Better than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

User Reviews

4.9

56 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6 cups

  • Calories

    296 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Better than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

This recipe recreates a flavorful cilantro lime rice similar to popular restaurant styles using jasmine rice cooked in chicken broth with cumin and garlic powder. The rice is first sautéed with onion and garlic, then simmered covered to ensure fluffy grains. The fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro stirred in at the end impart a bright, herbaceous aroma and taste. This rice offers vibrant, balanced flavors with a slight warmth from the spices and pairs well as a side for Mexican dishes or bowls.

Description

Better than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice combines jasmine rice cooked tender in seasoned chicken broth with sautéed onions and garlic for depth. The addition of cumin and garlic powder during cooking gives a gentle earthiness, while careful simmering ensures separate grains without being mushy. After cooking, fresh lime juice and zest add a zesty brightness that lifts the dish, complemented by the subtle herbal note from the chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems mixed in at the end.

The texture is fluffy with a slight chew from the jasmine rice variety. This rice works nicely alongside grilled meats, tacos, or burrito bowls by providing a flavorful, aromatic base. It can also stand alone as a simple side with vegetables or beans.

For best results, the rice should be rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, and the cooking lid should remain closed to keep steam and heat consistent. Using fresh cilantro stems along with leaves adds extra flavor. Adjust salt to taste to balance flavors before serving warm.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 Tbsp. butter unsalted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup white onion or 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups chicken broth low sodium, or water
  • 2 lime juiced
  • 1-2 Tbsp. lime zest from 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup cilantro fresh, chopped

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium sized frying pan over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Add in the rice and stir for ~30 seconds.
  2. Add in the cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, lower the heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes. DO NOT lift the lid while the rice is cooking.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and add in the lime zest, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Give it a nice stir and serve warm!

Notes

  • Rinsing jasmine rice under cold water to clear the starch helps maintain separated, fluffy grains.
  • Include some cilantro stems when chopping for added flavor depth and texture.
  • Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped, ensuring even rice cooking.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth or water based on desired saltiness.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 296kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 82mg (3%) Potassium 232mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 140IU (3%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 40mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 296 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 296kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 82mg 3%
Potassium 232mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 140IU 3%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 40mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

56 reviews
Excellent

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