This copycat Chipotle Cilantro Brown Rice Recipe is a quick and healthy side dish that can be made in less than 45 minutes! Make this cilantro lime brown rice and add it to your favorite bowl, tacos and burritos, or serve it on the side of your favorite Mexican dishes!

a serving of cilantro lime brown rice in white plate

When I am in need of a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight meal this cilantro and lime brown rice is always my go-to. It’s healthy, fresh, fast, and made with ingredients I always have in the pantry. I add fresh squeezed lime juice, lime zest and fresh cilantro to give this rice tons of flavor. This easy rice recipe is made without butter or oil making it a light and healthy side dish.

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    Why I love this brown rice with cilantro and lime:

    • Easy! Prep just takes 5 minutes, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand in your pantry.
    • Healthy! There’s no butter or oil in this recipe.
    • Tasty! This isn’t your average rice side dish! It’s loaded with flavor from garlic, cilantro, lime zest and fresh squeeze lime juice!
    • Kid-Friendly! Kids may even prefer this flavorful rice to the usual plain white rice. Healthy win!

    fluffing cooked brown rice

    How do I make this healthy cilantro lime brown rice?

    It’s so easy – just 2 steps!

    Boil the rice: Add rice, water or chicken broth and lime zest to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 30-35 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

    simmering rice with chicken broth and lime zest

    1. Stir in herbs and seasonings: Take off of the heat and stir in the lime juice, cilantro and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

    adding lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro to cooked rice

    Do I have to use brown rice?

    No! You can use white rice, jasmine rice or instant rice for this healthy side dish! It’s totally preference! Just make sure to remember that white rice or jasmine rice will take about 15-20 minutes and instant rice should take about 10 minutes.

    Tips

    • Cook the rice in stock instead of water. Chicken or vegetable stock works really well in this recipe!
    • Other herbs to try: Cilantro is my favorite for this recipe, but fresh basil, parsley or oregano would also be delicious! If you like a bit of heat, try dicing a chili pepper or adding crushed red pepper flakes!

    What do I serve this Cilantro Lime Brown Rice recipe with?

    There are plenty of options – any of your Mexican favorites will work! My go-to’s are steak kabobsgrilled salmon or grilled chicken.

    Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl: This is a great option for meal prep! Here is how I would make a super tasty burrito bowl:

    burrito bowls with cilantro lime dressing, black beans, chicken, lettuce and salsa

    Other fantastic recipes to make a healthy burrito bowl:

    Healthy Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

    5 from 2 votes
    A quick and healthy side dish that can be made in less than 45 minutes!
    Servings: 4
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups uncooked long grain brown rice
    • 4 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
    • 1 lime, zested and juiced
    • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
    • 2 tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp of fresh garlic, minced
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions 

    • Add rice, water or chicken broth and lime zest to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
    • Reduce heat to low and cook for 30-35 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
    • Take off of the heat and stir in the lime juice, cilantro and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 20mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg

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