Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Copycat) Recipe
This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a vibrant, flavorful copycat of the popular Chipotle side dish. It features fluffy long-grain white rice cooked with garlic, then tossed with fresh lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a bright, zesty finish. Perfect as a side for Mexican dishes, tacos, or grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cup water or broth
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add and toast the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and garlic, toasting lightly for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Add liquid and salt, then cook rice: Pour in 1 ½ cups of water or broth along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir once and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the rice for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Let rice rest: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming and become fluffy.
- Fluff and add lime and cilantro: Using a fork, fluff the rice to separate the grains. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and finely chopped fresh cilantro. Gently fold them into the rice until evenly combined.
- Serve warm: Serve the cilantro lime rice warm as a side dish with your favorite Mexican or grilled dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook just until fragrant.
- Adjust lime juice and cilantro amount based on your taste preference.
- This rice is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
