Bored of plain rice? Try Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe at home. It is a tangy side dish to accompany all your meals. Let’s dive in to know the complete recipe.

To make Chipotle cilantro lime rice, cook rinsed rice until brown. Pour in vegetable stock and bring it to a boil until the liquid is absorbed.
Add melted butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Gently mix it with a spatula. Season it with salt as per taste and serve with your favorite food.
If you want to spice up your Chipotle cilantro lime rice, you can make a few substitutions. You can choose your favorite types of rice, such as jasmine or brown rice. I have used basmati rice as it cooks very fast.
If you don’t have chipotle powder, smoked paprika will give the same smoky flavor. And if you’re looking for a veggie-packed dinner, feel free to add some diced tomatoes or frozen corn kernels.
Follow along with our step-by-step guide and learn how to make this tasty dish using only the freshest ingredients to get the perfect flavor and texture. Let’s get started!
What Equipment Will You Need To Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?
- Saucepan – Saute the rinsed rice in a saucepan until the rice begins to brown.
- Strainer – Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
- Bowl – Transfer the cooked rice to a bowl and allow them to rest for 10 minutes undisturbed.
- Knife – Chop the cilantro stalk using a knife to add to the rice.
- Grater – Grate the lime peel with a grater to get the zest.
- Chopping Board – Chop the herb and grate the peel on a chopping board to avoid mess.
How Much Time Will You Need To Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
10 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
What Ingredients Will You Need To Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?
- Basmati Rice – Basmati rice will add a unique, nutty aroma giving a light and airy texture when prepared with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Vegetable Stock – The umami flavors of the vegetable stock get infused into the finished rice, making it much more flavorful.
- Butter – Add melted butter to make rice tastier, buttery, and rich.
- Lime Juice – Squeeze lime juice to add tartness to the rice with a slight hint of sweetness, giving a distinct zesty sour flavor.
- Lime Zest – Lime zest will add a tangy citrus flavor to the rice.
- Olive Oil – Saute the rinsed rice in olive oil until the rice begins to brown.
- Salt – Season the rice with salt to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
- Chipotle Chili Powder – Add Chipotle chili powder to give the rice an earthy, mildly spicy, and spicy flavor.
- Cilantro Leaves – Add chopped cilantro leaves for a fresh and citrusy flavor.

Steps To Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
1. Let The Process Begin
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important as it removes any excess starch from the rice, which can make it gummy.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and saute the rinsed rice until rice begins to brown. It will ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly.
2. Water The Rice
Once the rice is cooked, pour in vegetable stock to pack more flavors. Scrap the side of the pan where the rice is stuck into the liquid.
Simmer the flame to medium-low heat and bring the liquid to a boil.
It is highly recommended to cook rice on medium flame; otherwise, the water will evaporate very quickly, preventing the rice from absorbing the liquids and leaving it uncooked.
3. Cook Until Perfect
Cook the rice uncovered until the liquid reduces to half. Once the liquid is absorbed, reduce the flame to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Allow it to cook for about 12 minutes and leave it untouched.
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and allow them to rest for 10 minutes undisturbed. It will help the rice cook well, making it fluffy and perfect.
Add Chipotle chili powder, melted butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Gently mix it with a spatula.
Season it with salt as per taste. Serve with your favorite food.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 259 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 42 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Cholesterol | 11 mg |
Sodium | 201 mg |
Potassium | 213 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 2 g |
Vitamin A | 357 iu |
Vitamin C | 5 mg |
Calcium | 19 mg |
Iron | 1 mg |
How Will Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Look And Taste Like?
Chipotle cilantro lime rice is a delicious combination of smoky, earthy, and citrus flavors. This rice is soft and fluffy with just the right amount of chew and no stickiness.
Chipotle cilantro lime rice gets its unique flavor from smoked chipotle chili powder. It adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish, complemented by the cilantro’s freshness and the lime’s tartness.
Recipe Card
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Bowl
- Knife
- Grater
- Chopping Board
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 2 cups Vegetable Stock
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 3 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 Lime Zest
- 1 cup Cilantro Leaves (finely chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan and saute the rinsed rice until rice begins to brown.
- Once the rice is cooked, pour in vegetable stock.
- Scrap the side of the pan where the rice is stuck into the liquid.
- Simmer the flame to medium-low heat and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Cook the rice uncovered until the liquid reduces to half.
- Once the liquid is absorbed, reduce the flame to low and cover the pan with a lid.
- Allow it to cook for about 12 minutes and leave it untouched.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and allow them to rest for 10 minutes undisturbed.
- Add Chipotle chili powder, melted butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Gently mix it with a spatula.
- Season it with salt as per taste. Serve with your favorite food.
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to serve with Chipotle cilantro lime rice?
If you want to serve Chipotle cilantro lime rice, you can pair it with burritos, tacos, or fajitas. It’s also great as a side for grilled chicken or steak. Or, if you want to make a vegan-friendly meal, pair it with black beans and roasted vegetables.
What is Chipotle cilantro lime rice?
Chipotle cilantro lime rice is made with spicy chipotle peppers, fresh cilantro, and tart lime. The dish gets its unique flavor from the combination of these ingredients.
How do you make Chipotle cilantro lime rice?
You will need Chipotle chili powder, fresh cilantro, tart lime, and rice to make this dish. Cook the rice, and add the spicy chili powder and fresh cilantro to the pot. Finally, stir in the tart lime juice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, add a tablespoon of water or stock to the pan and heat over medium-low heat until hot.
How can I make it even more flavorful?
Add chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, or even grilled corn kernels to your chipotle cilantro lime rice for extra flavor. Alternatively, stir in some fresh cilantro after cooking the rice for a fragrant and bold taste.
Conclusion
Chipotle cilantro lime rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.