Cilantro Lime Rice Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Name: Cilantro Lime Rice Chipotle Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown (, basmati or white rice, use frozen rice for fast and easy); ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 3 - 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice; ¼ - ¾ teaspoon sea salt (, see note)

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This homemade cilantro lime rice recipe is so easy to make and the perfect copycat Chipotle recipe. Simple ingredients lead to big flavor!

Yellow and white checkered towel with a white bowl of cilantro lime rice on it

We are huge rice lovers and make it weekly as part of our component meals (different meal parts put together to make different meals!). This Mexican rice version mixes it up with flavor and is so good!

The light and fresh flavors of cilantro lime rice are the perfect match for so many foods. Use this Chipotle rice recipe as a base for taco bowls, as a filling for burritos, or as a side for fajitas!

Ingredients

It really is amazing how such simple ingredients create such amazing fresh flavor! Here’s what you need:

Rice
Cilantro
Fresh lime juice
Sea salt

Bowls with cilantro, rice, lime juice and salt on a light wooden surface

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Making this cilantro lime rice recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Here’s what to do:

Cook your rice.
Mix in cilantro, lime and salt.
Serve!

Serving suggestions

This rice can be enjoyed all by itself, but it also pairs beautifully with the following plant based recipes:

A close up of a loaded up taco bowl with a fork getting a bite out of it

Tips and tricks

These helpful hints should come in handy when you’re making this Mexican rice recipe:

Add in extra nutrition by mixing in onions, peppers, or garlic.
Make it spicy! Sprinkle in some cayenne, chipotle, or chili powder.
Pick your favorite rice. Brown rice is a great healthy option, or try basmati or white rice.
Use previously cooked, even frozen rice to save time!
Add the cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take away.
Store leftovers (or make it ahead for meal prep!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also seal in a freezer safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat by adding a splash of water to the rice and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Common Questions

How do you make rice like Chipotle?

Mix lime juice, fresh cilantro, and salt into cooked rice.

What is the rice in a burrito?

It depends on the burrito! Sometimes it’s as simple as white rice. Many taco shops use Mexican rice, and Chipotle uses cilantro lime rice.

More Vegan Mexican Side Dish Recipes

If tacos are on regular rotation at your house as well, you need sides to go with them! Try pairing these plant based sides with your favorite Mexican inspired meals: