I became hooked on cilantro lime rice from the minute I had my first bowl at Chipotle. Something about the citrusy lime rice with herby cilantro is just so satisfying. For this version, we use our easy baked rice trick to make this recipe even easier on the cook. You will be amazed how good this one is, and how little effort it takes.
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
If I’m going to make a weeknight side dish, it needs to be simple. The trick to keeping this one really easy is using our oven baked rice trick. It yields perfectly fluffy white rice, and all you really have to do is put it in the oven, versus watch it over a stove (my least favorite part of cooking rice, and part of why I never used to make it).
Ingredients for Chipotle Style Cilantro Lime Rice
- White Rice
- I find basmati style works the best. Jasmine also works great. You want to use a longer grain rice so each grain gets coated with lime juice. Shorter grain rice can get mushy.
- Lime Juice & Lime Zest
- For the best results with this recipe, you’ll want to actually measure the lime juice and zest (versus me telling you to use 1 lime, etc).
- We also use the zest of the lime to really give this bright, lime flavor. When you’re making this recipe, zest the limes first, then juice them. If you’ve ever tried to zest a used half of a lime, it’s hard, and I usually knick my finger. Don’t be like me : )
- Limes really vary in size, so my best advice is to just purchase enough for about 2 tablespoons worth of lime juice (so, about 3 large limes, or 4-5 small ones).
- Cilantro
- Fresh is best! Honestly, don’t even try it with dried or dehydrated. You won’t get the same flavor. If you don’t have access to fresh cilantro, just make lime rice.
- Some people don’t love the taste of cilantro. It’s actually scientific!
- For this recipe, I recommend starting light, and seeing where you like your flavor profile to land. Start with a little cilantro, taste test, and then see if you need to add more. You can always add more, but you can’t take away!
- Salt
- Just a little bit goes a long way.
Making Lime Rice with Cilantro
Let the rice slightly cool (this helps keep the cilantro fresh & bright), and then add in lime juice, lime zest, salt, and fresh chopped cilantro (remember to go light at first with the cilantro!). Toss well, and you just made Chipotle style cilantro lime rice!
Recipe Variations
The cilantro and lime go so well with a ton of bright, fresh flavors. If you want to add something extra, here’s some ideas.
- Finely chopped red onion
- Finely chopped jalapeños
- Black beans for protein (be sure to drain and rinse well)
- Diced bell peppers (all colors work)
If you need some ideas on what to serve this with, here’s some recipes we love:
More Rice Recipes
If you like this recipe, here’s a few more like it we think you’ll love.
- Homemade Rice a Roni
- Best Spanish Rice
- Pineapple Fried Rice
- Oven Baked Brown Rice
- Rice Salad
- Mushroom Rice
- Simple Rice Pilaf
- Broccoli Rice & Cheese Casserole
What’s your take on this recipe? Got any questions? Drop a comment below! Be sure to like us on Facebook, connect with us on Instagram, and tag your @Laughingspatula creations with #laughingspatula. We can’t wait to see your photos!
Enjoy! – Kathi and Rachel
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling hot water (2 minutes in the microwave works)
- 1 cup white rice (any variety)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Using a microwave safe measuring cup. Heat water on high for 2 minutes in microwave. (or boil on stove top).
- Pour rice into 2 quart baking dish.
- Add boiling water, salt and butter. Cover tightly with lid or foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Add lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro. Toss well to combine.
- Taste test, and add more lime or cilantro if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
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