice in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Chipotle Rice
Homemade Chipotle rice is the perfect addition to family meals, taco nights, backyard BBQs, or party spreads. Serve it as a side to your favorite chicken, beef, pork, or seafood main dishes – we love it with air fryer pork chops, blackened chicken tenders, and even lobster.
It’s also delicious in burrito bowls with avocados, black beans, salsa ranchera, and sour cream, as a base for tacos, or an addition to quesadillas.
More Easy Side Dishes To Try
Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Chipotle Rice Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice long-grain
- 2 tablespoons lime juice approximately 1 lime
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear. Shake it off and set aside.
- Fill a small sauce pot with water, rice, oil and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking uncovered until most of the water is absorbed into the rice and it is cooked through. Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as desired.
Notes
- For a hands-off approach, cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Just adjust the water-to-rice ratio accordingly.
- If you’re using broth instead of water, be mindful of the salt – some broths are already salty, so you may need to use less or skip adding salt separately.
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing so it absorbs any remaining moisture for the perfect texture.
- Always fluff the rice with a fork after cooking instead of stirring with a spoon to avoid breaking the grains.
- Mix it up by adding chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Keep the rice warm for longer without overcooking by covering the pot with a clean kitchen towel once it’s cooked.
