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April 27, 2021 13 Comments

Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

A large pot of Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice. A silver spoon is halfway in the top of the rice.

 

Homemade Chipotle Lime Rice is Easy to Make

You might not realize this, but Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is made with lemon juice, too. Scandalous, right? I don’t really care what kind of juice they put in it. It’s perfect and my favorite accompaniment to the Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa. 

Unlike Cafe Rio cilantro lime rice, this version does not include sugar. At first, when I tasted it, I was missing that teeny hint of sweetness, but once I added the beef barbacoa, black beans, and pico de gallo, I realized it was exactly what Chipotle rice is supposed to taste like. 

My kids are all big fans of rice. So if I want leftovers, I have to double this recipe otherwise the bowl is literally scraped clean. If you live with a normal-sized group of people or don’t have rice-crazed kids, you’re probably fine leaving this recipe as is. 

Cilantro lime rice in a large metal pot with a silver spoon sticking out of the top of the rice.More Recipes My Kids Devour

  • Classic Meatloaf
  • Corn Chowder
  • Sticky Teriyaki Baked Chicken Thighs
  • The Best Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
  • Classic Chicken Noodle Soup With Homemade Noodles
  • Easy Ham Fried Rice

Step-by-step instructions for how to make copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice

8-picture photo collage of step by step pictures on how to make cilantro lime rice

Chipotle cilantro lime rice in a metal pot with a few cilantro leaves on the top in the middle with a metal spoon partially sticking out of the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Making Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but you will need to cook it longer according to the package directions for brown rice. 

If I don’t have a lemon, is it ok to use all lime juice?

Yes, but the lemon adds a little more subtleness to the acidic tone. Without it, you’ll definitely get a stronger lime taste. 

What type of oil is best to use when cooking rice?

Canola, olive oil, or even butter work great. Using oil and butter helps keep the rice from clumping together. 

Should you include the stems when chopping cilantro?

This is a personal preference. I feel like the stems can have a bit of a soapy taste. What I usually do is rip off a handful from the leafy part of the bunch. If there seems to be a lot of stems or thicker stems in my hand, I pull them out, but I don’t worry about getting every single leaf off of a stem. 

I have also seen recipes that call for the cilantro stems to be tied together and boiled with the rice. This is actually a great way to give a subtle flavor of cilantro to rice as well. 

If you hate cilantro, can you leave it out?

Of course! It will just be lime rice. 🙂 

Is copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice gluten-free?

Yes, it is!

Pinterest photo with the text of the title of the recipe in the middle of the picture

COOK’S TOOLS for Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice:

  • Citrus Juicer
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Saucepan
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Pinterest picture of cilantro lime rice with a sprig of cilantro with the text of the title separating the photo and the ingredients list.

More Copycat Chipotle Recipes

A white bowl of chipotle chicken with lettuce, corn, Pico de Gallo, black beans and shredded cheese. There's a fork getting ready to lift a bite out from the left side of the bowl. At the top of the photo in the background there's a clear cup of dressing and part of a sheet pan with cut up chicken.Copycat Chipotle ChickenA glass bowl filled to the top with Pico de Gallo with the handle of a spoon sticking out of it.Copycat Chipotle Pico de GalloBeef Barbacoa topped on white rice with black beans, pico de Gallo, shredded white cheese, guacamole and sour cream on top of the beef, all in a paper bowl with a black plastic spoon inserted into the dish on the left side. There's a partial picture of a grey cloth napkin in the upper left corner.Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

5.0 from 2 reviews
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
 
Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
30 mins
 
A simple copycat recipe for Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice. Such a fun recipe to help you recreate an authentic Chipotle meal at home!
Author: Slightly Adapted from Family Fresh Meals
Recipe type: Copycat
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 cups white rice
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In a 2-quart saucepan, saute the rice in 2 tbsp of olive oil until some of the grains are turning a brighter white and some may even get a little browning on them--approximately 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add water, bay leaf, and salt.
  3. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until all of the water has reduced.
  4. When rice is done cooking, remove the lid and bay leaf. Add lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro, and the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil into the rice and fluff with a fork.
  5. Serve and enjoy!
3.4.3177

Cilantro Lime Recipes You've Gotta Try!

Mango Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing in a white and blue-bubble patterned Polish pottery bowl.Mango Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Avocado DressingOven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, Throw it in the oven and forget about it!Oven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice RecipeA white and blue patterned Polish pottery bowl of Aji Picante. A hand is held above the bowl with a chip and some salsa on it.Colombian Style Pico de Gallo {Aji Picante}

Pinterest picture with the text of the title of the recipe at the top.

Other Cilantro Lime Rice Recipes
  • Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice

Gluten Free, Ingredients, More, Reader Favorites, Recipes, Rice, Side Dishes
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13 Comments

  1. Jennifer Watkins

    June 29, 2021 at 12:04 pm

    Made this to go with sheet pan fajitas….. so yummy! I didn’t have any lemon juice so just went with the lime alone. My family loved it!! #JuneGiveaway

    reply to this comment
  2. Krystal

    February 2, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    This was a great addition to a coconut lime chicken recipe I made for dinner. The recipe is super quick and easy and a hit at the table. Thanks!!!

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      February 15, 2022 at 7:10 am

      Yum! It makes me hungry just thinking about eating this with coconut lime chicken. mmmmm!

      reply to this comment
  3. Tara

    February 22, 2022 at 9:55 am

    OMG! This recipe is spot on! Thank you so much! We will make this delicious and easy rice again and again!

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      February 22, 2022 at 10:45 am

      Right! Isn’t it so easy and just so good! I’m so glad you found the recipe. Thanks for coming and leaving a comment!

      reply to this comment
  4. Katie G

    May 28, 2023 at 8:19 pm

    This recipe is so yummy! The flavors are spot on to chipotle’s Cilantro lime rice! The only thing I’m having trouble with is after the 15-20 minute simmer, the rice and water turn into sort of like a paste consistency. Any tips on how to keep it nice and fluffy like rice is supposed to be? 🫣

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 30, 2023 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you, I am so glad you like it! You could try adding a little extra oil or butter that should help the grains separate better.

      reply to this comment
  5. Jim M

    March 24, 2024 at 8:42 pm

    Made this recipe tonight 3/24/2024 , my wife doesn’t like white rice , but she LOVED this recipe so much she already told 2 friends and our son.
    Thank You for sharing.
    Jim M

    reply to this comment
    • Ann@Real Life Dinner

      December 1, 2024 at 1:18 am

      Thank you, Jim! Glad to hear she loved it!

      reply to this comment
  6. Lesley

    August 17, 2024 at 6:04 pm

    Is this best served hot? I’m thinking of using it for a Buddha bowl lunch and I’d prefer it to be at room temperature.

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      November 26, 2024 at 6:23 pm

      I think it would still taste really good at room temperature. Pulling it cold from the fridge the next day may not be as tasty though.

      reply to this comment
  7. Susan Smith

    August 25, 2024 at 1:17 am

    Made it in rice cooker – halved the quantity and used just 1 1/2 cups of water.
    Came out perfectly

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      November 21, 2024 at 9:47 pm

      Awesome! Love hearing that Susan!

      reply to this comment

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Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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