Restaurant-Style Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle w/Video)

Why This Recipe Works

Wondering how to make cilantro lime rice better than your local Mexican restaurant (or Chipotle rice)? The secrets are surprisingly simple. This is the best cilantro rice recipe out there — at least my family thinks so!

And here's why you'll never need to pay for restaurant cilantro lime rice again:

First, instead of cooking rice in water as most recipes call for, I use homemade chicken stock, which adds more delicious flavor (store-bought works great too).

Second, I don't just toss the cooked rice with cilantro and lime juice like most recipes. I use an authentic Mexican technique of pureeing the cilantro (stems and all) with the homemade chicken stock and then use it to cook the rice in. This method infuses every grain with fresh herbaceous flavor while giving the rice a beautiful pale green hue.

My last secret? Instead of tossing the cooked rice with butter at the end (which again, most other recipes call for), I use a touch of bacon fat. It adds a subtle smokiness and depth that makes this rice incredibly hard to stop eating (you've been warned). Trust me, once you try this method, you may never go back to basic cilantro rice again!

Adding a few fresh cilantro leaves, some finely minced chives, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving gives you a cilantro lime rice taste that adds a bright citrus flavor and enhances the dish. But for added versatility, you can serve it as is for classic cilantro rice with fresh cut limes on the side so everyone can decide for themselves if they want to add it.

If you're planning a Cinco de Mayo dinner party, this Mexican rice pairs perfectly with real deal Authentic Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce (that literally took me years of testing to perfect) and these Easy Creamy Restaurant-Style Refried Beans.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice Video

Watch this quick video to see how seriously easy it is to make Cilantro Lime Rice!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• More flavorful than Chipotle's rice by a mile - Blending cilantro with the cooking liquid infuses every grain with herb flavor for restaurant-quality rice at home
• Versatile - Perfect for burritos, burrito bowls, taco night, or alongside any Mexican-inspired meal
• Flexible flavor - Works beautifully as either traditional cilantro rice or cilantro-lime rice by adding fresh squeezed lime juice
• Zero waste - Uses the entire cilantro bunch, including cilantro stems, maximizing flavor while minimizing food waste
• Perfectly fluffy texture - I give you two ways to make fluffy rice (stovetop or baked cilantro lime rice) that ensures each grain remains distinct and fluffy, never gummy or mushy
• Make-ahead friendly - Excellent for meal prep and reheats beautifully for quick weeknight meals
• Healthy Cilantro Lime Rice - Allows you to control the ingredients for a fresher, cleaner version of your restaurant's favorite rice.
• Restaurant-quality results - Using chicken broth and a touch of bacon fat adds a subtle richness that elevates this rice, while puréeing the cilantro with the broth means every kernel of rice is full of flavor

Ingredients

It's wild how just a few cheap pantry ingredients can transform humble rice into something this craveable. If you have dietary restrictions or you simply don't have some or all of these ingredients, check out the Substitutions section below for the best alternatives.

• Long grain white rice - Basmati or canilla rice (an extra long grain rice) work best for fluffy, distinct grains that don't clump together.
• Bacon fat - One of my secret ingredients that adds remarkable depth and a subtle smokiness you have to taste for yourself.
• Onion - White onion is traditional and creates an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor, but you can also use yellow onions.
• Fresh garlic - Adds essential savory notes that complement the cilantro perfectly.
• Chicken broth - I use homemade chicken stock, which is superior in flavor to boxed or canned chicken stock, but store-bought works great for convenience.
• Fresh cilantro - I use just the right amount to allow the other flavors to also shine through.
• Salt - I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, but any salt will do (add less salt if using regular table salt or sea salt and adjust accordingly.
• Fresh Lime - Adds brightness and acidity that balances the herbaceous cilantro, which bottled lime juice can't do.
• Chives - Optional garnish that adds another layer of fresh, mild onion flavor, and is pretty to look at.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Making your own Chipotle rice (but one that's way better tasting) involves two key techniques that set this recipe apart: toasting the rice first to develop nutty flavors and using cilantro-infused chicken broth as the cooking liquid for maximum flavor impact. Here's the step-by-step process in a nutshell:

Step 1. Toast the rice: Sauté onions 3-5 minutes in oil until translucent, add garlic and sautè for one minute, then add rice and cook until slightly toasted with a nutty aroma.

Step 2. Prepare cilantro broth: Blend fresh cilantro (stems and all) with chicken stock.

Step 3. Cook the rice: Add the plain chicken stock, cilantro-chicken stock, and salt to the toasted rice, bring to a boil, then simmer covered about 20 minutes until perfectly tender.

Step 4. Finish with flavor: Remove it from the heat, add the bacon fat (or butter if using), fluff the rice with a fork, and rest covered for 10 minutes before serving. Just before serving, stir in the minced chives and top with more fresh cilantro leaves.

For cilantro-lime variation: Toss with fresh lime juice and/or a little lime zest or serve fresh lime wedges to let people decide for themselves to add it or not.

Hint

Don't skip toasting the rice or blending the chicken stock with cilantro! The toasting step develops essential flavor, and helps prevent the rice kernels from clumping together. While the blended cilantro mixture coats every rice kernel for maximum flavor. For the fluffiest texture, avoid lifting the lid during cooking and allow the full 10-minute rest period after cooking.

Find detailed instructions in the recipe card.

Baked Cilantro Lime Rice (Foolproof Cooking Method)

If you're at all nervous about getting the perfect fluffy rice texture, the most foolproof method is to cook it in the oven. This is a method that many restaurants use to make perfect fluffy rice without a rice steamer. Here's how to adjust this recipe to bake the rice in the oven instead:

Follow steps 1-2 in the instructions. Once you've brought the cooking liquid and rice to a boil, reduced it to a simmer, and covered it with a lid, it’s time to place it into a preheated 375°F/190°C oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove it from the oven, add the bacon fat (or butter if using), fluff it with a fork, cover, and rest for 10 minutes before serving.  

A dutch oven or an oven-proof casserole dish with a tight fitting lid works great.

What Does Cilantro Lime Rice Taste Like?

Cilantro lime rice offers a bright, fresh flavor profile that's both vibrant and comforting at the same time. The cilantro provides an herbaceous note that permeates each grain because of my broth infusion method.

When finished with lime juice, you get a pleasant tanginess that perfectly balances the savory elements from the chicken broth, garlic, onions, and bacon fat (or butter or lard if you choose to use that instead).

Unlike plain white rice, which serves merely as a backdrop, this cilantro-lime rice stands confidently as a flavorful component of any meal. The subtle smokiness from the bacon fat adds depth without overpowering the fresh herbs. This rice is well-balanced rather than being overtly in your face "cilantro"!

Substitutions

Here are the best ingredient alternatives that will still create a delicious rice dish the whole family can enjoy:

• Vegan Cilantro Lime Rice: Substitute vegetable oil or margarine for the bacon fat (or lard) tossed in at the end when fluffing the rice, and use vegetable stock or water to replace the chicken stock.
• Vegetarian Clilantro Lime Rice: Substitute butter to replace the bacon fat (or lard) tossed in at the end when fluffing the rice, and use vegetable stock or water to replace the chicken stock.
• Clilantro Lime Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice, but you'll need to add additional cooking liquid and cook the rice for longer. (*see brown rice section below for specific measurements and cooking requirements)
• Yellow onion: While white onion is traditional, you can easily substitute yellow onion. Just do not substitute red/purple onion because it will stain the rice an ugly color green-blue color.
• Garlic Powder: Substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (not garlic salt) for the fresh garlic in a pinch, but I don't recommend it unless you absolutely have no other choice.
• Butter: Substitute butter for the bacon fat if you want a different rich flavor.
• Parsley: While substituting parsley for cilantro will create an entirely different flavored rice, for anyone who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, parsley is an option...or...
• Authentic Mexican Rice: For anyone who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, simply omitting it from this recipe will give you a traditional Mexican white rice, which is incredibly delicious and still FULL of delicious flavor beyond your regular white rice recipes.

Flavor Variations

Beyond the classic cilantro lime rice, this versatile recipe can be adapted in numerous ways to complement different cuisines and main dishes. Below are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Cilantro-Lime Rice: Simply toss the finished rice with freshly squeezed lime juice before serving. This bright, tangy version is perfect for burrito bowls and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like carne asada, grilled chicken, or lamb.
• Corn and Cilantro Rice: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels to the pot just as the rice finishes cooking. The residual heat will steam the corn to perfection so there's no need to cook it first. That said, if you have leftover corn, you can add that too.
• Jalapeño Cilantro Rice: Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or serranos (seeds removed for less heat) with the onions for a kick of heat.
• Tomato Cilantro Rice: Add ½ cup of finely diced tomatoes just before adding the cooking liquid
• Mexican Street Corn Rice: Mix in 1 cup charred corn kernels, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder
• Chipotle Cilantro Rice: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotles for smoky heat
• Cayenne Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cooking liquid for subtle background heat
• Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans: Fold in 1 cup of cooked or drained and rinsed black beans after the rice is cooked for added protein and a more substantial side dish that can even serve as a light main course with a little sliced avocado added.
• Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice: Replace half the broth with coconut milk for a creamy variation with tropical notes that pairs beautifully with Thai or Caribbean dishes.
• Garlic-Lovers Cilantro Rice: Double the garlic for an intensely aromatic version that complements grilled or baked seafood (like shrimp scampi) particularly well.
• Lime Zest Cilantro Rice: Add lime zest to the cooking liquid for an even more pronounced citrus flavor throughout the rice.
• Cumin-Cilantro Rice: Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin when toasting the rice for warm, earthy notes
• Cilantro Rice Pilaf: Include diced bell peppers, peas, and carrots with the onions

Equipment

• 4-quart sauce pan with tight-fitting lid - Essential for properly cooking rice without sticking
• Vitamix, blender, or food processor - For creating the cilantro-infused broth
• Wooden spoon - For stirring without breaking the rice grains
• Scale or Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate proportions
• Fork - For fluffing the finished rice

Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice Instructions

Making cilantro lime rice in a rice cooker is incredibly convenient and yields perfect results every time. Here's how to adapt this recipe:

• Sauté the onions and garlic in a separate pan with lard or oil until translucent
• Blend the cilantro with 2 cups of warm chicken broth as in the stovetop method
• Add the rice, sautéed onion mixture, remaining broth, and cilantro broth to your rice cooker
• Cook according to your rice cooker's instructions for white rice (usually just pressing the "white rice" button)
• When the cooking cycle completes, add the bacon fat or butter, fluff with a fork, and let stand covered for 10 minutes
• Add optional lime juice just before serving

This rice cooker method is particularly helpful when preparing multiple dishes for a Mexican-themed dinner party or family meal, freeing up stovetop space for other components.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot makes cooking cilantro lime rice nearly effortless with consistent results every time. Here's how to adapt this recipe:

• Set Instant Pot to Sauté function and add lard or oil
• Add onions and sauté until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds
• Add rice and sauté for 2 minutes until lightly toasted
• Meanwhile, blend cilantro with 2 cups of the broth
• Press Cancel, then add all broth (plain and cilantro-infused) and salt to the pot
• Secure lid, set valve to Sealing position, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 4 minutes
• Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure
• Stir in bacon fat or butter, fluff with a fork, and let stand covered for 5 minutes
• Add lime juice just before serving if desired

The Instant Pot method is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to minimize active cooking time while still achieving restaurant-quality results.

How to Meal Prep, Store, and Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice

Meal prep rice makes an easy Mexican side dish and can be prepared in several ways to save time during busy weeks. Here's how to properly store it:

Refrigerator Storage

Making cilantro lime rice in advance:

Prepare the rice up to 4 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

For planning a week of varied meals, make a large batch of cilantro rice over the weekend, then portion and use it in different ways throughout the week:

• Monday: Serve with panko-crusted chicken and roasted vegetables
• Tuesday: Use as filling for stuffed peppers
• Wednesday: Make burritos or burrito bowls with your favorite toppings
• Thursday: Turn into a rice salad with added corn, chopped rotisserie chicken, beans, avocado, and salsa
• Friday: Use as a base for fish tacos or a rice bowl with garlic shrimp

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, freeze cooled rice in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. I often freeze individual portions for quick meal additions later. Press flat in freezer bags to thaw more quickly and save space.

How to Reheat Cilantro-Lime Rice

The best way to reheat meal-prepped cilantro rice depends on your kitchen equipment (or lack thereof).

Stovetop Method

To reheat refrigerated rice, add a drizzle of vegetable oil to a large skillet or sauté pan set over medium-high heat, add the rice, and sautè, moving it around until the rice is heated through (about 5 minutes). You may add 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth as needed for reheating larger amounts of rice.

Note: Using a large surface area like a 12-inch skillet or 4 to 6-quart sauté pan or braiser allows the rice to have more direct contact with heat, which helps it reheat more quickly and helps avoid making it mushy.

Microwave Method

To reheat refrigerated rice, sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth per cup of rice, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, fluffing it halfway through.

Reheating Frozen Rice

Thaw, then reheat: For frozen rice, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave before reheating.

Reheat from frozen: You can also reheat directly from frozen by heating 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat in a wok or large 6-quart sauté pan. Just before the oil starts to smoke, add the rice and stir fry it around to break up any frozen clumps until the rice is warmed through. It shouldn't be dry at this point, but you do have the option of adding 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the rice and fluffing it before serving.

You can add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and/or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

How to Serve

Cilantro rice and cilantro lime rice are incredibly versatile and complement countless dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice

• Burrito Bowls: Create restaurant-style bowls with black beans, grilled chicken or carnitas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and cheese
• Mexican Mains: Serve alongside enchiladas, fajitas, or chile rellenos
• Grilled Proteins: Pairs perfectly with lime-marinated grilled shrimp, carne asada, or citrus chicken
• Seafood: Complements fish tacos, shrimp tacos, blackened salmon, or garlic butter scallops
• Vegetarian/Vegan Meals: Creates a complete protein when combined with black beans, or grilled tofu, diced oven-roasted (or steamed) sweet potatoes or butternut squash, and topped with avocado lime crema.

The bright cilantro flavor also works beautifully with Thai curries, Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Beef Patties, and Indian dishes.

Different Rice Varieties

While long-grain white rice is traditional for cilantro lime rice, you can adapt this recipe for various rice types. Use traditional Here's how they each perform:

Using Brown Rice vs. White Long Grain Rice

Brown rice creates a heartier, healthier version with a nutty flavor and more fiber. Increase cooking liquid to 2½ cups per cup of rice and extend the cooking time to 35-40 minutes. The texture will be chewier, but it pairs wonderfully with the cilantro and lime.

Using Parboiled Long Grain White Rice

For parboiled rice, reduce the water by ¼ cup (using 1 ¾ cups total) and decrease cooking time to 15-18 minutes instead of 20-25. Since parboiled rice is partially cooked, it requires less liquid and time to prepare.

Follow the same toasting process with oil as directed in the original recipe. After cooking, add the bacon fat, fluff the mixture, add lime juice and/or lime zest (if desired), and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Rice for Cilantro Lime Rice

Basmati rice or Carolina Gold Rice are my top choices for their ability to maintain distinct grains after cooking, but any long-grain white rice works great. Jasmine rice also works, but adds its own unique floral notes (which you may not want), and it can also be more expensive.

Standard long-grain rice also performs well, while medium or short-grain varieties (like those used for risotto or sushi) tend to become too sticky for traditional cilantro lime rice.

For an authentic restaurant-style texture, never use par-cooked rice, and be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly (until the water runs clear) before cooking it to remove excess starch that can cause clumping and mushy rice.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Even experienced cooks occasionally encounter issues when making rice. Here's how to solve a few common problems:

Mushy Rice

If your rice turns out too wet or mushy, it's likely due to too much liquid, not enough cooking time, or not washing the rice well enough before cooking to remove excess starch.

To fix already cooked mushy rice, spread it on a baking sheet and place in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to dry out. For next time, ensure you wash the rice until the water runs clear (use the starchy rice water for your vegetable garden for zero waste), use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio, and allow the full resting period after cooking.

Undercooked Rice

If your rice is still firm or crunchy after cooking, add an additional ¼ cup of water or broth, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for another 5-10 minutes. Check for doneness and repeat if necessary.

Bland Rice

If your cilantro lime rice lacks flavor, it could be underseasoned. Enhance the flavor by adding more salt, a bit of bacon fat, butter or oil, additional fresh cilantro, and more lime juice to taste. For next time, ensure you're using flavorful broth rather than water and properly toasting the rice at the beginning for the best flavor.

Stuck or Burned Rice

To prevent rice from sticking to the pot, make sure to use enough fat, and cook over low heat once it's simmering. If you do get some burnt stuck rice on the bottom and you can smell it, remove it from the pot as quickly as possible without scraping the bottom of the pan. Instead, carefully scoop out the good rice from the top and leave the burnt rice on the bottom.

Add water to the pot with the burnt rice and allow it to soak for several hours to make the burned rice easier to clean out of your pot.

Dingy Colored or Brown Colored Cilantro Lime Rice↑

If your cilantro rice (or cilantro lime rice) is discolored, turned brown, black, or dark and unsightly, it means the cilantro has oxidized. In this recipe, keeping cilantro green in rice requires the puréed cilantro-chicken stock (or water) mixture to be added to the toasted rice and brought to a boil very soon after it's prepared.

If you leave the puréed mixture at room temperature for too long, the cilantro will oxidize and turn the rice brown with black specks in it.

The photo above shows what your cilantro-lime rice will look like if the puréed cilantro mixture is prepared too far in advance of when it's going to be used which To avoid this, blend the cilantro mixture while the garlic is sautéing, then add it directly to the toasted rice and bring it to a boil. This technique keeps the rice color bright green, fresh-looking.

Is Cilantro Lime Rice Healthy?

Cilantro lime rice is a nutritious side dish with several health benefits depending on how much you eat and whether or not it's loaded up with fat and salt. This is why making it at home is better than heading to Chipotle to get your fix - because you have control over the ingredients and the amounts used.

• Whole grain option: When made with brown rice, it provides additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Fresh herbs: Cilantro contains antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and has been shown to have detoxifying properties.
• Reduced Fat Cilantro Lime Rice: Reduce the oil in this recipe to just 2 tablespoons (30g) and omit bacon fat for a much healthier version. You can choose to add a pat of butter or extra virgin olive oil at the end to fluff the rice or simply leave it out for even fewer calories. And you can make it even healthier by toasting the rice with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil instead of standard vegetable oil.
• Low-Sodium Cilantro Lime Rice: Using homemade unsalted chicken broth, low-sodium store bought chicken broth, or even water allows you to have full control of the sodium content. You may even reduce the salt by as much as you need to fit within your low-sodium diet.
• Versatile base: Serves as the foundation for adding other nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and lean meat like chicken, pork, turkey, or shrimp.

With a few adjustments, this rice makes an excellent base for creating balanced meals with lean proteins and vegetables.

Restaurant Secrets for Perfect Rice

Having worked in restaurant kitchens, I've learned that professional chefs rely on several key techniques for consistently perfect rice:

• Proper rice-to-liquid ratio: Restaurants measure precisely, typically using 1:1.5 for white rice and 1:2 for brown rice
• Toasting the rice: This step develops nutty flavors and helps each grain remain distinct
• Using homemade stock: Restaurant kitchen stocks are far more flavorful than store-bought versions, but even a quick 30-minute pressure cooker chicken broth tastes amazing in this recipe.
• Proper resting period: Professional chefs always allow rice to rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes after cooking
• The towel trick: Placing a clean kitchen towel between the pot and lid during the resting period absorbs excess steam for perfectly fluffy rice
• Adding fat at the finish: A small amount of high-quality fat (butter, olive oil, or rendered animal fat) added after cooking enhances flavor and texture

These professional techniques are incorporated into this recipe to give you restaurant-quality results at home. The unique approach of blending cilantro with the cooking liquid is a technique that consistently delivers superior flavor compared to just mixing chopped cilantro and lime juice into cooked rice at the end.

Why Rinsing Rice Matters

The simple step of rinsing rice before cooking makes a significant difference in the final texture of cilantro lime rice. Here's why:

• Removes excess starch: Surface starch causes rice grains to stick together, creating a gummy texture
• Improves grain separation: Rinsed rice cooks into distinct, individual grains rather than clumping
• Creates fluffier texture: The reduction in starch allows the rice to achieve that light, fluffy restaurant-quality texture
• Cleaner flavor: Rinsing removes any dust, debris, or processing residues, resulting in purer rice flavor
• Better absorption: Clean rice absorbs the cilantro-infused liquid more effectively

Simply place your rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water, stirring gently with your fingers until the water runs clear rather than cloudy. This takes about 1-2 minutes but makes a noticeable difference in your final dish. After rinsing, drain well before proceeding with the recipe.