Cilantro Lime Rice
on Apr 27, 2025, Updated Jan 30, 2026
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This fresh and zesty cilantro lime rice is so easy to make and rivals what you get at Chipotle! You only need a handful of ingredients to make it and it pairs perfectly with Mexican main dishes.
Looking for another flavorful rice recipe? Try my Black Beans and Rice!
My cilantro lime rice is so easy to make and you only need 4 ingredients (5 if you use broth) to make it. You may already have them on hand too! This recipe rivals Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, but this homemade version is even better. Plus, it’s more affordable and you don’t have have to wait in line to get it.
I like to meal prep the rice at the start of the week so I have it on hand for a quick is a great side, or use it for rice bowls and burrito bowls. I love using it for these Southwest chicken bowls. You can also easily double the recipe if you’re making it for a party or potluck. It’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
Rice – My go-to rice is either jasmine rice or basmati rice, but you can also use regular long grain white rice.
Garlic powder – Garlic powder is both convenient and a time saver. If you prefer to use fresh garlic use 1-2 cloves minced or grated.
Water or broth – You can make this cilantro lime rice recipe with either water or broth. I like to use low sodium chicken broth for a more savory flavor, but if you want it to have a Chipotle copycat taste stick with water.
Cilantro – If you aren’t using the cilantro the day you use it, chop off the ends and remove the twist tie or rubber band. Store the bunch of cilantro in a glass of water (like a bouquet of flowers) and cover it loosely with a plastic bag.
Limes – You’ll use both the zest and juice of the lime. I like to buy a few limes in case I end up with one that doesn’t have much juice.
Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse the rice with cold water before cooking it. Rinsing the rice removes some of the starch so that you’ll end up with a fluffier, lighter, less sticky rice.
- Don’t forget the salt. Salt enhances the flavors. I always use kosher salt for cooking and baking.
- Add the salt to the water/broth just like you would when you cook pasta. This way the rice gets infused with the salty water.
- If you choose to use fresh garlic, saute it in a teaspoon of olive oil before adding the rice and broth to the saucepan.
- Let the cooked rice steam in the saucepan off the heat for 5-10 minutes before stirring in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice.
- The rice can also be made in a rice cooker. Cook it as you normally would with the addition of the garlic powder. Once it’s cooked, fluff it with a fork then stir in the cilantro, lime zest and juice.
Best Rice for Cilantro Lime Rice
I recommend using either jasmine rice or basmati rice. The biggest difference will be in the texture of the rice. Jasmine rice is a softer and stickier rice, while basmati rice has a firmer, drier, and fluffier texture. Basmati will have a consistency closer to Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice.
I’ve used both varieties of rice to make cilantro lime rice and have had success with both. It just comes down to personal preference on texture.
Should You Rinse Rice Before Cooking?
Rinsing rice before cooking it removes excess starch and will give you fluffier, less gummy rice. It help prevent the rice from clumping together and results in grains that are separated . It can help to remove and dirt or debris as well. Rinsing rice doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on the flavor.
What to Use If You Don’t Like Cilantro
If you don’t like cilantro try using additional spices such as cumin or chili powder. I recommend using a 1/2 teaspoon of each. There isn’t really a good fresh herb to substitute cilantro with. Some people suggest parsley, but I don’t think the flavor profiles are similar at all. You can also use a chopped green onion for a fresh element.
Cilantro Lime Rice Variations
Spicy – Add a chopped jalapeno or a few dashes of hot sauce into the cooked rice.
Brown Rice – Brown rice is great if you want a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. The cook time will be longer and be sure to increase the water or broth to 2 cups.
Cauliflower Rice – For a low carb option make cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Saute the cauliflower rice in a large skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for about 3 minutes. Once it’s soft stir in the cilantro and lime zest and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. You can also make the cilantro lime cauliflower rice recipe that I used for these cauliflower rice fish taco bowls.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is the perfect side dish to pair with Mexican or southwest meals. Some of my favorites are Cilantro Lime Shrimp, Carne Asada, Chicken Fajitas, and Beef Barbacoa.
You can also use the rice as the base for these rice bowls. Honey Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls, Chicken Tinga Bowls, and Southwest Steak Bowls.
Storage and Reheating
Storage – The rice will keep in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It’s great to meal prep on a Sunday and use for different meals throughout the week.
Reheating – Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan. I like to refresh the rice by adding a squeeze of lime juice to it.
Freezing – Once the rice has cooled it can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
A few of my favorite vegetable side dishes are Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower, Herb Roasted Potatoes.
Pasta and whole grains are an excellent side dish as well. Try this Orzo with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, Baked Parmesan Risotto and Mexican Quinoa Salad.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water or low sodium broth
- 1 lime zest and juice (2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water then add it to a large saucepan along with the salt, garlic powder, and water or broth. Stir and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice steam for 5-10 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add in the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice and stir everything together. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I decided to make taco bowls for dinner and this rice brought them to a whole other level! I used my instant pot to make the rice and added the ingredients as directed once it was cooked. It turned out perfectly. Thanks for a tasty, simple rice dish!