Perfect Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe

I am a massive fan of the rice at Chipotle. One of their most sought-after rice is cilantro lime rice. It is soft, fluffy, and chewy with enough tang. The best part is? You can recreate this copycat version, which tastes just like the real thing!

For the uninformed, Chipotle Mexican Grill is one of the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains. Its lime rice is a versatile dish that you can enjoy at home. It is made with a light and fluffy rice dish tossed in a bright citrus flavor with a hint of spiciness from the cilantro. 

All you have to keep in mind is to rinse the rice beforehand. Also, don’t toss the rice early with lime and seasoning, or your rice will become mushy. 

Chipotle lime rice is a versatile dish in their Chipotle menu that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to various meals. So, what are you waiting for? We have added all the details related to this recipe in the guide below. These pointers will help you throughout the cooking journey. 

Is This The Exact Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe?

This homemade version of Chipotle cilantro lime rice is very close to the original recipe. The only difference is that we haven’t used additives or preservatives for that exact flavor and texture.

Rest all the ingredients, and the process is very close to the original. However, the preparation and process details are closely guarded by the company and not disclosed. So, the homemade version of Chipotle cilantro lime rice can vary slightly.

Is Lime And Rice A Good Combination?

Yes, lime and rice are a good combination; one of the examples is this Chipotle cilantro lime rice. The bright citrus flavor of the lime perfectly pairs well with the mild flavor of the rice, adding moisture and acidity to the rice, making it more flavorful and refreshing.

In addition to being a delicious and flavorful combination, lime and rice is also a nutritious combination. Lime is a good vitamin C source and an important antioxidant. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Why Will You Love This Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe?

• This recipe has everything to love. It is very chewy, full-filling, and easy to make.
• It is a perfect blend of fresh cilantro with tangy lime.
• You don’t need to separate stems from cilantro. The stem will add a nice flavor.
• The best part is you can easily customize this dish per your choice and taste. The ingredients used in this recipe can be available easily in your pantry. Also, it’s a one-pot dish, so you don’t need to take out other utensils. 

Equipment Required To Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice?

• Saucepan – Prepare Chipotle cilantro lime rice in a saucepan until it is done. 
• Bowl – Soak the rice in a bowl filled with water and oil for 10 minutes, undisturbed for the recipe. 
• Strainer – Rinse the rice using a filter for the further recipe. 
• Knife – Chop the cilantro stalk using a knife for the recipe.
• Chopping Board – Chop the herb and grate the peel on a chopping board to avoid mess.

Do You Need A Rice Cooker For This Recipe?

We haven’t used a rice cooker to cook the rice for this recipe. However, you can use a rice cooker as it is an effortless way to make rice. 

All you have to do is add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker and cook until fluffy. Make sure you are using a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of water, or else it will become mushy.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients

• Rice – We’ve used a cup of basmati rice to add a unique aroma with a light and airy texture to the rice.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice to add tartness to the rice.
• Oil – Prepare cilantro lime rice by drizzling a splash of olive oil. 
• Bay Leaf – Bay leaf will add a more bitter and spicy taste.
• Cilantro – Add chopped cilantro leaves to add a fresh and citrusy flavor while cooking the rice. 
• Salt – Enhance the flavor of this Chipotle cilantro lime rice by adding a pinch of salt.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients Substitutions

• Rice – We’ve used basmati rice for Chipotle cilantro lime rice. But you can substitute it with any long-grain rice, such as jasmine, brown, and wild rice.
• Olive Oil – You can swap olive oil for butter or avocado oil. You can also use a vegan butter substitute if you are vegan or dairy-free.
• Lemon Juice – Substitute lemon juice with lime juice, or use a combination of both. If you don’t have any citrus juice on hand, you can use white vinegar instead.
• Cilantro – If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute parsley or mint. You can also omit the cilantro altogether.
• Bay Leaf – Use thyme, oregano, rosemary, or lemongrass for a similar earthy and minty flavor.

What Kind Of Rice Is Best For This Recipe?

Chipotle cilantro lime rice is the best rice for long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice. It is commonly used as it is less likely to become sticky when cooked, yielding a light and fluffy rice dish. Also, it is more aromatic than plain rice. Other than this, you can go for:

• Medium-Grain Rice – Medium-grain rice, such as Calrose or Carolina Gold, can be a good choice if making lime rice. It has a slightly sticky texture but less than short-grain rice, making it a good choice for cilantro lime rice if you want a somewhat chewy texture.
• Brown Rice – Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice. It has a slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture, like basmati rice. You can use it to make lime rice, but it will take longer and require more water.

However, you must remember that if you replicate Chipotle’s recipe, you should use basmati rice. No matter what rice you choose, rinse it thoroughly before cooking. It will remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork for a fluffy texture. 

Can You Make This Recipe With Brown Rice?

Yes, you can make Chipotle cilantro lime rice with brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook than basmati rice. Also, it will yield a chewier texture but is more nutritious than white rice.

To make Chipotle cilantro lime rice with brown rice, follow the same recipe as white rice, but increase the cooking time. You may also need to add more water, as brown rice absorbs more water than white rice.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Preparation And Cooking Time

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe Steps

• Bring four cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
• Add two cups of basmati rice and drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil.
• Add a bay leaf to the pot. 
• Season it with salt to taste, stir the rice, and bring it to a boil for ten to twelve minutes. 
• Drain rice, remove bay leaf, and stir in chopped cilantro.
• Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice and olive oil, mix it well, and serve hot. 

Tips To Make This Recipe Better

• We recommend using basmati long-grain rice. It’s more tasty than plain rice and yields a light and airy texture.
• Always rinse the rice for at least ten minutes before cooking. It will help remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky.
• You can lightly brown the rice in some olive oil. It will help bring out the wonderful flavor of cilantro lime rice.
• As we have always said, use fresh ingredients. Similarly, use fresh limes here and toss some grated lime zest in with the water you add to the rice. 
• Don’t add the lime juice and cilantro before the rice is cooked. 
• Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors. Add other ingredients to your rice, such as chopped onions, peppers, corn, or black beans.
• Drizzle a little bit of oil when cooking the rice to avoid the rice from sticking to the pan.
• Add a pinch of salt to the water when cooking the rice to enhance the flavor of the rice.
• Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork before adding the lime juice, cilantro, and other ingredients. It will help separate the rice grains and make the rice more light and fluffy.

Why Should You Rinse Rice Before Cooking?

We’ve seen our mothers and grandmothers rinsing rice before cooking. Have you ever wondered why they do so? Well, we have compiled a list of reasons why you should rinse rice before cooking:

• Rice contains a type of starch called amylopectin, which can make the rice sticky if it is not rinsed. That is why rinsing the rice is advised to remove excess amylopectin, resulting in fluffier rice.
• You can improve the taste of the rice by rinsing it. Rinsing the rice removes any bitterness or off-flavors that may be present.
• Also, it can reduce the cooking time of the rice.

Why Are My Rice Not Fluffy?

Even after rinsing rice for a long your lemon rice is not fluffy, then it might be because:

• You have overcooked them. It would help if you cooked rice until it was tender but still had a slight bite. If you overcook the rice, it will become mushy and sticky.
• You have used too much water. It is essential to use the correct water ratio to rice. The rice will be soggy and mushy if you use too much water.
• You have added the lemon juice too early. Adding lemon juice to the rice while still cooking will become sticky. 

How Will These Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Look And Taste Like?

Recreating Chipotle cilantro lime rice was a fun and flavorful experience. It was light and fluffy with a bright citrus flavor and a hint of spiciness from the cilantro. The cilantro has added a bright green color and fresh citrus flavor.

We could never imagine that this Chipotle cilantro lime rice would be so irresistible. Its bright citrus flavor from the lime juice and a hint of spiciness from the cilantro attracted us. The rice is fluffy and slightly, but not savory. I loved this dish and would categorize it as fresh, light, and refreshing.

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Nutritional Values

Chipotle cilantro lime rice is not very healthy due to its high calories. This recipe will not work if you follow a low-carb and low-fat diet. For more information, I’ve curated a list of nutritional value to watch out for before having a bowl of this delectable dish. 

Can You Make These Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make this Chipotle cilantro lime rice in advance. All you have to do is to cook the rice as this recipe and store it in the refrigerator, once cooled down for three to four days.

When ready to eat, reheat the rice in the microwave or stovetop and add the cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. You can also add other ingredients to your rice, such as chopped onions, peppers, or corn. Be sure to cool the rice thoroughly before storing it to prevent it from becoming sticky.

How To Reheat These Chipotle Lime Rice?

There are two main ways to reheat Chipotle lime rice. They are:

In The Microwave –

• Place the leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl and pour a cup of water into the rice.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave it for a minute or two.

On The Stovetop –

• Place the leftover rice in a skillet over medium heat and pour a cup of water.
• Stir the rice frequently until heated through and simmer it for two to three minutes or until the rice is heated through.

Best Ways To Store These Cilantro Lime Rice Properly

The best way to store leftover Chipotle cilantro lime rice properly is to let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. If you plan to store lime rice for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. 

Cool the rice thoroughly before storing it to prevent it from being sticky. Also, wait over two hours to store lime rice at room temperature. 

What To Serve With These Chipotle Lime Rice?

Chipotle lime rice is perfect as it is. Still, pairing it with various Chipotle dishes won’t disappoint you. Some of them are:

• Chipotle Burritos – This lime rice is a classic burrito filling. Yes, you can pair it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, and make it fulfilling.
• Chipotle Chicken Barbacoa Bowl – This flavorful bowl is made with chicken barbacoa, and this lime rice is all you need to add zing.
• Tacos – Chipotle Lime Rice can be served as a side dish to tacos. It is also a popular filling for tacos al pastor.
• Chipotle Steak Copycat Recipe – Serve smokey steak with this tangy lime rice and add a refreshing note to your meal.
• Tortilla Soup – This hearty soup is made with chicken broth, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and spices. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of Chipotle Lime Rice.

Other Chipotle’s Recipes To Try

So, it was all about the Chipotle lime rice recipe that you can prepare at your home. But you should try some more Chipotle recipes at your home.

Some are the Chipotle Burrito Recipe, Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe, Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe, Chipotle Cheese Quesadillas Recipe, and Chipotle Black Beans Recipe. 

Recipe Card

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Copycat Recipe

Chipotle cilantro lime rice is a popular dish made with rice, cilantro, and lime. It is often served as a side dish or an accompaniment to main dishes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Copycat Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 259 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Bowl
• Knife
• Chopping Board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups Basmati Rice
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
• 1 cup Cilantro Leaves (finely chopped)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• ¼ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

 

• Bring four cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
• Add two cups of basmati rice and drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil.
• Add a bay leaf to the pot.
• Season it with salt to taste, stir the rice, and bring it to a boil for ten to twelve minutes.
• Drain rice, remove bay leaf, and stir in chopped cilantro.
• Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice and olive oil, mix it well, and serve hot.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 357IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice, Chipotle Recipes, Hearty Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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.