30-Minute Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
This fragrant cilantro lime rice recreates the beloved Chipotle restaurant side dish at home. Long-grain white rice is cooked with bay leaf for subtle depth, then finished with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice for bright, zesty flavor. The rice bran oil adds richness while keeping the grains separate and fluffy. Perfect alongside Mexican-inspired dishes, burrito bowls, or grilled proteins. The key is rinsing the rice thoroughly and letting it rest after cooking to achieve that signature texture that makes Chipotle's version so popular.
Ingredients
- 1 cups long-grain white rice, rinsedjasmine rice1:1aromatic
slightly different texture
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon rice bran oil, or olive oilolive oil1:1neutral
same richness
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Place rice in fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water for one to two minutes until water runs clear
- 2
Drain rice well
- 3
For rice cooker: place rinsed rice, water, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon rice bran oil in rice cooker using manufacturer's measuring equipment and turn on
- 4
For stovetop: place rinsed rice, water, and bay leaf in medium saucepan and bring to boil
- 5
Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until rice absorbs all water
- 6
Add remaining 2 teaspoons rice bran oil without stirring when rice finishes cooking
- 7
Replace cover and let rice rest for 10 minutes
- 8
Add salt, cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice and stir with fork
- 9
Add additional salt if desired
Tips
Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture
Let rice rest covered for 10 minutes after cooking to allow steam to finish the process and create fluffy grains
Use a fork to stir in seasonings to avoid breaking the rice grains
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently with splash of water
Serve warm as side dish or base for bowls
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rinsing rice to avoid sticky texture
Don't stir rice while cooking to prevent mushiness
Don't add citrus while hot to avoid cooking the fresh flavors
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 45-50 minutes and use 2.5 cups water. The texture and flavor will be different from Chipotle's version.
What if I don't have rice bran oil?
Olive oil works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil for neutral flavor.
How long does this rice keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.