This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.
Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect side dish, for burritos, nachos, or a taco salad. So many options! Delicious toasted rice, chicken broth, fresh lime, cilantro, and seasonings.
It’s no secret by now that we are huge fans of Mexican food at our house. These honey lime chicken taquitos are one of my family’s favorite dinner. If I am serving those taquitos then this cilantro lime rice will be right next to it.
Whenever I need some type of rice either for a taco salad, rice bowl, inside a burrito, etc. I always make this cilantro lime rice. It cooks perfectly each and every time. Recipes like that are my favorite!
I have made this rice more times than I can count. Through the years of making it I have found that the best rice to use is basmati.
Basmati rice is more expensive than long-grain rice but it is the only rice that has worked for me every single time. If you don’t want to buy the basmati then the next best alternative to use is long-grain rice or jasmine rice works well too.
What makes this rice stand out is the toasting of the rice in butter. It brings out such a great flavor and helps the rice cook better.
I also love the fresh lime zest too. You will need a citrus zester so be sure you have one handy. I ordered mine on Amazon or any store would have one too.
This cilantro lime rice goes perfect with these dinners
- honey lime grilled chicken rice bowls
- honey lime chicken taquitos
- turkey taco burrito bowls
- slow cooker chicken enchilada tacos
- crock pot Fritos taco bowls
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1¼ cups basmati rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- zest and juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, add the butter and dry, uncooked rice. Toast the rice, while stirring frequently, until it's lightly golden brown, smells fragrant, and the butter has melted. * This takes about 3-4 minutes
- Add the chicken broth, chopped cilantro, salt, cumin, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir.
- Bring to a boil and then cover with lid and turn heat down to low. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. All of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Fluff with fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
I'd love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!
Save this recipe for later and PIN IT to PINTEREST
I love cilantro and lime….what’s not to love about this! Trying it soon!
Popping by from My Turn From Us.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I love the ‘freedom fridays’ link party you host. Thanks so much for the comment, and yes this rice is delicious. In fact, I just made it last night for dinner. Have a great weekend!
This is by far the best rice I have made… I used two whole limes to add that zest… 5 stars
Do you think this could be made with quinoa?
I think it could. I’ve never done it but I believe the water to rice ratio is the same for quinoa.
Made this recipe exactly as written and it turned out great! Used all vegan ingredients – earth balance for butter and vegetable broth. Don’t be shy about adding full amounts (or more) of lime and cilantro. Flavor is fantastic. I felt it was a teensy bit dry so next time will use 2.5 cups broth.
Oh yes, for sure adding more broth will help. I prefer rice on the drier side but not too dry. So glad you could use vegan ingredients for this. Thanks for commenting.
Should I wash the rice first?
I never wash the rice when I make this.
Can you recommend how to cook this in a rice cooker? Can’t wait to make it. Thanks so much.
Try this instant pot version instead https://togetherasfamily.com/instant-pot-cilantro-lime-rice/
I didn’t see the number of servings on your recipe. I’d like to make this for 10 people.
I apologize. I will have to go fix that. This makes enough for 6 side dish servings. So I would say you would need to double it if serving 10 people.
Quite possibly the most delicious rice I’ve ever tasted in my life. Made this to serve work Mexican themed dinner I made for a family dinner and while everything was yummy, this rice got rave reviews from everyone. A keeper. Thank you!
Amazing! First time I made and it came out perfectly. I only had Jasmine Rice at home but I used 1 1/4 cup of Jasmine Rice & 2 cups of chicken broth, it came out perfect, not mushy or hard!
Thank you!
Can you make this a head say like 24 hours before an event
I think it’s better fresh but I will say that we love the leftovers. We just warm them up. So yea, it may work making it ahead of time.
All of your recipes are delicious and easy to make!! I am so happy that I found all of these, makes my life so much easier as a busy mom of teenage kids!!! Thank you so so much!!!!
Thank you for your comment! Glad I could help you and your family!
This recipe does not disappoint. It is definitely a keeper.
So glad you like it!
I love this recipe. A frequent flyer in our home. A perfect side for a variety of meals, including grilled chicken, fajitas, taco bowls, etc.
I am so happy to hear this! So glad your family enjoys it.