Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat) 4.8 ★

30 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, low-fat, low-FODMAP, Mediterranean diet, vegan

Overhead view of a white Dutch oven filled with fluffy cilantro lime rice, speckled with chopped green cilantro, with a wooden spoon resting inside on a white marble surface with rumpled cloth and scattered herbs.

Published Jun 25, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 min	20 min	30 min

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Introduction

This cilantro lime rice tastes bright, fresh, and zesty, just like the Chipotle favorite you crave.

It’s an easy, budget-friendly side dish that instantly upgrades taco nights, burrito bowls, and simple grilled chicken or fish.

Made with pantry staples and plenty of fresh cilantro and lime, it adds restaurant-style flavor to any weeknight dinner.

Overhead view of a white Dutch oven filled with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, speckled with chopped cilantro and lime zest, with a wooden spoon resting inside on a marble countertop.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

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Rinse and prep the rice

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
Drain well so you do not carry extra water into the pot.
Chop the cilantro and zest and juice the lime, then set them aside for later.
Cook the rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Pour in the water and add the salt, then stir once to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.

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Let the rice steam and fluff

Turn off the heat and let the covered rice sit for 5 to 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
Uncover and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Add lime and cilantro

Drizzle the warm rice with the lime juice and sprinkle on the lime zest.
Add the chopped cilantro and gently fold everything together until the herbs are evenly dispersed.
Taste and add a pinch more salt or lime juice if you like a brighter flavor.
Serve and store

Serve the cilantro lime rice warm as a side dish, or use it as a base for burrito bowls and tacos.
Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the rice from drying out.

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Overhead view of a white bowl burrito bowl with cilantro-lime white rice sprinkled with cilantro, seasoned grilled chicken pieces, and a scoop of chunky guacamole, garnished with a lime wedge on a marble surface.

Substitutions

Use brown rice instead of white rice: Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more chew, and it also reheats very well for meal prep bowls.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice: Lemon gives a softer, mellow citrus note while still keeping the rice bright, and it pairs nicely with Greek-style fillings.
Use parsley instead of cilantro: Parsley keeps the fresh green flavor without the classic cilantro bite, which helps if someone at the table dislikes cilantro.

Tips

Toast the rice for better flavor: Lightly toasting the rice in oil deepens the flavor and helps the grains stay separate instead of clumping.
Do not stir while it simmers: Once you lower the heat and cover the pot, avoid stirring, because that releases starch and makes the rice gummy.
Use the right pot size: Choose a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and a heavy bottom, which prevents scorching and gives you even cooking.
Scale the salt carefully: If you plan to serve this with salty toppings like cheese or seasoned meat, slightly reduce the salt in the rice.
Refresh leftovers with extra citrus: When reheating, splash on a little more lime juice after warming to bring the flavors back to life.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	176	kcal
Protein	4	g
Total Fat	3	g
Carbohydrates	33	g
Dietary Fiber	2	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

How can I keep the rice from turning mushy?: Measure the water carefully, avoid lifting the lid while it cooks, and let the rice rest before fluffing.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?: Yes, cook the rice, water, oil, and salt in the rice cooker as usual, then stir in lime and cilantro afterward.
What if my rice is still hard after cooking?: Sprinkle on a tablespoon or two of hot water, cover, and let it steam over very low heat for several minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?: You can, but the flavor will be milder, so warm the rice, then add extra lime juice and cilantro to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a simple black bean bowl for an easy dinner.

For a restaurant-style spread, serve this rice with pico de gallo, guacamole, and warm tortillas for DIY burrito vibes.

Leftovers make great burrito filling, so cook an extra batch when you want a head start on lunches.

Recipe by Eunice.
“I learned to cook by standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into meals that fed our entire family. That’s where it started. Today, I create recipes for real life, real kitchens, and anyone who wants good food without overthinking it.” Read more.

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Reviews

Rated 4.8 ★ (out of 5) based on 11 reviews.

Post your review and pictures below! ⬇︎

Gabriela Cannon, San Jose, CA: We love this recipe but would like to know if it can be made ahead, before or after adding the lime and cilantro — 4 ★

Eunice: Yes, make it ahead and stir in the lime and cilantro just before serving. That keeps the flavor bright and the herbs fresh.
Phoebe, Raleigh: This recipe hit the spot! We were in the mood for some rice like from Chipotle but didn't want to go out, so I tried this. It turned out great. The rice wasn't mushy at all, and it had just the right mix of lime and cilantro. Really great flavors. Even my 1 year old liked it and I wasn't sure if he would because of the cilantro! — 5 ★

Eunice: Glad it hit the spot, Phoebe!
Michael, Nashville, TN: Delicious. I mixed in a little extra lime juice and some more cilantro, and it turned out great! — 5 ★

Eunice: Glad it worked well, Michael, and nice tweaks!
Miriam, Louisville: Guys, if you need a fast, easy, side dish with limited ingredients that you can tweak around this is the one!. It comes out quick and tastes great, I used basmati since thats what I had, and tossed in bottled lime juice cause my limes were sad, still worked. Adjust the salt and cilantro as your family likes. Keeping this one for that need a quick dinner add on. — 5 ★

Eunice: Happy it worked with basmati, Miriam!
Michele, New York: Really good rice 😊 I don't really care for that plain white rice, but I enjoyed this, and so did my family. I followed the recipe and no issues at all 😉 Added a little extra lime because we like it that way. Excellent ! — 5 ★

Eunice: So glad you and your family enjoyed it, Michele!
Margaret, Stockton: This is so good! 😍 And even better the next day! 👍 Another keeper! 💚 I love making homemade rice thats quick and easy and tasty enough for after work meals. This one fits the bill! — 5 ★

Eunice: So glad it’s a keeper for you, Margaret!
Marge, Mesa, AZ: Turned out fluffy and super fresh! — 5 ★

Eunice: Happy to hear that, Margaret!
Rachel, Chicago: Rinsing the rice first made a huge difference. I usually skip that step but won’t anymore — 5 ★

Eunice: Glad the rinsing tip helped, Rachel!
Emily, Toronto: rice came out fluffy. next time I’ll add a little extra lime juice b/c I like it really tangy — 4 ★

Eunice: Glad you enjoyed it, Emily!
Karen: Made it in rice cooker instead of stovetop, just tossed in oil + salt, then added lime/cilantro after. Came out perfect — 5 ★

Eunice: Great to hear, Karen!
Ashley: so simple but feels special—will make for holidays — 5 ★

Eunice: We’re glad you enjoyed it, Ashley!