Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, zesty and flavorful side dish just like the kind you get at Chipotle, but even better! I'm pleased to share with you today, my version of that oh so yummy rice recipe you can get at the Chipotle restaurants… and let me tell you… it's so close to the restaurant version you may not even need to go back! haha really though!!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
Get the Recipe at the bottom of the page!
How to make Chipotle-style cilantro lime rice
Cilantro lime rice is super easy to make! You can find detailed instructions in the recipe at the bottom of the page, but first, here is a little overview of how it's done:
Combine chicken stock with basmati rice and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to allow the rice to steam for a bit. Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it up with a fork, add butter, lime, and a little lime zest, and combine well.
Just before serving, add in the chopped cilantro. It's important to do this at the end just before serving so that the cilantro stays fresh rather than wilted.
Feel free to play around with the ratios of the seasonings – if you want to give your rice even more zing from the lime, go for it!
And it's that easy! I know you'll really enjoy this recipe, and it goes well with all sorts of things!
What to serve with cilantro lime rice
Cilantro lime rice goes particularly well with Mexican or Tex Mex style foods, but it's so good you can try it with anything really! Here are a few ideas on what to serve with your rice:
- seasoned chicken, beef or fish – grilled, baked, etc
- tacos, burritos, etc
- Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- salads
Cilantro Lime Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups stock (I like to use chicken stock, but you're welcome to use any you prefer)
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a pot on medium-high heat, heat the oil. Once heated, sauté the rice for a few minutes until they are slightly darkened – this will intensify the yumminess of the rice!
- Add stock to the pot, stir and bring to a boil.
- Once the pot contents have reached a boil, turn down the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes with the lid on. Do not lift the lid or take a peek and do not stir the rice, or you'll lose all the moisture that fluffs up the rice!
- Once Rice has cooked, remove from heat, fluff up with a fork or spoon and add the butter, salt, lime juice and lime zest. Combine well, so all the flavours do their thing. 🙂
- Just before serving, add the cilantro to the rice and stir to combine. I find that it's best to add the cilantro right before serving, so it tastes freshest and isn't wilted when served.
To make in a Rice Cooker:
- In your rice cooker, combine the chicken stock and the rice. Turn the rice cooker on.
- Once Rice has cooked, remove from heat, fluff up with a fork or spoon and add the butter, salt, lime juice and lime zest. Combine well, so all the flavours do their thing. 🙂
- Just before serving, add the cilantro to the rice and stir to combine. I find that it's best to add the cilantro right before serving, so it tastes freshest and isn't wilted when served.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Tip
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
