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Cafe Rio is one of our FAVORITE restaurants so of course we have copycat recipes – like our Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken and this cilantro lime rice (also similar to Chipotle).
Not only is it crazy tasty, but it’s pretty quick (30 minutes tops) and it’s low maintenance. You don’t have to sit and stir it, just pop a lid on and let it simmer! This recipe has just 3 EASY steps.
We like to make this Cafe Rio rice when we have a burrito bar for dinner to add to our rolled creations, but the kids like to eat it as is with their Chicken Fajitas and quesadillas. It really is a great side dish, perfect for all your Mexican meals.
For another favorite, try our red Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- 3 simple steps. No need to babysit this dish by constantly stirring it – just mix it up and let it simmer.
- For all the things. Cilantro lime rice is great to make and serve in Burritos or to use as an easy side for any Mexican meal, like Chimichangas, Enchiladas, or Carne Asada.
- A copycat must! We love our Cafe Rio recipes and this rice is the perfect addition to our Cafe Rio chicken or sweet pork and the best dressing!
Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients and Substitutions
- 2 cups long-grain white rice – Basmati rice or Jasmine rice. You can use brown rice but may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- garlic salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth – or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – fresh squeezed or bottled juice
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- COMBINE. Combine rice, green chiles, cilantro, salted butter, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste, chicken broth, and lime juice in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- COOK. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until rice is cooked.
- SERVE. Fluff and serve warm.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- You only need one lime to squeeze out 1 tablespoon of lime juice. For even more lime flavor add some lime zest.
- To avoid gummy rice be sure you don’t add too much liquid.
- For fluffy rice rinse it before adding to the pot. For stickier rice don’t rinse it.
- Reduce the heat as soon as the water boils to ensure an even cook.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- garlic salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cover, lower the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Fluff and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- You only need one lime to squeeze out 1 tablespoon of lime juice. For even more lime flavor add some lime zest.
- To avoid gummy rice be sure you don’t add too much liquid.
- For fluffy rice rinse it before adding to the pot. For stickier rice don’t rinse it.
- Reduce the heat as soon as the water boils to ensure an even cook.
- Use Basmati rice or Jasmine rice. You can use brown rice but may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover rice in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
To freeze, let it cool to room temperature. Divide the rice into how many servings you want and put them into freezer-safe bags with a seal. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat. Thaw first if applicable. Transfer to a microwave-safe container and warm it up for 4-6 minutes in the microwave.
Complete The Meal
Main Dish
Chicken Burrito Bowl
20 mins
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe
6 hrs 5 mins
Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken
3 hrs 5 mins
Chicken Tacos
25 mins
Dessert
More Rice
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
45 mins
Cauliflower Rice
10 mins
Lemon Rice
35 mins
How to Cook Rice in a Crock Pot
2 hrs 5 mins
Collections
Adapted from Sweet Basil.
This recipe was originally published June 2018.
Can this be made in a instapot?
Can I make this and freeze it for later?
Yes!! There are freezing instructions in the recipe post, too.
Do you rinse the rice first? I always have, but it wasn’t in the instructions to do so
Nope, you don’t have to with this recipe.
Can this be made in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make it in a rice cooker!
Perfect flavor! Easy recipe!! Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the rice!