I use brown rice cooked in chicken broth, then toss it with lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and fresh cilantro once the pressure comes down. This main method is written for brown rice; white rice needs a different liquid ratio and cook time, which I list below.
Chipotle-style rice. Lime and cilantro at the end.
Real Talk
When my wife was pregnant with our second child, we ate too much Chipotle. She had the worst food aversions, and it was the only thing that sounded good. It went from being my favorite fast food place to something I didn't want to eat for more than a year. That's no exaggeration.
During that stretch, I started making it at home pretty regularly, because I just couldn't afford it anymore. This is my Instant Pot take on Chipotle-style cilantro lime rice, not an ingredient-for-ingredient clone. The lime-and-cilantro flavor is the target; I use broth and garlic for more flavor at home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Brown rice cooked in broth. Chicken broth seasons the rice while it cooks. You can use water if you prefer.
- The lime goes in after cooking. Lime juice, olive oil, and garlic get whisked together while the rice cooks, then poured over the rice once the pressure is released.
- Cilantro last. Finely chopped leaves get mixed in at the very end.
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 cups brown rice, rinsed
- 2½ cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
To Finish
- ¼ cup cilantro, leaves only, finely chopped
Brown Rice or White Rice
This recipe is written for brown rice. If you prefer white rice, use 2 cups of chicken broth and cook it for 12 minutes at low pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
Broth or Water
Chicken broth gives the rice more flavor, but water works if that's what you prefer.
Cook Times at a Glance
Brown rice: 2 cups rice, 2½ cups broth, 22 minutes at high pressure.
White rice: 2 cups rice, 2 cups broth, 12 minutes at low pressure.
Either way, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the rest before you add the lime and cilantro.
How to Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Step 1: Pressure cook the rice
Add the chicken broth and salt to the pot.
Add the rice and give it a good mix. Lock the lid and cook for 22 minutes at high pressure.
Step 2: Mix the lime dressing while it cooks
Meanwhile, add the lime juice, olive oil, and garlic to a small bowl.
Whisk them together.
Step 3: Release the pressure
When the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
Step 4: Finish with lime and cilantro
Pour the lime juice mixture over the rice.
Add the cilantro.
Mix everything together well.
Serve it with your favorite dish.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the rice. The recipe calls for rinsed brown rice.
- Keep the lime for the end. The lime dressing and cilantro go in after the pressure is released.
- Use the natural release. Give it 10 minutes before you quick-release the rest.
- Adjust for white rice. Use 2 cups of broth and 12 minutes at low pressure.
FAQs
Cook 2 cups of rinsed brown rice with 2½ cups of chicken broth and salt for 22 minutes at high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the rest. Toss the rice with lime juice, olive oil, and garlic, then mix in chopped cilantro.
Yes. Use 2 cups of chicken broth and cook for 12 minutes at low pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
Yes. Water works if you prefer it. The broth adds more flavor.
After cooking. Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, and garlic while the rice cooks, pour it over the rice once the pressure is released, then mix in the cilantro.
More Instant Pot Recipes
For more Instant Pot dinners with a Tex-Mex lean, try my Instant Pot Salsa Chicken with Lime and Black Beans or Instant Pot Fajitas.
Did you make this Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice?
Please leave a star rating and tell me how it turned out!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice - Chipotle Copycat
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth can sub water, if preferred
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. garlic minced
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves only, finely chopped
Instructions
- Add chicken broth and salt to the pot. Then add rice and give a good mix. Cook for 22 minutes at high pressure.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add lime juice, olive oil, and garlic and whisk together.
- Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
- Pour lime juice mixture over rice, then add cilantro. Mix everything together well. Serve with your favorite dish.
Janelle
I love this recipe and use it all the time! But, can you double the recipe? What would the cook time be?
Gary White
Glad you like the recipe! The cook time would remain the same when doubling the recipe.
Kathy
I made this for the first time but. certainly not the last!! Great recipe, thank you so much
Rita
I did it with the white rice modification shown. I also threw in some of the lime zest. Was so light, fluffy and flavorful - as good as any restarant!