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Cilantro Lime Rice In A Rice Cooker (Copycat Chipotle)

Learn how to make Cilantro Lime Rice in a Rice Cooker in less than 15 minutes. Light, fluffy and exploding with fresh citrus flavor, this copycat chipotle cilantro lime rice recipe tastes divine and is naturally vegan AND gluten-free. 

ceramic bowl of rice topped with cilantro and lime on gray table top

If you’ve never tried Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice before, get in your car and go try it…right now. It’s amazing! No Chipotle nearby? No worries! I’ve got you covered with my very own lime rice recipe. Great for meal prep and perfect in burrito bowls, this recipe is one of the most popular on the blog and on Pinterest for a reason!

TIP: this recipe pairs well with my Instant Pot Vegan Tinga Tacos and my Vegan Enchilada Casserole. And don’t forget the chips and this Mango Corn Salsa and my Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca to wash it all down with.

🥘 Ingredients For Cilantro Lime Rice in Rice Cooker

ingredients for cilantro lime rice
  • rice – basmati long grain rice works best as it is far more aromatic than plain rice. But you can also use jasmine rice, brown rice or whatever rice you have on hand. Read more about the difference between basmati and plain white rice.
  • garlic – fresh minced garlic is best but if you have minced in jar, that’s fine too.
  • fat – olive oil or vegan butter is best. You can also make it oil-free, just know this may alter the taste a bit.
  • bay leaves – this ingredient enhances flavor of recipe and should not be omitted.
  • lime juice – fresh works best but store-bought is ok, too.
  • cilantro – should be fresh, super green with no yellowing or browning of the leaves.

See recipe card for exact ingredient quantities.

🍚 How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice In Rice Cooker

overhead shot of steps 1 & 2 for Copycat Chipotle rice recipe

Step 1. Cooking rice has never been easier with these simple rice cooker instructions. To your rice cooker, add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and bay leaves.

Step 2. Add filtered water. Stir.

overhead shot of steps 2 & 3 for Cilantro Lime rice recipe

Step 3. Close lid and press appropriate setting for either white or brown rice.

Step 4. Once rice is finished, open lid and remove bay leaves.

overhead shot of steps 5 & 6 for rice recipe

Step 5. Squeeze fresh lime with juicer directly over pot.

Step 6. Chop cilantro being sure to omit the cilantro stems. Then add to rice cooker.

overhead shot of steps 7 & 8 for Cilantro Lime Rice Like Chipotle

Step 7. Stir thoroughly.

Step 8. Scoop into bowls, garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges and serve immediately or keep warm in rice cooker until ready to serve.

cilantro lime rice in a colorful bowl on a gray table
How to made cilantro lime rice in a rice cooker

🍲 Stove Top Method

If you don’t have a rice cooker, no problem. Follow the steps below to make recipe in a regular pot:

  1. Add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, bay leaves and filtered water to your pot and give it a stir.
  2. Follow the instructions for cooking time on your rice package.
  3. Once all water is absorbed and your rice is ready, remove from heat and add lime juice and cilantro.
  4. Give it another good stir, scoop into serving bowls and garnish with lime wedges and more cilantro.

⭐ Expert Tips & Substitutions

Here are some tips to help you make this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe perfectly, every time:

  • You may substitute basmati or brown rice for jasmine rice, as seen in the image below.
  • If you choose to use less or more lime, please do. I used 2.5 and it was perfect.
  • Before reheating on the stove top or in the microwave, add a bit of water and give it a good stir. Still dry? Try adding a bit of olive oil. 
  • You may opt for vegan butter instead of olive oil, or you may omit the oil completely (just know it won’t taste exactly the same if you do).
  • Red pepper flakes or peppercorns make for great garnishes, besides cilantro and fresh lime wedges.
  • For optimal flavor and appearance, avoid adding cilantro until just before serving.
overhead shot of brown rice topped and surrounded by garlic, lime and cilantro
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

💭 Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my rice watery?

If your rice is watery, it means you added too much water or too little rice to the pot. When in doubt, follow the instructions on your rice package.

Is it better to make this rice with basmati or another type of rice?

Basmati rice falls under the category of white rice and has many similar properties. The main difference between basmati and plain white rice is that basmati has a lower glycemic index, less arsenic, more fiber and is more aromatic which makes it a better choice for this recipe. Keep in mind, however, white rice undergoes processing which strips it of much of it’s nutrients. Although any rice will work with this recipe, brown rice, which is higher in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, is far healthier for you.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

This Cilantro Lime Rice in rice cooker recipe can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing is NOT recommended.

🥡 What To Serve With This Recipe

🌮 More Recipe Favorites

Still hungry? Check out some all-time vegan recipe favorites:

Have you tried this? Why not leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!

cilantro lime rice recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Light and fluffy and full of citrus goodness, this Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is also gluten-free. Takes only minutes to prepare in a rice cooker.
5 from 65 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Deborah
Cost: $4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cup jasmine rice
  • 1.5 cups filtered water or however much your package calls for
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • Juice from 2 to 3 limes
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • To your cooker, add rice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and bay leaves. Stir.
  • Add filtered water.
  • Close lid, set your rice cooker to either brown or white rice, then press start.
  • Once rice is finished, open lid and remove bay leaves.
  • Squeeze lime directly over pot.
  • Add cilantro.
  • Stir until well combined.
  • Garnish with more cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately in bowls or keep warm in rice cooker until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  • You may substitute brown rice or basmati for Jasmine rice, as seen in the image above.
  • Rice can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Before reheating on the stove top or in the microwave, add a bit of water and give it a good stir. If still too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil. 
  • You can use as few or as many limes as you desire. 2.5 was perfect for my taste. 
  • You may opt for vegan butter instead of olive oil, or you may omit the oil completely (just know it won’t taste exactly the same if you do.)
  • Red pepper flakes or peppercorns make for great garnishes, besides cilantro and fresh lime wedges.
  • Add another bay leaf, if you want to add to the flavor.
  • Avoid adding cilantro until just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @oohlalaitsvegan or tag #oohlalaitsvegan!

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5 from 65 votes (54 ratings without comment)

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21 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Cilantro lime rice is by far one of the most loved dishes in my house. This recipe was just perfect. We can’t stop eating it!

  2. 5 stars
    This rice was easy to make and a great addition to our burritos the other night. Thanks for the great rice recipe!

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve only recently bought a rice cooker, so your tips were very welcome, especially when it comes to adding flavour at the right time! Love this rice and certainly really easy to make in a rice cooker!

  4. 5 stars
    I love how easily this cilantro lime rice comes together in the rice cooker! Such delicious and light citrus flavors.

  5. 5 stars
    This came out wayyy better than Chipotle’s! The bay leaves were a great idea. Can’t wait to make again!

  6. 5 stars
    I usually serve my rice plain but that seems so boring compared to this. *adds to list*

  7. 5 stars
    I am always looking for a new way to make rice for dinner. This rice with cilantro totally kicked it up a notch. Delish!

  8. 5 stars
    Your rice looks delicious, I love how flavoursome it is. I must get myself a rice cooker. Looking forward to trying your recipe with basmati rice.

  9. 5 stars
    Oooh, I love how you made this in the rice cooker! The flavors sound so good and everything comes together easily too.

  10. 5 stars
    One of my most favorite copycat recipes! This turned out perfect and tastes even better than Chipotle!