Chipotle Rice recipe with cilantro and lime is a favorite of ours from Chipotle Mexican Grill and you are going to love our copycat version!
We really don't eat out much, but when we do, and we have something that we truly enjoy, I love to create my own version at home.
Have you had a chance to try my other Chipotle copycat recipes yet? My Guacamole copycat recipe has bits of jalapeno, red onion, and fresh herbs.
And, my Barbacoa recipe is the Mexican barbecue of my dreams.
Or, these Copycat Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are a luscious slow-cooked pork that is so soft and juicy, they melt in your mouth.
How to make our Chipotle Rice recipe
- In a medium saucepan over high heat bring water to a boil.
- Add rice, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to coat.
- Return to a boil.
- Once it is a full rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leave covered for 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork, add the oil, cilantro, and juices. Stir to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Fluffy Rice
The key to making this Chipotle rice recipe is making sure that it is light and fluffy with no lumps. Here are a few simple tips you can follow when making this recipe to make sure that happens.
- Put your uncooked rice in a large bowl filled with cold water. Using your hands, stir it around. Then, strain the rice through a colander to remove the cloudy water which contains excess starch.
- When making this recipe, do NOT try to cook it on high. You will just allow the water to cook off and the rice will not be cooked through before the water has evaporated.
- When it is done, allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes with the lid on before you serve it. This step allows the rice to steam. Make sure you do not skip this step.
What you will need to make this recipe
- Medium Sauce Pan-
- Long grain jasmine rice - this is my favorite rice. It is so tender and aromatic with a soft sticky texture. You really can't beat it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Chipotle put oil in their rice?
Yes, Chipotle uses rice bran oil in their recipe. If you cannot find this, you can use any flavorless oil in our Chipotle Rice recipe.
I usually use canola oil when I make it. Or, for a heart-healthy choice, you can also use olive oil when you make this.
Does Chipotle put oil in their rice?
Yes, Chipotle uses rice bran oil in their recipe. If you cannot find this, you can use any flavorless oil in our Chipotle Rice recipe.
I usually use canola oil when I make it. Or, for a heart-healthy choice, you can also use olive oil when you make this.
How to prevent rice from clumping
If your rice is clumping together rather than being light and fluffy, you may be stirring it wrong. Never stir cooked rice with a spoon.
Always fluff it with a fork instead. This is one of the most important steps in this Chipotle rice recipe. Stirring it activates the starch and will make your rice gummy.
If your rice is clumping together rather than being light and fluffy, you may be stirring it wrong. Never stir cooked rice with a spoon.
Always fluff it with a fork instead. This is one of the most important steps in this Chipotle rice recipe. Stirring it activates the starch and will make your rice gummy.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
If you have leftovers after making this Chipotle rice recipe, you can freeze them. Package it in a freezer container or a resealable freezer bag.
If you have leftovers after making this Chipotle rice recipe, you can freeze them. Package it in a freezer container or a resealable freezer bag.
This way, you can store your cooked rice for up to six months.
If you would prefer to store leftover rice in the refrigerator, just place it in an airtight container and use it within 3 to 5 days.
When you want to reheat it, just put 2 tablespoons of water for every cup of rice you want to reheat. Just heat until it's warmed through.
Or, you can heat it in a microwave instead of in a pot on the stove following the same method.
More Mexican recipes
If you've enjoyed this Chipotle rice recipe, here are a few more Mexican recipes that you might want to try soon.
If you've enjoyed this Chipotle rice recipe, here are a few more Mexican recipes that you might want to try soon.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Watch us make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice!!! Check out the video at the top of the page.
Yield: 4
Chipotle Rice Recipe
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple recipe that is sure to become a staple in your house. Cilantro Lime Rice is perfectly soft and sticky with a nutty floral aroma. It has fresh cilantro speckled throughout and a bright flavor from citrus that makes this an incredible side dish that you are going to make again and again!
prep time: 5 MINScook time: 25 MINStotal time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain jasmine rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or any flavorless oil)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over high heat bring water to a boil. Add rice, bay leaf and salt. Stir to coat rice. Return to a boil. Once it is a full rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leave covered for 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork, add the oil, cilantro, and juices. Stir to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Originally published September 2012, updated and republished July 2020.
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