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We make some form of rice at least once a week. The two most popular versions are our famous Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe and today’s Cilantro Lime Rice (similar to what can be found at Chipotle, Cafe Rio or Costa Vida).
Not only is our cilantro rice 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!
We like to make this 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.
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
- 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 – stems removed
- 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
- Optional: fresh limes for garnish.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- COMBINE. Combine rice, green chiles, chopped cilantro, salted butter, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste, chicken broth, and fresh 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. Garnish with lime wedges.
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 Recipe
Video
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.
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
Best Chicken Tacos Recipe
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
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Adapted from Sweet Basil.
This recipe was originally published June 2018.
We love this rice and think it’s a great copycat for Cafe Rio rice. So good!
I served this at a family reunion. It was a total hit and everyone loved it!
This rice is the best!
Just like cafe rio, thank you!
This rice is my go to on enchilada night or when we have quesadillas. We love it! I throw all the ingredients in my rice cooker and let it go. It’s delicious!
Made this for the first time last night and it was a huge hit! One of my boys said We should have our rice this way from now on. I didnt have any brOth so i Had To use water instead and it still turned out great! Can’t wait to make it again with the broth.
Happy your son said that! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂
Wow this cilantro lime rice is amazing! My son loved it and I love how you don’t have to brown the rice before adding all the other ingredients. Thank you for sharing such an easy recipe.
You are so welcome! Glad you like it! Thank you!
I love rice. This cilantro lime rice looks easy and amazing. I will have to try it out some time! 🙂
Love this rice in salads & bowls! The hint of lime is so refreshing & I love cilantro!
Please give serving size