This is the BEST Cilantro Lime Rice recipe (even better than Chipotle!) and it also could not be easier to make. If you’re looking for a simple side dish that can easily be paired with different meals (I love it with my cilantro lime chicken thighs!) then this is the recipe you need. It’s one of those staple side dishes I’m always making and a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for busy nights!

Flavorful (and easy to make!) Cilantro Lime Rice – My Kitchen Staple!

If you think the only place you can get perfectly cooked cilantro rice is at Chipotle then think again! Trust me, homemade cilantro lime rice recipe gives you perfectly fluffy and flavorful rice right at home that’s even better than your favorite takeout.

I make rice weekly and so I’ve perfected this cilantro lime rice recipe. It’s become a staple in our home that I can easily pair with several different dishes. The rice comes out perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and the recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it stores and even freezes well!

A Quick Overview of the Ingredients

(full recipe and instructions in the recipe card, below)

Long Grain Rice: My favorite rice to use for this recipe is Jasmine rice, however you can use your favorite long-grain rice of choice. Basmati rice would also be a great choice.

Oil: A little oil adds flavor and gives the rice wonderful texture. Avocado or olive oil will both work well.

Full Fat Coconut Milk: I love adding coconut milk to my rice for the most delicious texture and flavor. Be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this recipe and not the coconut milk that you find in the refrigerated section.

Cilantro: Lots of fresh cilantro adds so much flavor to the rice. Be sure to use both the leaves and stems when you chop it up.

Fresh Lime Juice: The combination of fresh lime juice and cilantro is undefeated. Be sure to use fresh squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.

How to Make the Best Cilantro Lime Rice

(full recipe and instructions in the recipe card, below)

coconut being poured into pot — Add the oil, rice, coconut milk, water, and salt, to a medium non-stick saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Bring the rice to a boil, cover with the lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer.

cooked rice in pot — Add the oil, rice, coconut milk, water, and salt, to a medium non-stick saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Bring the rice to a boil, cover with the lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer.

herbs being added to pot — Once the rice has finished cooking, it’s time to fluff it with a fork and then add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and lime zest. Give the rice a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Store and Reheat

Fridge: Once the rice has cooled, transfer it to an air-tight food storage container and store in the fridge for up to five days.

Freezer: One of my favorite things to do is to freeze leftover rice. It makes delicious stir-fried rice and is easy to reheat. To freeze your rice, let it come to a cool, and then transfer it to a freezer safe storage container or freezer bag. Store the rice for up to three months.

A Few of My Favorite Tips

Want a more neutral rice? Feel free to leave out the cilantro and lime juice at the end for a simple flavorful white rice.
Want to add more nutrition? If you want to add even more flavor and nutrition to your rice, you can use chicken broth instead of water. The flavor of the rice will change a bit so keep that in mind.
Do not skip the step of rinsing your rice. I know it may seem like a pain but it helps to remove excess starch which gives you the fluffiest rice.
Add even more flavor. Throw in a bay leaf to the rice while it is cooking for even more flavorful rice.

How to Serve: A Few of My Favorite Pairings

Rice pairs well with so many different proteins but I definitely have a few favorites that I love to serve with this rice.

More Kitchen Staple Recipes

I hope you give this Cilantro Lime Rice a try! It is so easy to make and the perfect side for so many different meals.If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.