This Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is made in one-pot which is easy, flavorful, fluffy and perfectly tender!

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 bay leaf ((optional))
  • 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
  • 1 1/4 cups water (or vegetable broth) ((1.5 cups water for stovetop))
  • salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (coriander leaves)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • zest of 1 lime ((optional))

Method

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch), and drain the remaining water.
  2. Firstly, press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Next, add oil, and once it's hot, add Bay leaf, followed by rinsed basmati rice. Toast the rice for 30 seconds (or till aromatic). This step helps your rice cook up into separate grains and adds more flavor. This step is optional.
  3. Add water (or vegetable broth), salt and give a stir.
  4. Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to " SEALING ". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes. Once the pot beeps, Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, and then do Quick Release for any remaining pressure.
  5. Lastly, add butter, fresh cilantro/coriander leaves, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir well to combine.
  6. Serve this cilantro lime rice with homemade burrito bowl.

Stovetop Pot Method:

  1. Firstly, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Then, add bay leaf followed by 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice. Stir for 30 secs (till aromatic).
  2. Then add 1.5 cups of water (or vegetable broth), salt, and give a stir. Reduce the heat to low and cover with lid.
  3. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Then, remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Then, add the lime juice, zest, butter, and cilantro to the rice. Mix everything.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.