✔ Updated · step photos, the bay leaf trick and burrito bowl ideas
Chipotle cilantro lime rice is fluffy white rice tossed with fresh lime, a little lemon, cilantro and salt, the base of every good burrito bowl. My copycat-style version takes 25 minutes, and the bay leaf is the quiet trick that makes it taste right.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Add the citrus and cilantro after the rice is cooked and rested. Cooked in, the lime turns bitter and the cilantro goes dull.
Why You'll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice
- Fluffy, separate grains, thanks to rinsing and a short rest.
- Bright and fresh, with lime, a splash of lemon and lots of cilantro.
- Burrito bowl ready, and it reheats well for meal prep.
How to Build a Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Start with a big scoop of this rice, then add beans, a protein, salsa and toppings. Here's my go-to lineup:
- Beans: black or pinto beans, warmed with a pinch of cumin.
- Protein: grilled chicken thighs, steak, carne molida or sautéed peppers and onions.
- Salsa: pico de gallo, corn salsa or a roasted tomato salsa.
- Toppings: guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese and lettuce. A drizzle of chipotle ranch is never a bad idea.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the rice. Washing off the surface starch is what keeps the grains separate instead of clumpy. I rinse until the water looks like weak skim milk, not cloudy.
- Don't skip the bay leaf. It doesn't taste like bay; it just makes the rice taste rounder and more savory. Bay leaf is widely reported to be part of Chipotle's rice, and I think it's the difference.
- Rest, then fluff. Five to ten minutes covered off the heat lets the steam finish the job. Fluff with a fork, never a spoon, so you don't mash the grains.
- Fresh citrus only. Bottled lime juice tastes flat here. A little lemon with the lime gives that bright, rounded tang.
- Cool leftovers fast. Spread leftover rice on a tray to cool, refrigerate it within 1 to 2 hours, eat it within 4 days and reheat until steaming hot, 165°F.
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
8
servings5
minutes20
minutes200
kcal25
minutesCopycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice: rinsed long-grain white rice simmered with bay leaves and a little oil, then fluffed with fresh lime juice, a squeeze of lemon, plenty of chopped cilantro and salt. Fluffy, tangy and ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work too)
2 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons neutral oil (rice bran, canola or vegetable)
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Directions
- Rinse the rice in a fine strainer under cold running water, swirling it with your hand, for 1 to 2 minutes until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
- Bring the water, oil, bay leaves and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rice, cover, turn the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Take the pan off the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Drizzle over the lime and lemon juice, add the cilantro and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss gently until evenly mixed.
- Taste and add more lime or salt if you like. Serve warm in burrito bowls, tacos or burritos.
Notes
- Remember that when chopping cilantro for this rice, be sure to chop the stems too. As long as they’re chopped small enough, the stems won’t be too fibrous to eat, and they actually have more flavor than the leaves. This is one of the keys to making delicious cilantro lime rice!
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More Rice Recipes
Rice night? Try my Texas Roadhouse-style seasoned rice, hibachi fried rice or browse all my rice recipes. These rice bowls also pair perfectly with Chipotle-style shrimp tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Chipotle cilantro lime rice?
Chipotle's rice is widely described as long-grain white rice cooked with oil and bay leaf, then finished with citrus juice, cilantro and salt. This copycat-style recipe follows that idea: long-grain rice cooked with oil, bay leaves and salt, then tossed with fresh lime and lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
What kind of rice does Chipotle use?
Chipotle's rice is a long-grain white rice. At home, regular long-grain white rice works best, with basmati as a close second for extra-fluffy grains. Avoid short-grain or sushi rice, which is too sticky for a burrito bowl.
Why is my cilantro lime rice mushy?
Too much water, skipping the rinse or stirring the rice while it cooks. Use 2 1/2 cups of water for 2 cups of rice, rinse well, keep the lid on while it simmers and fluff gently with a fork only after resting.
Can I make cilantro lime rice with brown rice?
Yes. Use 2 cups brown rice with 3 1/2 cups water and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes. It's just as good with lime and cilantro.
How do you reheat cilantro lime rice?
Sprinkle it with a tablespoon of water, cover and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until steaming hot, or warm it in a covered skillet. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a little more cilantro after reheating to bring it back to life.
