Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for pairing with Mexican-inspired meals. Light, fluffy, and packed with zesty lime and herbaceous cilantro, it’s sure to brighten up any plate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati rice)
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of one lime
- 1 cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the rice well in a fine mesh strainer or bowl by scrubbing gently with your fingertips to remove excess starch and any impurities.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté, stirring gently until the rice just begins to brown slightly, but do not let it brown fully.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock to the rice, scraping any grains stuck to the pan back into the liquid. Add a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, then cook uncovered until the liquid level drops just below the surface of the rice.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for about 12 minutes without stirring. Keep heat at its lowest to avoid burning the rice.
- Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes undisturbed to allow the rice to finish cooking with steam.
- Step 7: Remove the lid, then add butter, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Gently fluff the rice with a fork or spatula to combine all the flavors. Adjust salt to taste.
- Step 8: Serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the rice a bit more during sautéing without browning it fully.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- Substitute butter with a drizzle of olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Try adding finely chopped green onions or jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Storage
Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture and fluffiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular long grain rice instead of basmati?
Yes, regular long grain rice will work, though basmati has a naturally fluffy texture that complements this recipe well.
How can I make this rice vegan?
Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
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Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, fluffy rice side dish infused with fresh lime juice, zesty lime zest, and bright cilantro. Made with long grain basmati rice simmered in chicken or vegetable stock, it’s the perfect tangy and aromatic accompaniment to Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati rice)
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
Seasonings and Additions
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 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: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer or a bowl and rinse it several times under cold water. Gently scrub the rice with your fingertips to remove excess starch and any dirt, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky after cooking.
- Sauté the rice: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and gently sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice just begins to turn a light golden color. Avoid browning the rice, as this can alter the texture.
- Add stock and bring to boil: Pour 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock over the rice, ensuring a 1:2 rice to liquid ratio. Scrape any rice stuck to the sides of the pan into the liquid. Increase the flame to bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered until the water level drops below the surface of the rice. Then lower the flame to its lowest setting and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 12 minutes without stirring, until almost all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest the rice: Remove the pan from heat and leave it covered for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking via steam and results in a fluffy texture.
- Finish and fluff: Remove the lid and add the butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Gently fluff the rice with a fork or spatula to combine all the flavors evenly. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the cilantro lime rice as a vibrant and delicious side dish alongside your favorite Mexican or grilled dishes.
Notes
- Rinsing rice thoroughly prevents stickiness and improves texture.
- Using chicken or vegetable stock adds depth of flavor instead of plain water.
- Do not stir the rice during cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Resting the rice covered allows it to steam and become fluffy.
- Fresh lime juice and zest provide the signature bright, tangy flavor.
- Butter is optional but adds richness and smoothness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: cilantro lime rice, chipotle copycat, mexican side dish, basmati rice recipe, lime zest rice, cilantro rice, easy rice recipe
