Cilantro Lime Rice (Just Like Chipotle) - Downshiftology (2024)

Cilantro lime rice is a bright and zesty recipe! This Chipotle copycat is so easy to make and really infuses so much flavor into your basic bowl of rice. Use it as a side dish for any chicken, pork, or beef main, or as the base of a burrito bowl or grain bowl.

Rice is truly a blank slate for so much color and flavor. Mexican rice gets an earthy spin with tomatoes and cumin. Spanish rice gets a tinge of yellow sweetness from saffron. And today’s recipe for cilantro lime rice gets fresh herbal flavor with fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and flavorful garlic. Plus, it tastes just like your favorite staple item at Chipotle!

A simple bowl of rice adds a delicious fluffy texture to any meal. But once you add a few simple ingredients to it, it magically transforms. So grab your bag of rice and let’s get cooking!

Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients

For this recipe, a long-grain rice is ideal as it produces firm grains that become light and fluffy after cooking. That makes it perfect for using as a side dish or as the base for any bowl.

• Rice: You can use long-grain white rice or brown rice. There’s just a slight difference in cook time for each type. Today, I’m using a long-grain white Jasmine rice.
• Cilantro: A small handful of finely chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of green and fresh flavor.
• Lime Zest & Juice: Using both the zest and juice of a lime really amps up the flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic that’s sauteed in oil adds savory flavor without being pungent.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Add the rice and salt to the pot, then give it a stir for a minute before adding the water.
3. Bring the pot to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat (keep it covered) and let it steam for about 10 minutes.
5. Then, add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a good toss, and serve immediately!

Ways to serve it

This cilantro lime rice pairs well with virtually any Mexican dish, from chicken fajitas to ceviche to huevos rancheros. You can also pair it with a protein and side of veggies for a perfectly balanced meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Carne asada: Grill up some carne asada for that smoky delicious flavor, and top it with a few spoonfuls of pico de gallo and a side of rice.
• Carnitas: If you want juicy and tender shredded pork with crispy, flavorful edges, make my slow cooker carnitas. Serve it up with a side of rice, fajita veggies, and dollop of guacamole.
• Barbacoa: Let your slow cook cooker do all the work (again) with this barbacoa recipe! Shred it, serve it with the rice, and drizzle chipotle sauce or lime crema on top for the finishing touch.

if You Love That Cilantro Lime Flavor

You can also make these delicious recipes that highlight my favorite cilantro lime pairing.

• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Cilantro Lime Bacon Coleslaw
• Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (low carb option!)

I hope you love this cilantro lime rice as much as I do! Once you make this recipe, let me know your thoughts in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

Recipe originally posted May 2020, but updated to include new information for your benefit!