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Side dish extraordinaire, this is the BEST Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. It is ridiculously good, criminally easy, and a ‘grab seconds’ kind of dinner partner.

A big serving bowl of cilantro lime rice sitting on a towel on the counter.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Fluffy white rice flavored with a little limey lime, bright & fresh cilantro, a hit of garlic and just a few green chilis. Lime Cilantro Rice is a side dish KING. Fit to accompany every Mexican dish of your dreams, this Cilantro Lime Rice is the back pocket recipe of all back pocket recipes. I love to serve this with my Cafe Rio Copycat Sweet Pork in a burrito, on a salad, or as a side to tacos/quesadillas/nachos, etc. But truly, the main dish combos are endless! 

And perhaps the best thing about it? It is freakishly easy. Like, throw everything in one pot (either in a rice cooker or on the stove) and forget about it for a few, easy. 

Aerial view of a serving spread for cafe rio copycat recipes. There is a bowl of cilantro lime rice, sweet pork and tomatillo ranch dressing.

Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients

You’re seven easy ingredients away from a killer side dish! Check ’em out:

  • White rice – I like to use Jasmine or Basmati rice. 
  • Water
  • Chicken broth 
  • Garlic powder 
  • Diced green chilis – I used mild green chilis, but you can use medium or hot if you want to add a little kick. 
  • Lime juice – Bottled lime juice works great here! 
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
A full spread of cafe rio recipes. A bowl of cilantro lime rice with a spoon sticking out of it.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

  1. To make Cilantro Lime Rice in a rice cooker, add all of the ingredients to the rice maker and then turn it on according to its directions.
  2. To make on the stovetop, measure everything out into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook covered on low for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and no liquid remains.
  3. Fluff with a fork and serve. Enjoy!
A bowl of cilantro lime rice (cafe rio copycat recipe) on the counter next to a bunch of cilantro.

How should I store this Lime Cilantro Rice?

If you have leftover rice, allow it to cool and then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, cover with a damp paper towel or add a trickle of water to the container before microwaving until warm.

What should I serve with this Rice Recipe?

Honestly, the sky is the limit here! This is technically a Cafe Rio Copycat recipe, so I often serve it on Cafe Rio style salads (with Tomatillo Lime Ranch Dressing!) or in burritos like they do. However, this would be so yummy with enchiladas, tacos, nachos, etc, etc.

A serving bowl filled with lime cilantro rice. Across the bottom are the words "Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice. Copycat | From scratch | easy." advertising a post for how to make cilantro lime rice.

Other Killer Sides

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Cilantro Lime Rice

Side dish extraordinaire, this is the BEST Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. It is ridiculously good, criminally easy, and a ‘grab seconds’ kind of dinner partner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tsp chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 can diced green chilis
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions 

  • To make Cilantro Lime Rice in a rice cooker, add all of the ingredients to the rice maker and then turn it on according to its directions.
  • To make on the stovetop, measure everything out into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook covered on low for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and no liquid remains.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0.03mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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About Karli Bitner

This blog is a little glimpse into my kitchen, family & life. I hope you’ll giggle the days away with me and enjoy the craziness that goes on at my house. If you are Cookie obsessed like I am, check out my Sister Site, Cookies for Days.

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