Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice

This simple cilantro-lime rice recipe is a delicious copycat for the popular Chipotle restaurant side dish.

Who doesn’t love a Chipotle burrito? This restaurant chain offers quick and tasty options that are relatively healthy compared to many fast-food chains. They seem to have a good thing going, because I never hear anyone complaining about their meal at Chipotle. But one Chipotle dish I hear about more often than any other is one of the simplest things on the menu: cilantro-lime rice. It seems they struck a chord in many people with this citrus-tinged, herbaceous rice mix.

Even though it’s so simple—and despite the fact that the main ingredients are listed in the name of the dish—lots of folks I know have had trouble recreating it at home. They assume it’s because there’s some secret ingredient involved, but after doing some research, I don’t think that’s the case. Personally, I think the “secret” isn’t so much an ingredient; rather, it’s about flavoring the rice as it cooks.

This Chipotle cilantro-lime rice copycat recipe calls for adding a bit of oil, an aromatic bay leaf, and a touch of salt to the pot of rice as it’s cooking. The bay leaf infuses a touch of earthiness into the rice before the stars of the show—the cilantro and citrus—enter the mix. The result is a tangy, well-seasoned side dish (or burrito addition!) that makes the perfect bed for any protein, Tex-Mex-themed or otherwise.

Is Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice Healthy?

Basmati rice is high in carbohydrates and is known to be an easily digested food. It contains many trace elements and minerals, provides a little bit of calcium, and, prepared simply like this, is fairly healthy. The olive oil adds some healthy fats, and cilantro contains vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like potassium and manganese. That said, you’d have to add a lot more cilantro to this dish to get a good dose of those, but the lemon and lime juice in this recipe contribute some vitamin C as well. This side won’t work for people on a keto diet due to the carb content, but it’s overall vegan and gluten-free.

Brown Rice Or White Rice?

The white basmati rice I use here is a great choice because of its delicate flavor and tender texture. Basmati rice is available as white rice (peeled grain) or brown rice (whole grain), but brown rice will always give a slightly different texture than white rice varieties. Most rice-eating cultures favor white rice, which is easier to digest.

Many nutritionists point out that brown rice contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice due to the bran and germ, which are removed from white rice. Because of the inclusion of bran and germ, brown rice takes a little longer to cook. So, the decision comes down to whether you prefer the texture of white rice over the nutritional benefits of brown rice and whether or not you have the extra time for brown rice to cook. If you plan on using brown rice, use this brown rice recipe to guide your cooking time adjustments.

Serving Suggestions

This Chipotle cilantro-lime rice is an amazing side to lots of Tex-Mex mains, such as this Quick And Healthy Taco Salad, Ground Chicken Tacos, and Healthy Chicken Quesadillas. I love using this rice as the base for Turkey Burrito Bowls or as an addition to a steak or chicken burrito.

Alternatively, you can make a whole meal out of this cilantro-lime rice by adding veggies and any protein to it. My favorite combination right now is cilantro-lime rice topped with Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp and Oven-Roasted Vegetables. When I want a light bite, I just add crumbled feta cheese to the rice and top it with a fried egg. This side is so versatile, you’re sure to find something tasty to go with it!

Recipe