Chipotle Rice Copycat

This delicious zesty Cilantro Lime Rice- just like Chipotle’s– has a sharp lime kick and is a perfect side for any of your Tex-Mex favorites!

This recipe has been updated since it’s original publishing date in 2015.

A bowl of Chipotle knockoff cilantro lime rice.

Lime rice in a white bowl with lime slices, Chipotle Knockoff.

Cilantro lime rice in a white bowl with lime slices.

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Chipotle Style Cilantro Lime Rice

One of our absolute favorite restaurants is Chipotle- we love their burritos, burrito bowls, and all of their fillings. One of my kids absolute favorite things from Chipotle though is their rice- the slightly sweet, buttery, cilantro and lime packed delicious rice that they make so well. Today I am sharing my favorite new technique for making a Chipotle Knockoff Cilantro Lime Rice– and it’s incredibly quick and easy!

Now, this won’t cut down on our frequent trips (I dont care how similar my foods tastes- there is just nothing compared to fresh Chipotle burritos that I don’t have to cook)- but it can help my kids satisfy their love for their rice in between trips!

Be sure to try our Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat and our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa, too!

Chipotle Rice Recipe Ingredients

To make this recipe, we need the following ingredients:

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
Cilantro: Provides a fresh and zesty kick that contrasts well with the richness of the butter.
Lime Juice: Lends tanginess and brightens up the dish, complementing the cilantro.
Water: The cooking medium for the rice, pretty straightforward!
Basmati Rice: A long-grain rice that’s aromatic and fluffy, serving as the perfect base for the other flavors to shine.

Cilantro Lime Rice Method

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this process:

Melt Butter

In a large, heavy pan, melt butter on high. Add in 1/2 cilantro and lime juice. Cook until butter is foamy, add rice.

A Chipotle Knockoff with Cilantro Lime Rice.

Cover & Cook Rice

Stir rice and let butter absorb, slightly toasting the rice. Add water and turn heat to high. When water is boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.

A frying pan filled with Chipotle Knockoff Cilantro Lime Rice.

Let Sit

Let sit 20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let “steam”, 20 minutes.

Fluff

Fluff rice with fork and add 1 tsp lime juice and second 1/2 cilantro.

Close-up of a bowl of cilantro lime rice garnished with lime slices.

Enjoy!

Serve with chicken tinga tacos, enchilada pie, baked fish, or spicy garlicky beans!

Chipotle Rice Recipe Tips and Tricks

Rinse the Rice: Wash it until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This makes the rice less gummy.
Use a Good-Quality Lime: Fresh, juicy limes will make a difference.
Cooking Liquid: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Butter or Oil: If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter touch.
Fluff, Don’t Stir: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork rather than stirring to keep it from getting mushy.
Cilantro Timing: Add half while cooking and half afterward for a burst of fresh flavor.
Taste and Adjust: After it’s cooked, taste and add more lime or salt as needed.
Cooking Method: Consider using a rice cooker for consistent results.
Don’t Rush: Letting the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking helps with texture.

FAQs

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Absolutely! Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

You may have used too much water, or stirred the rice while cooking.

It’s great with grilled meats, in burrito bowls, or as a stand-alone side.

Yes, but it’ll have a different, yet still delicious, citrusy flavor.

Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use dried cilantro. Use it sparingly, as it’s more concentrated.

No, but it does give the best aromatic and fluffy results. Jasmine rice is a good alternative.

Yes! Follow your rice cooker’s guidelines for water-to-rice ratio and add the other ingredients accordingly.

What to Serve With Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Black Beans: Go for a plant-based meal by combining the rice with seasoned black beans, instant pot pinto beans, or spicy garlicky beans!

Fajitas: Whether it’s chicken, beef, or veggie, fajitas and this rice are a match made in heaven.

Shrimp Skewers: Grilledor sautéed shrimp add a seafood flair to the mix.

Chili: A spicier chili is nicely balanced out by the refreshing tang of the rice.

Burrito Bowls: Use the rice as the base and pile on your favorite toppings like guac, sour cream, and salsa.

Quesadillas: Serve it on the side to add a fresh element to cheesy quesadillas.

Steak: Particularly good with a citrus-marinated steak or carne asada.

Chipotle Lime Rice