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!
Light, fluffy, and flavorful rice at homemade for a fraction of the price. A hint of lime with a burst of flavor from the cilantro makes this a great addition at meal time. Pair with your favorite Mexican dishes, chicken recipes, and more.
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:
- You can use 2 tablespoons of oil in place of the butter, if preferred. I like the added flavor of butter better than the oil. However, it’s whatever you prefer.
- You can use long grain, extra long grain, or basmati rice for this recipe. These types of rice react better in the instant pot, which is why I suggest using them over others.
- You can add more cilantro, lime zest/juice, and salt depending on your preferences. Some like it stronger and some like it lighter. This recipe creates a nice in between level of flavor.
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.

Instant Pot Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice
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
- 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.
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:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 392mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Andrea
Sunday 6th of March 2022
What’s the serving size?
Mary
Saturday 19th of February 2022
We tried this recipe this evening and it was really good. The rice was kinda firm so next time I will cook the rice longer. Thank you for sharing this
Jenna L Scott
Friday 15th of October 2021
Do you rinse the rice first?
Melissa
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
You can if you like but it’s not mandatory for this recipe
GK
Sunday 13th of June 2021
2 cups long grain white rice and 2 cups water seems like the wrong proportions. For 2 cups of rice, shouldn't it be 4 cups of water?
Melissa
Sunday 20th of June 2021
No you are wrong. It is a 1 to 1 ratio for white rice. https://www.adventuresofanurse.com/how-to-cook-long-grain-rice-in-instant-pot/
Abdulla
Wednesday 22nd of July 2020
Is there a typo in your recipe ingredients?
"For the Chipotle true flavor I recommend using stock over water."
"2 cups water"
Melissa
Monday 17th of August 2020
yes there was a typo. I corrected it. Thank you so much