Easy Cilantro Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

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This cilantro rice recipe gives white rice a ton of flavor with lime juice and fresh cilantro! It’s great as a base for burrito bowls and taco salads.

I will never forget the first time I cooked rice with additional flavors mixed in… I vowed to never make plain rice again! Of course that hasn’t happened (I still like plain rice) but when I make a flavor-packed batch I’m extra impressed.

Overhead shot of a bowl of cilantro rice with a serving spoon.

This cilantro rice is a copycat of Chipotle’s white rice and it’s such a great base for burritos and burrito bowls!

What Type of Rice to Use

There are so many different types of rice it can be kind of overwhelming when you look for rice at the grocery store! For this recipe I recommend using long grain rice. I’m using long grain white rice for this recipe (it’s what Chipotle uses), but you can also use long grain brown rice if you prefer.

Brown vs. White Rice

Fun fact: all white rice starts out as brown! “A milling process removes the rice’s husk, bran, and germ. This process increases white rice’s shelf life but removes much of its nutrition, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.” (Source)

Because white rice loses a lot of its nutrients in processing, it is often fortified. In general, brown rice is higher in all nutrients, but white rice can be easier for people to digest and is still a great option in moderation.

I personally love brown rice and have used it to make cilantro rice before! The one thing to note is that you’ll want to check the package for specific cooking instructions but in general brown rice requires more water and a longer cook time.

Ingredients measured out to make cilantro rice: water, rice, lime, salt and cilantro.

Here’s What You Need

  • long-grain white rice – if you don’t see “long grain white rice” look for Jasmine or Basmati rice which are both long grain options! Lundberg is usually my go-to rice brand. All of the products are high-quality and non-GMO.
  • water – I recommend using filtered water to make sure no additional flavors are accidentally added in. You could also use vegetable broth to amp of the flavor of the rice!
  • salt – to season the rice.
  • fresh cilantro – you can actually use the stems and the leaves! The stems pack in a ton of flavor.
  • lime juice – I recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice as opposed to lime juice that comes out of a container.
  • lime zest – for extra lime flavor!
Side by side photos of a mixing bowl. First photo has lime juice, lime zest and cilantro. The second photo is the bowl with mixed cilantro rice.

Do You Use the Cilantro Stems?

Yes, you can totally use the cilantro stems for this recipe as they have a ton of flavor. I usually use mostly leaves and then a bit of stems. In general I like the texture of the leaves better so I tend to only use the top portion of the stems.

Overhead shot of cooked rice in a pot with a slated spoon.

How to Make Chipotle’s Cilantro Rice

Making Chipotle’s cilantro rice couldn’t be easier. You simply cook your rice according to package instructions, transfer to a bowl and toss with fresh cilantro, lime juice and lime zest! It’s so easy and so flavorful.

Can I Make This Rice in my Instant Pot or Rice Cooker?

Yes! You can definitely make this cilantro rice in your instant pot or rice cooker. I haven’t tested the instant pot method, but I have made this in my rice cooker and it turned out perfectly! I’m including instructions for both methods below.

Instant Pot

  1. Place 1 cup white rice and 1 cup water and salt to the pressure cooker.
  2. Close the lid and set to manual cook on high for 4 minutes.
  3. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then carefully release any remaining pressure. Unlock and open lid.
  4. Fluff the rice and stir in the cilantro, lime juice and lime zest. Taste and add more cilantro, zest or juice to your preference.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Rice Cooker

  1. Place the rice and salt into your rice cooker. Following the manufacturers instructions, fill to the appropriate waterline, close the lid and set to cook.
  2. Once the rice is cooked, open the rice cooker and fluff. Then transfer to a bowl and add in cilantro, lime zest and juice. Taste and add more cilantro, zest or juice to your preference.
  3. Serve and enjoy!
Overhead shot of easy cilantro rice in a serving bowl with a serving spoon.

What to Serve with Cilantro Rice

This cilantro lime rice is so versatile! I love serving it as a side for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas:

How to Store and Reheat

Store the rice in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel and reheat for about 1 minute or until piping hot.

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4.12 from 26 votes

Cilantro Rice

This cilantro rice recipe gives white rice a ton of flavor with lime juice and fresh cilantro! It's great as a base for burrito bowls and taco salads.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest, or to taste

Instructions 

  • Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and salt to the water. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. You can also cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot, if desired. See instructions below.
    Overhead shot of cooked rice in a pot with a slated spoon.
  • Combine chopped cilantro with lime juice and lime zest in a bowl.
    Overhead shot of chopped cilantro with lime juice and zest in a bowl.
  • Add warm rice, toss and serve.
    Overhead shot of a bowl with cilantro mixed into rice.
  • This rice is best served immediately but can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat any leftovers in the microwave until piping hot.

Notes

  • Brown rice: You can make this recipe with brown rice, you’ll just need to cook the rice longer, about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water.  
  • Rice cooker: To make this rice in your rice cooker, place the rice and salt into your rice cooker. Following the manufacturers instructions, fill to the appropriate waterline, close the lid and set to cook. Once the rice is cooked, open the rice cooker and fluff with a fork. Then transfer to a bowl and add in cilantro, lime zest and juice. Taste and add more cilantro, zest or juice to your preference. Serve warm. 
  • Instant Pot: To make this rice in your Instant pot, place 1 cup white rice and 1 cup water and salt to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and set to manual cook on high for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then carefully release any remaining pressure. Unlock and open lid. Fluff the rice and stir in the cilantro, lime juice and lime zest. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/3 of recipe | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 783mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cilantro rice
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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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5 Comments

  1. Thanks for explaining the difference of white vs. brown rice. Never knew the exact reason brown rice is nutritionally better that white rice. Good information!

  2. 5 stars
    Great recipe! The flavors also work well with quinoa, which I prefer to rice.

    When eating rice I always choose white to avoid digestion and gut issues I get with brown.

    Further, brown rice is full of phytates and lectins, which bind to vitamins and minerals and prevent them from being absorbed. When you consider this added to the fact brown rice is not considerably higher in nutrients (white is higher in several nutrients like niacin) the bottom line is that brown doesn’t really come out ahead nutritionally. Interesting to note Asians use white rice over brown as well. Maybe they know something the Western world doesn’t. 🙂