Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
This Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe delivers vibrant, fluffy long-grain basmati rice infused with fresh lime zest and juice, aromatic cilantro, and a subtle buttery richness. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it mimics the beloved Chipotle restaurant style and can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets by using vegetable stock.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati rice)
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
- Pinch of salt
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of one lime
- 1 cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer or bowl. Scrub gently with your fingertips to remove surface starch and any dirt, which prevents the rice from sticking and ensures fluffiness.
- Sauté the Rice: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté, stirring gently until the rice begins to change color but does not brown, which enhances flavor without burning.
- Add Liquids: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock for every 1 cup of rice. Scrape any rice sticking to the side of the pan into the liquid to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Rice: Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce flame to medium-low. Cook uncovered until the liquid level drops below the surface of the rice. Lower the heat further to the lowest setting, cover the pan with a lid, and let simmer for about 12 minutes without stirring to prevent breaking the grains.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking and make the rice fluffy.
- Fluff and Season: Open the lid and add butter, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Gently fluff the rice with a fork or spatula to combine without mashing. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve the cilantro lime rice warm alongside your favorite dishes for a vibrant, aromatic side.
Notes
- Rinsing rice helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky grains.
- Do not stir rice during cooking; stirring can make it gummy.
- Using chicken stock adds more flavor, but vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian version.
- Butter is optional but enhances creaminess and richness.
- Cook rice on low heat to avoid burning and uneven cooking.
- Allowing the rice to rest after cooking helps improve texture.
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, chipotle copycat, basmati rice recipe, mexican side dish, flavorful rice, cilantro rice
