Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect copycat recipe for all Chipotle lovers! With fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, and zesty garlic, you’ll want to eat it with everything! Plus, bonus directions for white AND brown rice, on the stove-top, Instant Pot, AND rice cooker!

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Calling all Chipotle lovers! I have the recipe you’ve been waiting for! The basis and foundation of all deliciousness at Chipotle. The Cilantro Lime Rice.

Now, this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice isn’t just good. It’s the warm, comfort of rice mixed with fresh cilantro and bright lime juice, with just a little zing from the fresh minced garlic.

Make your own burrito bowl. Eat as a side. Put it IN a burrito. It’s so amazing, you’ll want to eat it with everything.

The best part? It is SO easy to make! And store. You can even make a big batch and freeze it portions for later (meal prep, ftw!).

I’ve included stove-top directions for the white cilantro lime rice because I think that’s really “the classic.” BUT I’ve also included directions to make the brown rice, as well as Instant Pot and ricecooker directions.

So make this rice however you want, just make it ASAP!

What is the Difference Between White and Brown Rice?

All rice is made up of mostly carbohydrates, little protein and usually no fat.

Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it contains all parts of the grain including the bran, germ, etc. However, white rice had had the bran and germ removed, leaving it with fewer essential nutrients.

This is why brown rice is generally considered healthier and more nutritious than white rice.

So, What Kind of Rice Should You Use?

You can use whichever kind of rice you prefer in this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice. I’ve included directions for white basmati rice (pictured), long grain white rice, long grain brown rice, and brown basmati rice.

Be aware that brown rice does take much longer to cook than white rice (all that extra fiber to soften!).

So, it all comes down to personal taste preference, time constraints, and nutrition concerns. It will turn out delicious no matter what you choose, so the choice is yours!

How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to boil in a large pot.

Step 2: To boiling water, add rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and bay leaf (or leaves). Stir and return to a boil. Boil uncovered for 12 minutes, or until tender.

Step 3: Using a fine mesh strainer, drain rice and rinse with hot water. Remove bay leaf as well. 

Step 4: Transfer rice to a large mixing bowl. Add cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste). Stir to combine.

Serve warm and enjoy!

I think making this rice on the stove-top is the best and easiest method, but I’ve also included Instant Pot and rice cooker directions for the gadget-lovers out there.

How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice in the Instant Pot

Place 1 cup white basmati rice and 1 cup water, plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the pressure cooker.

Close the lid and set to manual cook on HIGH for 8 minutes.

When the Instant Pot beeps, let it sit for 5 more minutes. After the 5 minutes, using a hot pad, quick release the pressure by turning the steam release valve to vent. Let all of the steam out and carefully remove the lid.

Fluff the rice and stir in the cilantro. Serve warm.

How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker

Add 1 cup rice to your rice cooker. Fill the water up to the level 1 (for 1 cup of rice).

Add a teaspoon of oil, bay leaf, and a little salt. Close the lid and set to cook.

Once the rice is cooked, open the rice cooker and fluff with a fork. Then transfer to a bowl and add in the cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Taste and add salt to taste. Serve warm and enjoy.

Pro Tips

• My favorite (and in my opinion easiest) way to cook rice is right on the stove-top. However, I have included Instant Pot and rice cooker instructions in the post above.
• This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free.
• If you want to get really fancy and make the rice just like Chipotle, add the lime and lemon juice to a small spray bottle and spray it on while stirring. This keeps it from being to concentrated in any one spot.
• Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.
• To freeze, allow rice to cool. Place in a freezer bag. Rice can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat rice after storing or freezing: sprinkle a teaspoon of water over rice to help loosen stuck or dried grains. Reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until rice is hot. OR reheat in a pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir constantly, but be careful not to mash them.
• To substitute long grain white rice: Boil 2 cups water, and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Simmer 1 cup white rice covered on low heat for 15 minutes, until tender. No need to drain or rinse. Then continue to step 4.
• To substitute brown rice: follow the same directions as for white rice, except adjust the cook time to 40 minutes for brown basmati rice and 45 minutes for long grain brown rice. This will also yield more servings that white long grain or basmati. 1 cup brown rice will yield about eight 1/2-cup servings.
• If using long grain white or brown rice, rinse before cooking to remove excess starch. To rinse: place rice in a fine mesh sieve or strainer. Run under cool water until the water runs clear.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken – summer family favorite!
• Skillet Southwest Smothered Chicken – cheesy and spicy and so good served over this rice!
• Rice and Black Bean Burritos – put the cilantro lime rice inside!
• Easy Chicken Fajitas – can’t go wrong a classic! (and one of my all-time favorites!)

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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