Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)
This cilantro lime rice is the best Chipotle copycat! It's bright, and zesty, and is the perfect side dish paired with Mexican mains.
Dish: Cilantro Lime Rice
- Total time
- 30 min
- Active time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 4, 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Equipment
- 2 required
Ingredients and Constraints
Ingredients
Ingredient watchpoints3 watchpoints
Short requirements and tradeoffs to check while gathering ingredients; detailed source notes stay expandable.
Garlic
1 garlic clove (minced)
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Water
1 ½ cup water or broth
The source ingredient row lists alternatives.
Details and source
Acceptable alternatives: Broth
Cilantro
½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Additional ingredient notes
CILANTRO LIME RICE INGREDIENTS
Rice: Long-grain rice is ideal as it produces firm grains that become light and fluffy after cooking.
Today, I’m using white Jasmine rice, just like in my ginger rice. If you want to use brown rice, make sure to look up the proper cooking time for that. Cilantro and Limes: Grab a bundle of fresh cilantro and a few limes (if you want extra for garnish). You’ll need the zest and juice from the lime for maximum zesty goodness. Garlic: The cooked minced garlic adds a savory flavor without being pungent. Plus, a touch of garlic makes everything taste better. Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
Required setup
Equipment
large saucepan
The most durable set of cookware!
Method Overview
Structured method notes that are separate from the step timeline.
HOW TO MAKE CILANTRO LIME RICE
Wash the rice in a fine mesh sieve over running water.
Add the minced garlic to a pot over medium heat and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, add the rice and salt, and stir for a minute or so until mixed well.
Source video
Source video
Method Timeline
Prep
ActivePrep
5 min
Prep time from the source recipe card.
Cook
ActiveCook
25 min
Cook time from the source recipe card.
Total
PassiveTotal
30 min
Total time from the source recipe card.
Step 1
Rinse. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Image detailsRinse. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.Downshiftology · CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)Dev reference Visual cue
until the water runs clear.
Checks1
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil the water runs clear.
Expected state: until the water runs clear.
Inputs and tools2
Uses
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cup water or broth
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 2
Saute and toast. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the rice and salt, and stir the rice for a minute, lightly toasting it.
medium-high heatSaucepan
Image detailsSaute and toast. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the rice and salt, and stir the rice for a minute, lightly toasting it.Downshiftology · CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)Dev reference Visual cue
until fragrant.
Checks2
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil fragrant.
Expected state: until fragrant.
TimingInfoTimingfor 30 seconds
Target: 1 minute
Expected state: Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Inputs and tools4
Uses
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Equipment
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 3
Simmer. Add the water, bring it to a boil, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pot from heat (keep it covered) and let it steam for an additional 10 minutes.
Image detailsSimmer. Add the water, bring it to a boil, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pot from heat (keep it covered) and let it steam for an additional 10 minutes.Downshiftology · CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)Dev reference Visual cue
until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Checks2
TextureInfoTextureuntil the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Expected state: until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
TimingInfoTimingfor 10 to 15 minutes
Target: 10-15 minute
Expected state: Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 4
Add flavor. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together and serve immediately!
Image detailsAdd flavor. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together and serve immediately!Downshiftology · CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)Dev reference Checks1
ServiceMain recipeSource service instruction
Add flavor. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together and serve immediately!
Inputs and tools2
Uses
- 1 lime (zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice))
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Handling and Storage
Reviewed hold, storage, make-ahead, and service-timing guidance.
WAYS TO SERVE IT
Although a burrito bowl is my go-to, this rice is a delicious side dish for any Mexican spread, even for breakfast with huevos rancheros!
Here are a few ideas: All the best Mexican meats — The options are endless with chicken fajitas, carne asada, barbacoa, birria, or grilled shrimp. Mexican toppings and salsas — Top your meal off with red salsa, salsa verde, lime crema, or this creamy chipotle sauce.
How do I store or freeze this?
If you’re just storing for the week, it can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
If you’d like to freeze this, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Learn More
Extra cooking notes, tests, and source details kept out of the step-by-step method.
Why this works
Quick kitchen reasons behind the main choices.
WHY I MAKE THIS CILANTRO LIME RICE ALL THE TIME
I’m a big Chipotle restaurant fan, with my go-to order being a grilled chipotle chicken or carnitas rice bowl topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, and fajita vegetables.
But the cilantro lime rice is one of my favorite components. So I was over the moon when this homemade recipe turned out perfectly!
IF YOU LOVE CILANTRO LIME FLAVOR
Cilantro Lime Chicken: Seared chicken thighs with the best marinade.
Cilantro Lime Bacon Coleslaw: A fresh and savory take on coleslaw! Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: The perfect low-carb option.
Can this be kept in a crockpot for a party?
I always like to keep mine warm in a crockpot.
This makes it easy to transfer and keep it warm and delicious no matter where the party is.
Article photos
Photos used with the article notes.
Source: CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)
Recipe structure
Components and intermediate outputs created by the method.
Main recipe
Recipe card ingredients and steps.
4, 4 servings
Recipe Utilities
Account actions, source details, export, and reporting stay available without interrupting the cooking flow.
Source and Origin
Origin declaration
Adapted from source
Imported from the downshiftology page for dev review.
Copy risk: Unchecked
CILANTRO LIME RICE (CHIPOTLE COPYCAT)
Article
View source
My Kitchen Actions
Login is required.
My Kitchen keeps saved recipes, private notes, adaptations, cooking logs, imports, and exports tied to your account.
Export
Public recipe exports include only approved public content. Personal backup exports require login.
Export history
No exports yet.