Chipotle Rice Recipe | It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

This Chipotle rice recipe is fluffy, flavorful, and packed with fresh lime and cilantro, just like the cilantro lime rice served at Chipotle. It’s an easy copycat recipe that’s perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, meal prep, or anytime you want to make plain rice a little more exciting.

If you’ve ever built a burrito bowl at Chipotle, you know the rice is one of the best parts. The combination of fluffy rice, fresh cilantro, and bright lime adds so much flavor with very little effort. This homemade version is easy to make with pantry staples and pairs perfectly with sofritas, black beans, fajita veggies, guacamole, and more.

Bowl of chipotle cilantro lime rice with spoon.

Why This Chipotle Rice Recipe Is Even Better Than Takeout

Fresh and flavorful: Lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro make this rice taste vibrant and fresh.
Easy to make: Just cook the rice and stir in the flavorings. That’s it!
Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and use it throughout the week in bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads.
Cheaper than takeout: Get several servings for a fraction of the cost of takeout.

Ingredients for Chipotle Rice

Long-grain white rice: Basmati or jasmine rice both work well here.
Water and salt: For cooking the rice.
Lime: The zest adds lots of fresh lime flavor while the juice brightens everything up.
Fresh cilantro: Chop this finely so it’s evenly distributed.

Tips and Variations

Don’t skip rinsing the rice: Rinsing helps the grains stay light and fluffy instead of gummy and sticky.
Add the lime after cooking: Adding lime juice to the cooking water can affect how the rice cooks. For the fluffiest texture, stir in the lime juice after the rice has finished cooking.
Brown rice option: If you order the brown rice at Chipotle, you can make that at home too! Just adjust the cooking time and water according to the package directions.
Rice cooker method: This recipe works perfectly in a rice cooker too. Once the rice is cooked, simply stir in the lime and cilantro.

Ways to Serve Chipotle Rice

This cilantro lime rice goes with just about everything and has a flavor that lends itself to both Mexican and Asian dishes. Try it:

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover Chipotle rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the rice cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the fluffy texture.