Better Than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
I’m a huge fan of Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, but my homemade version might actually be a bit better! Loaded with tons of fresh lime zest and punchy cilantro and mingling with fluffy, delicious garlic-scented rice! Perfect for burritos, bowls, and so much more!
Prep Time8 minutes mins
Cook Time17 minutes mins
Additional Time10 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 207kcal
Author: Marzia
- 2 tablespoons butter ghee or oil
- 1 ½ cups parboiled rice or long-grain
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 3 cups water
- ½ teaspoon crumbled bouillon cube optional, see notes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
SAUTE: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs completely clear; about 2-3 minutes. Leave rice in mesh sieve, and set aside. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the rice and stir to coat in the butter. Cook, stirring the rice for 1 ½ minutes or until the rice starts to pop and turn translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
SIMMER: Add the water, crumbled bouillon, and kosher salt. Stir just once. Then, kick the heat to high, bring to a full rolling boil, cover, and lower heat to low; simmer for 15 minutes (if parboiled) or 18 minutes if long-grain. Remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes for parboiled; 10 minutes for long-grain.
FLUFFY AND FINISH: Add the lime zest, juice and cilantro and fluff with a fork for a few seconds so the ingredients all combine evenly. Allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes so it soaks up any remaining lime juice. Serve with crispy chicken carnitas, steak fajitas, or grilled shrimp!
- vegetarians: swap the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon. You can also use a veggie/chicken bouillon paste concentrate instead.
Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g