Cilantro Lime Rice
If you've ever wished you could recreate your favorite Chipotle white rice recipe at home, you're in luck. This cilantro lime rice is fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
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Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference at dinnertime. That is exactly how I feel about this cilantro lime rice.
It starts with something simple, but the fresh flavors turn it into a side dish that people actually notice. Whenever I make it, it tends to disappear much faster than plain rice ever did.
And honestly, I love recipes like that. The ones that feel special without creating extra work are usually the ones that stick around the longest.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
One of my favorite things about this cilantro lime rice is how versatile it is. It works with so many different meals that it never feels repetitive, even when it shows up on the menu week after week.
I also appreciate that it is made with simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. It is the kind of rice dish you can add to a meal without needing a special trip to the grocery store, which is always helpful on busy weeks.
And while the flavors are fresh and bright, they are still familiar enough that both kids and adults enjoy them. Having a side dish that everyone at the table is happy to eat makes dinner time just a little bit easier.
Ingredients
White rice is the foundation of this cilantro lime rice recipe. I typically use long-grain white rice because it cooks up light and fluffy. If you prefer brown rice, you can use that instead, but it will require more water. Just follow the directions on the package of rice.
Fresh lime juice and cilantro are what give this rice its signature flavor and make it taste similar to the Chipotle white rice recipe. Fresh lime juice is highly recommended here, as bottled juice doesn't have quite the same bright flavor.
If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with flat leaf parsley.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Get started by cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water. Use whatever cooking method you like - I typically cook jasmine rice in my Instant Pot.
- While the rice is still warm, stir in the oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and salt.
- Add the oil, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt to the warm rice.
- Fluff everything gently with a fork until the rice is well mixed, then taste and adjust with more lime or salt if needed.
Madison's Tips for Success:
I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use these tips to ensure that the rice turns out perfectly for you, too!
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice whenever possible. Since lime is one of the main flavors in this recipe, fresh juice makes a noticeable difference.
- Fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring aggressively. This keeps the grains light and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
- Taste before serving and adjust as needed. A little extra lime juice or a pinch of salt can help bring all the flavors together.
- If you plan to cook rice in the Instant Pot, go ahead and make a double batch. The leftovers are perfect for meal prep later in the week!
Chipotle White Rice Recipe FAQs
This usually happens when too much liquid is used or the rice is overcooked. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions for your specific type of rice.
Yes! Simply cook the rice in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Definitely. This easy rice dish also tastes great with grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, and roasted vegetables.
Storing and Freezing
Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, add a splash of water and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to help keep the rice soft and fluffy.
This rice also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or warm it straight from frozen with a little water to restore moisture.
Serving Ideas
This easy rice dish is perfect with meals like tacos, breakfast burrito bowls, fajitas, and chicken enchiladas. I also use leftovers as the base for quick lunches throughout the week.
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Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (3 cups cooked)
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lime juiced and zested
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup uncooked white rice according to the package instructions using 1 ¼ cups chicken broth instead of water. (Or use my Instant Pot rice recipe).
- To the cooked rice, add 2 teaspoons avocado oil, 1 lime and zest, ¼ cup chopped cilantro and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Stir well to combine.
Notes
- Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for the best flavor.
- Flat-leaf parsley can be substituted for the cilantro if needed.
- Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Other Easy Rice Recipes
In addition to this cilantro lime rice recipe, here are a few more easy rice recipes to add to your meal plan:
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