Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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. 

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

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!

COOK’S TOOLS:

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

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5.0 from 1 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, sautee 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

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