Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe in the Instant Pot
This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is wonderfully fragrant, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the perfect side dish for chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Or it makes a great base for burrito bowls!
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The fresh cilantro + citrus flavor combination is truly special, especially when paired with Mexican food. Whether you’re making chicken fajitas, carne asada, or a homemade burrito bowl, this easy rice recipe adds so much flavor and brightness to your meal.
What if you don’t like cilantro?
No worries! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try swapping it out with parsley and a bit of finely diced green onion. It still delivers a fresh flavor that pairs well with Mexican dishes and makes for a flavorful rice without the cilantro kick.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This rice is super versatile. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
- Black Beans – We like to cook ours with a little garlic powder and cumin
- Carne Asada – The pre-marinated kind is a lifesaver for busy nights
- Refried Beans – Especially with melted cheese—YUM!
- Cilantro Lime Chicken – Double down on the lime flavor for a delicious combo
- Use it as a base for burrito bowls with grilled chicken or beef, black beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream
- Cheesy Chorizo Tacos – So crispy, cheesy, and perfect with this rice
- Grilled Shrimp or Shrimp Tacos – A fresh and fast weeknight dinner
- Leftover Pot Roast – Shred it up for beef tacos and pair with this rice
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Rinse your long grain rice (such as jasmine rice or basmati rice) under cool running water to remove excess starch—this helps create fluffy rice.
- Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of cold water for a flavorful rice base.
- Use fresh limes—bottled juice just doesn’t have the same flavor.
- Add your tablespoons of lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking for the best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently for meal prep or lunch bowls.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a delicious upgrade to plain white rice, this is the best way to enjoy a copycat version of Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice at home.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- Easy steps, thanks to the Instant Pot
- Perfect every time, even if it’s your first time cooking rice in a pressure cooker
- Works as a side for just about any Mexican dish or Spanish rice alternative
- Ideal for meal prep—make a lot of rice and enjoy it all week!
Make It Your Own
This cilantro lime rice recipe is easy to customize. Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño with the broth before cooking. Prefer it extra citrusy? Add more lime zest or a splash of orange juice for a fun twist. You can even toss in some frozen corn or peas at the end for a pop of color and sweetness. For added richness, try stirring in a tablespoon of butter just before serving. It’s a flexible side dish that adapts to whatever you’re making for dinner!
Printable Recipe Card
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice long-grain, rinsed well
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse your rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear.
- Place rice, broth, oil, and salt in the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Seal the lid and set to cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural release, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, fluff the cooked rice with a fork, and let it cool slightly to room temperature.
- Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
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