Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice tastes so fresh and fragrant that people assume there’s a long ingredient list behind it. There isn’t. The secret is a humble bay leaf in the cooking water, plus fresh lime and cilantro stirred in at the end. This copycat nails that bright, restaurant flavor and makes the perfect base for any burrito bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Rice
- Bright and fresh — the exact Chipotle flavor, lime-forward and herby.
- Five real ingredients — plus one secret (a bay leaf).
- Perfect bowl base — fluffy, fragrant, and never gummy.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
The Ingredients That Matter
- Long-grain white rice — basmati is ideal for separate, fluffy grains like Chipotle’s.
- Bay leaf — Chipotle’s subtle secret. Cooking the rice with a bay leaf adds a faint aromatic depth you can’t quite place.
- Fresh lime and cilantro — added after cooking so they stay vibrant and fresh, not dull.
How to Make It
Cook the rice with a bay leaf and a little oil, let it steam, then fluff and fold in lime juice, zest, cilantro, and salt. Full timing is in the recipe card below.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the bay leaf — it’s the detail that makes it taste like Chipotle.
- Add lime and cilantro off the heat so they stay bright and fresh.
- Fluff gently with a fork to keep the grains separate.
- Use fresh lime juice — bottled won’t taste the same.
Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the rice, water, bay leaf, and oil in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
- Fluff with a fork, then gently fold in the lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and salt. Serve warm.
Notes
Build the Bowl
Top it with Copycat Chipotle Chicken, Guacamole, and Corn Salsa for a complete copycat burrito bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rice does Chipotle use?
Long-grain white rice (their white rice is cilantro lime). Basmati gets you closest to the fluffy, separate-grain texture.
Can I make brown cilantro lime rice?
Yes — use brown rice and adjust the water and cook time per the package; everything else stays the same.
Why is my rice gummy?
Usually from stirring while it cooks or too much water. Rinse the rice first, don’t stir during cooking, and let it steam off the heat before fluffing.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make the rice ahead and stir in fresh lime and cilantro just before serving so it tastes bright.
More Copycat Chipotle
Pair with Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole.
