Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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Craving that tasty Chipotle cilantro lime rice? You can make it at home with this easy copycat recipe! This simple dish takes just 25 minutes from start to finish and uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s the perfect side for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.

With fluffy rice, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, you’ll love how this homemade version captures those classic Chipotle flavors. Plus, you can adjust the lime and cilantro to your taste. Give it a try – your family will ask for seconds!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice at home:

• 1 cup basmati or long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. The rice, water, and bay leaf form the base. Salt adds flavor.

Fresh citrus juices give the rice its tangy taste. Make sure to use both lime and lemon for the best flavor.

Don’t forget the cilantro! It’s key for that authentic Chipotle taste. Chop it right before using for the freshest flavor.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate Chipotle’s famous rice in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for burritos, tacos, or as a side dish.

Instructions

Start by rinsing 1 cup of rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.

In a pot, mix the rice with 2 cups of water, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18 minutes. Don’t peek!

After 18 minutes, check if the rice is soft. If not, cook for a few more minutes.

Take out the bay leaf. It’s done its job!

Now for the flavor boost. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the rice.

Chop up 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro and toss it in. Give everything a good stir.

Your Chipotle-style rice is ready! Serve it warm with your favorite Mexican dishes.

Remember, you can adjust the amount of citrus juice or cilantro to suit your taste. Have fun cooking!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe to suit your taste. Here are some tasty options:

Rice varieties:

• Brown rice
• Jasmine rice
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

Instead of cilantro, try:

• Parsley
• Basil
• Mint

Boost the flavor with:

• Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
• Cumin (1/4 tsp)
• Chili powder (1/4 tsp)

For a creamier texture, add:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Want it zestier? Use more lime juice or add some lime zest. You can also swap the lemon juice for more lime juice if you prefer.

No fresh herbs? Use 2 tsp dried cilantro instead of fresh. It won’t be as vibrant, but it’ll still taste good.

Try cooking your rice in broth instead of water for extra flavor. Vegetable or chicken broth both work well.

For a fun twist, mix in some corn or black beans after cooking. This adds color and makes the dish more filling.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, use fresh lime and lemon juice. Squeeze the citrus right before adding it to the rice. This gives your dish a bright, zesty taste.

Don’t skip rinsing the rice! This step removes extra starch and helps prevent clumping. Your rice will be fluffier and more like Chipotle’s.

If you want extra fluffy rice, try this trick: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

You can make this rice ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

For meal prep, divide the cooled rice into portion-sized containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Try these tasty add-ins:

• Diced avocado
• Black beans
• Grilled chicken or steak

Serve your rice in a burrito bowl with your favorite toppings. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please!