Learn how to make Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice with this easy recipe! Who doesn't want the taste of your favorite restaurant at home? This fluffy rice doesn't disappoint!

Every time we went to Chipotle we always talked about how amazing the rice was! That inspired us to come up with this fun copycat recipe. This Chipotle Rice Copycat recipe taste like the real deal and pairs well with so many Mexican Grill style foods.
What kind of rice does Chipotle use? Chipotle uses long-grain white or brown rice, seasoned with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of salt for a light, zesty flavor. This copycat recipe is the white rice version.
Make it a Chipotle Style Mexican grill night with some of our favorite DIY, homemade dishes. Try our Copycat Chipotle Chicken, Fajita Veggies, Roasted Chili Corn salad, Guacamole, and authentic Pico De Gallo.
With all of these ingredients together, you can make a delicious Chipotle Chicken Bowl at home.
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What's in Chipotle Rice
Now you can quickly answer questions like, is chipotle rice gluten-free with this quick and easy recipe? You know exactly what ingredients go into your dish. And yes Chipotle rice is gluten-free!

- Rice- For this recipe be sure to use long grain, white rice for the best results. If you use brown rice, you will need to adjust the cook time and amount of water used.
- Water-Water straight from the tap works great.
- Salt- To give a small flavor boost to the plain rice.
- Bay leaf- Be sure to give your rice that missing ingredient with a bay leaf. But don't forget to remove it before serving!
- Juices- This recipe uses both lemon and lime juice. Bottled works great, but for the best flavor use fresh squeezed.
- Oil- Olive oil, vegetable oil, and avocado oil all work well.
- Cilantro- To finish off that restaurant style flavor, be sure to mix in chopped chopped cilantro.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Chipotle Rice Copycat Recipe
Learn how to make copycat Chiptole Rice Copycat recipe with this easy to follow homemade recipe.

- Place water, rice, salt, and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a boil and then turn to low and simmer. Simmer until all of the water is absorbed.

- Once cooked, remove the bay leaf.

- Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and the oil and fluff with a fork until the liquids and distributed throughout.

- Then add the chopped cilantro, mix, and serve.
Hint: For a quick and easy recipe, that's more doable, we use long grain rice. Chiptole uses basmati rice, so if you would like to make that substitution you can for a more authentic recipe.
Instant Pot Instruction
Making Chipotle-inspired rice in the Instant Pot is quick and foolproof! Simply reduce the water to 1 cup, then follow the rest of the recipe as written. Add the rice, water, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and select the "Rice" setting. Once the cycle is complete, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the lime juice and cilantro, and enjoy perfectly cooked, flavorful rice with minimal effort!

Chipotle white rice vs brown rice
At Chipotle, the choice between white and brown rice comes down to flavor and texture. White rice is light, fluffy, and subtly seasoned with lime and cilantro, making it a zesty, crowd-pleasing base for any burrito or bowl. Brown rice, on the other hand, is heartier with a slightly nutty flavor and a chewier texture, perfect for those who want a little more substance and a boost of whole-grain goodness. Both are equally delicious, so it really comes down to personal preference!
Learn From Us
The right amount of water is key! Be sure to measure your water accurately. The first time I ever made this rice I eyeballed the water and got too much and it was too sticky to be any good. Because you are adding extra liquid at the end, it's really important to not over saturate your rice.
Storing Homemade Chipotle Rice
Store cooked rice in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat again, heat in the microwave. You can even freeze this rice in a freezer friendly container for 2 months. Thaw, warm, and enjoy!

Top tip
Don't over mix! Use a folding motion when adding in the juices, oil, and cilantro. If you mix it to aggressively, it will become a sticky mess.
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Recipe

Chipotle Rice Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice long grain, see Note 1
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed is best
- ½ Tablespooon lemon juice fresh squeezed is best
- 1 Tablespoon oil I used avocado
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Place rice, water, salt and bay leaf together in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove bay leaf and add lime juice, lemon juice and oil. Combine by fluffing with a fork and folding it gently. Add in the cilantro. Add more salt to taste, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chipotle uses basmati rice. For results most like chipotle, use basmati rice.
- Be careful to use a folding motion and fluff the rice. If you use a stirring motion or over mix the rice you risk turning it to mush, so be careful.
- I like to rinse my rice before cooking it to get rid of anything on it. You can use either rinsed or un-rinsed rice for this recipe.
Andrea says
We absolutly love this copycat Chipotle Lime rice. I've recently taken it to two dinners and both times every body loved it.