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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice without ever leaving your kitchen! Our Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe brings the beloved restaurant dish to your table with ease. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of your Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch of perfectly cooked rice infused with the refreshing zest of cilantro and lime. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade deliciousness with our easy-to-follow recipe for cilantro lime rice instant pot. Let’s get cooking and savor the flavors you love right at home!

With this easy Instant Pot recipe, you can recreate Chipotle’s famous cilantro lime rice right at home—fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly zesty every time! Our step-by-step instructions and pro tips will help you nail the texture and taste, making it the ideal side dish or base for your favorite burrito bowls. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving up a quick weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. If you love flavorful rice dishes, be sure to also try  mango sticky rice —a sweet, creamy Thai-inspired treat that’s just as irresistible!

Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

So why look for a Chipotle copycat recipe for rice? I don’t know about you but I can’t always go to Chipotle or I need a lot to feed my family. This way I have enough and more for a crowd. 

Way To Use Cilantro Lime Rice

• Burrito bowl base
• Enchiladas
• Quesadillas
• Mexican Chicken dishes
• Tacos
• And the list goes on

Can You Freeze Cilantro Lime Rice

Absolutely! I have instructions below that will walk you through exactly how to Freeze and thaw and Reheat your rice! 

This is one incredible rice freezer meal that you can use for a side dish. My family loves this rice, so I prep one day making it into freezer bags, so I have meals for the rest of the month. 

How Long Will Cilantro Lime Rice Store In Fridge

You can store this rice for up to three days in the fridge. After that, I always recommend using your best judgment call. 

Best Way To Reheat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice 

I place what I plan to eat in a bowl and cover it lightly. Toss in the microwave and heat until warmed. Or you can add a little broth and heat on the stovetop. 

How Do You Make Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

• Pour water, rice & salt into the instant pot.

• Select Low Pressure or the Rice Button.
• Cook for 12 minutes on low pressure.
• Do a quick release.
• Fluff rice, add in lime juice, zest, butter & cilantro. Give rice good stir.

• Serve or freeze once cooled.

Do You Use Cilantro Stems

When I go to use Cilantro in recipes I mainly use leaves, with just a little of the stems. Personally, I enjoy the bold flavor of the stems. 

Does Rice Cook Well In Instant Pot

Yes! I have tossed my rice cooker in the trash and now solely make rice in my Instant Pot. I get light and fluffy rice each and every time. Stovetop rice always was a hit and miss for me. 

Tips For Making Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Rinse the rice: Before cooking, be sure to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Use the right ratio of liquid to rice: For perfect results, use a 1:1 ratio of water to rice. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the cilantro and lime.

3. Add extra flavor: Enhance the flavor of your rice by adding a clove of minced garlic or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the Instant Pot before cooking. This will infuse the rice with even more deliciousness.

4. Don’t skimp on the cilantro and lime: Be generous with the fresh cilantro and lime juice – this is what gives the rice its signature flavor. For an extra burst of citrus, you can also add some lime zest to the pot.

5. Let it natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to natural release for at least 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure. This helps ensure that the rice is perfectly cooked and prevents it from becoming mushy.

6. Fluff with a fork: After releasing the pressure, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This helps separate the grains and creates a light, fluffy texture.

7. Serve immediately: Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice is best served fresh and hot. Enjoy it as a side dish alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired meals or use it as a base for burrito bowls, tacos, or wraps.

Do You Use Stock Or Water In Recipe

Either will work. The stock offers more flavor to the rice while water allows the rice to stand out. My recipe includes water but feel free to use stock instead. 

Meal Prep Ahead

Meal prep ahead with this freezer-friendly rice recipe! Whether you do one big freezer bag full or create single-serve containers to grab and go. 

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be hard. The Instant pot allows more free time while your food cooks away! Give this easy Chipotle rice recipe a try today.

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Continue to Content

Instant Pot Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 32 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

If you love Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice you will jump for joy at this Instant Pot Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice copycat recipe. This rice will be a hit at dinner time. A delicious and zesty rice that’s perfect as a side for any Mexican dish! 

Print

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tsp Salt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Zest from 1 lime
• 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
• 4 TBSP Butter

Instructions

1. Pour water, rice & salt into the instant pot.
2. Select Low Pressure or the Rice Button.
3. Cook for 12 minutes on low pressure.
4. Do a quick release.
5. Fluff rice, add in lime juice, zest, butter & cilantro. Give rice good stir.
6. Serve or freeze once cooled.

Notes

*2 cups of rice was enough for 3 freezer bags of rice for a dinner side sized portion for 2.

**You can double this recipe, time remains the same

***FREEZER DIRECTIONS (freeze up to 3 months)

To FREEZE: Place cooled rice into freezer bag. Freeze

To REHEAT: Remove bag from freezer and sit on the counter while preparing dinner. (If in a rush, you can run the bag over warm water to loosen the frozen rice from the Ziploc) Remove rice from bag and place in a microwavable bowl. Add TBSP of water, cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 4 minutes (This may give or take to reheat fully).

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 392mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

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