Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Updated Aug 11, 2025, Published on May 11, 2025
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No need to head to the restaurant because you can make this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice right at home with just a few simple ingredients in 30 minutes! This easy copycat recipe uses long grain white rice (I used basmati rice), citrus juice, and fresh cilantro to recreate that light, fluffy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect as a base for burrito bowls. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan!
Create a Chipotle Burrito or Burrito Bowl at Home
Pair with Chipotle Copycat Chicken, Chipotle Copycat Black Beans, Chipotle Copycat Fresh Tomato Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, Chipotle Copycat Guacamole, and Chipotle-Style Sour Cream for the full Chipotle experience at home!
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Basmati Rice: Chipotle uses long-grain white rice so make sure to use a long-grain white rice such as Basmati for a similar flavor and texture. Jasmine rice also works well, but avoid short grain or sticky rice.
How to make Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.
This recipe only requires a few easy steps!
- First step: Bring the rice to a boil.
- Second step: Cover, steam the rice, and let it sit.
- Final step: Fluff the rice and mix in the cilantro, lime juice, and additional salt.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the resting step. Letting the rice steam off the heat (covered) helps it finish cooking and absorb excess moisture.
- Fluff before adding mix-ins. Once the rice is done resting, fluff it with a fork to keep it light before adding the oil, citrus juice, and cilantro.
- Taste and adjust before serving. Love cilantro? Add more! Prefer extra tang? Squeeze in more lime juice. And don’t forget to season generously with kosher salt to recreate that signature Chipotle flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up. Fluff before serving.
Did you try this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe? Leave a Review!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!
Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 3 cups Water
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil, or neutral oil of choice
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, adjust to taste
- Kosher Salt
Instructions
- (Optional): Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain well before cooking.
- In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12 minutes without lifting the lid. After 12 minutes, quickly tilt the pot and take a fast peek to check that all the water has been absorbed—be brief to keep as much steam in the pot as possible.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Then remove the lid, drizzle in the avocado oil, and let the rice sit uncovered for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Mix well, then taste and adjust with more citrus juice or salt if needed.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up. Fluff before serving.
- This recipe was adapted from the Youtube creator CookingwithChris.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
