Easy Cilantro Lime Rice That is Better Than Chipotle

A simple, flavor-packed side dish for tacos, bowls, and busy weeknights

Some dishes were made to steal the spotlight. Others? They hold it down from the side—quietly making every bite better. That’s exactly what this Cilantro Lime Rice does. It doesn’t beg for attention, but it sure earns it.

This is the rice I whip up on taco night, burrito bowl night, grilled chicken night, or just when I want my kitchen to feel like a mini Chipotle (but better… and way more affordable). My family eats it by the spoonful—even my toddler, who usually skips the rice and heads straight for the cheese.

The first time I made this, I was in a rush, multitasking dinner with a preschool meltdown and a kitchen dance party. I tossed some lime juice into freshly cooked rice, added a handful of cilantro, and tasted it—and it stopped me in my tracks. It was that good.

And since then? It’s been on repeat.

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Here’s What You’ll Love

• Bright and fresh – Thanks to real lime juice and zest.
• Fluffy every time – Long-grain white rice cooked with butter and oil for the perfect bite.
• Customizable – Vegan-friendly swaps, spice it up, or keep it mellow.
• Better than takeout – You control the salt, fat, and freshness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Long-grain white rice – Jasmine works beautifully here.
• Butter and vegetable oil – For flavor and texture. I use both!
• Lime juice and zest – Don’t skip the zest. It adds serious depth.
• Chopped cilantro – Stirred in at the end for that fresh pop.
• Salt + a pinch of sugar – Sugar balances the lime just right.
• Water or broth – I usually stick with water, but low-sodium broth is great too.

Optional: A little garlic powder or onion powder in the cooking water never hurt anybody.

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How to Make It Fluffy (Not Mushy)

1. Rinse your rice. I use a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. This removes starch and keeps the grains separate.
2. Taste your cooking liquid. If it’s under-seasoned, the rice will be too.
3. Let it steam after cooking. Turn off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Add lime juice, zest, and cilantro last. Heat can dull fresh flavors. Add them after fluffing for best results.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Meal prep friendly – Make a batch at the beginning of the week and reheat portions as needed.
• Freezer tip – Freeze in a flat layer in a zip bag. Reheat in a pan with a tablespoon of water.
• Hosting taco night? Make it a few hours ahead, keep it warm in a rice cooker or slow cooker on low, and stir in the lime and cilantro just before serving.

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What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice

This rice is the backbone of some of my favorite dinners. Pair it with:

• Ground Beef Tacos
• Peach Salsa or Corn Salsa
• Chicken with Peppers and Onions

And if you’re building burrito bowls? This rice is your base. Just pile it with beans, meat, veggies, salsa, and cheese—or go low-carb and skip the tortilla.

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Substitutions & Variations

• Vegan-friendly – Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy-based butter.
• Brown rice version – Increase liquid slightly and extend the cook time.
• No cilantro? Use parsley or skip entirely if you’re one of the “cilantro tastes like soap” folks (I see you).
• Kick it up – Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

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Recommended Tools for This Recipe

(this post contains affiliate links)

• My Aroma Rice Cooker: Perfect rice every time, especially when I’m multitasking –

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Hungry for More?

This rice isn’t just a side—it’s a staple in so many of my favorite recipes. If you loved this rice side dish, don’t miss:

• Jamaican Rice and Peas
• Arroz Con Pollo (Rice with Chicken) a delicious Latin one-pot meal!
• Or for more taco pairings check out our DIY Taco Night post for more!

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Or if this rice brought joy to your plate, feel free to inspire the cook—every bit of support helps me keep sharing family-tested, flavor-forward recipes with love.

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Until the next bite,

Camille