Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice — a faithful copycat that’s bright, fresh, and easy to make. With chopped cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of garlic, this rice pairs perfectly with burrito bowls, tacos, grilled chicken, or as a simple side. Includes instructions for white and brown rice plus methods for stovetop, Instant Pot, and rice cooker.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
If you love Chipotle, this is the rice recipe you need. It captures the same bright flavors—fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of garlic—combined with warm, fluffy rice. It’s comforting, versatile, and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Use it to build burrito bowls, serve it as a side, add it to burritos or tacos, or enjoy it on its own. The flavor is fresh and lively, and the texture should be light and fluffy.
The recipe below includes classic stovetop directions for white rice, plus options for brown rice, Instant Pot, and rice cooker, so you can choose the method that works best for you.
You can make a big batch for meal prep and refrigerate or freeze portions for quick meals later. It reheats very well with a bit of added moisture to revive the grains.
What is the Difference Between White and Brown Rice?
Both types of rice are primarily carbohydrates, with small amounts of protein and negligible fat. The difference is in processing: brown rice is a whole grain that retains the bran and germ, while white rice has those parts removed. That makes brown rice higher in fiber and nutrients compared with white rice, but it also requires a longer cooking time and has a chewier texture.
So, What Kind of Rice Should You Use?
Choose the rice that fits your taste and schedule. The recipe provides instructions for white basmati (pictured), long-grain white, long-grain brown, and brown basmati. White rice cooks faster and gives a lighter texture, while brown rice is more fibrous and nutritious. Either will taste great when finished with cilantro and lime.
How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice in the Instant Pot
Add 1 cup white basmati rice (unrinsed) to the Instant Pot with 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
When cooking finishes, let the pressure sit for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, stir in 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt to taste, and serve warm.
How to Make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker
Place 1 cup rice in the rice cooker and add water to the appropriate line for 1 cup rice (or follow your cooker’s instructions). Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, a bay leaf if desired, and a little salt. Close the lid and start the cooker.
When the rice is done, fluff with a fork, transfer to a bowl, and stir in 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve warm.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken — a bright summer favorite that pairs perfectly with this rice.
- Skillet Southwest Smothered Chicken — cheesy and slightly spicy, delicious served over cilantro lime rice.
- Rice and Black Bean Burritos — use this rice as the base for flavorful burritos.
- Easy Chicken Fajitas — a classic combo that goes great with cilantro lime rice.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup white basmati rice (unrinsed)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1–3 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- ½ tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and a bay leaf. Stir and return to a gentle boil.
- Boil uncovered for about 12 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Drain the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse with hot water. Remove the bay leaf.
- Transfer rice to a large bowl. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste). Stir to combine.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Stovetop cooking gives tender, fluffy rice and is my preferred method, but Instant Pot and rice cooker options are included above.
- This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
- For an even distribution of citrus flavor, put the lime and lemon juice in a small spray bottle and mist the rice while stirring.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the rice and warm in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently.
- If using long-grain white or brown rice, rinse it under cool water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.