Cilantro Lime Rice

If you love that fresh, zesty cilantro lime rice from your favorite burrito bowl joint, you’re going to want this one on repeat.

This Cilantro Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and packed with bright lime flavor and fresh herbs. It has only 3 ingredients and comes together in just 5 minutes using prepared rice and makes enough to serve about 8 people, which means it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or your next taco night.

It’s simple, dependable, and one of those side dishes that quietly steal the show.

Have you ever had that bright, fresh cilantro lime rice at your favorite Mexican restaurant and thought, why can’t I make this at home? The answer is yes.

This Cilantro Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and packed with fresh flavor from lime and herbs. It comes together in just minutes using already prepared rice, making it one of those easy side dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

It’s the perfect addition to taco night, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, or even seafood. Honestly, once you try it, plain rice just won’t cut it anymore.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

This is one of those recipes that proves simple really is better. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a side dish that tastes fresh, vibrant, and anything but boring. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, but flavorful enough to serve when you’ve got company coming over. And because it starts with cooked rice, it’s a great way to use leftovers and turn them into something special.

Many people know and love Chipotle cilantro lime rice, and this recipe gives you that same fresh, bright flavor right at home. It’s a simplified version that keeps things easy while still delivering that signature taste you’re craving.

Is This Like Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice?

If you’re here because you love Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, you’re in the right place.

This recipe has that same light, fluffy texture and fresh lime flavor, but with a simpler ingredient list you can throw together in minutes.

Chipotle’s version includes a few additional ingredients like bay leaf (used while cooking the rice) and a bit of oil, such as rice bran oil or olive oil. This recipe skips those extras and focuses on the fresh lime and cilantro for a clean, bright flavor that pairs with just about anything.

Want to make it more like Chipotle cilantro lime rice? Cook your rice with a bay leaf and stir in a small drizzle of olive oil before adding the lime and cilantro.

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Rice

You will find the complete ingredients and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Prepared long-grain rice – The base of the recipe. Fluffy, neutral rice soaks up all of that citrusy flavor. You can use freshly made or leftover rice. Long grain, brown rice, Basmati, or Jasmine rice will all work. 
• Lime zest – This is where a lot of the bright, fresh flavor comes from. Don’t skip it.
• Lime juice – Adds that tangy kick that makes this rice so addictive. Fresh lime juice is best.
• Fresh cilantro – Brings a fresh, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the lime. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley can work in a pinch, but it will change the flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

This lime cilantro rice recipe has been on my website for almost a decade, and one we make on repeat. It’s so easy to make!

Start with your warm, prepared rice and place it in a large bowl.

Sprinkle the lime zest evenly over the top, then squeeze in the fresh lime juice.

Add the chopped cilantro and gently stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and fluffy.

Serve immediately while warm.

Storage & Make Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the moisture.

You can also make the rice ahead of time and stir in the lime and cilantro just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to make this recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice, make sure you can find it. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. 

Tips for the Best Cilantro and Lime Rice

• Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor
• Stir gently so the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t get mushy
• Taste and adjust. Add a little more lime juice if you like it extra tangy
• This works great with leftover rice, making it perfect for meal prep

When to Serve Cilantro Lime Rice

This rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many dishes, and of course, makes the perfect side dish to any Mexican meal. Try it with:

• Tacos or fajitas
• Burrito bowls or Rice Bowl recipes like this Salmon Rice Bowl or these Chicken Rice Bowls
• Grilled chicken, pork or steak
• Shrimp or fish
• Any Mexican-inspired dishes

It’s also delicious as a base for a simple bowl with beans, avocado, and your favorite toppings.

More Easy Rice Recipes to love 

We eat rice in one way shape or form at least 3 times per week. I have lots of Rice Recipes here on my website. I love this Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice, pictured above, so delicious with spicy foods! Some other favorites of mine are this Cheesy Vegetable Rice Bake, Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries and Almonds, my Mom’s Broccoli, Rice and Cheese Casserole, this Basil Garlic Fried Rice, Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad, Ginger Basil Fried Rice and of course, this traditional Fried Rice recipe that I make all of the time!

This Cilantro Lime Rice is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it makes even the simplest meal feel a little more special.

Whether you’re building burrito bowls, serving tacos, or just looking to upgrade plain rice, this is a quick win that always delivers. Keep it in your back pocket, you’re going to use it more than you think.

This post was originally shared as a partnership with Sweet Earth Burritos on January 13, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on April 22, 2026.