With barely 2 minutes of effort, a simple skillet of rice went from boring to something special in this Chipotle Lime Rice.
I loved the unexpected tang of the lime and the barely-there heat of the chipotle pepper. This rice recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican, Tex-Mex or Southwestern meal.
Chipotle Rice Recipe
Rice is a classic staple side dish on its own but if you’re looking for a way to literally spice up the ordinary, chipotle lime rice might be just the thing. With just a couple extra steps a simple bowl of rice is transformed into a tangy and lightly spiced accompaniment to your meal.
After cooking rice as you usually would, you just drizzle it with a combination of olive oil and the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. Top with cilantro or parsley if you like and serve this rice with a fresh lime wedge on the side.
The addition of finely chopped cilantro or parsley adds wonderful color to the brown rice along with a little zip of fresh flavor. That said, it’s not strictly necessary and the rice will still taste good without it.
The chipotle sauce adds a ton of smokiness and flavor without making this rice too spicy or overpowering. Even the members of my family who aren’t as keen on spicy food loved this rice!
Leftovers of this rice can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner the second day. You can also toss the rice into a salad, wrap or burrito with your favorite fixing. However you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit.
Chipotle and Lime Recipes
I am really enjoying the combination of smokey heat and tangy lime this week. This would be delicious with the Chili Lime Corn on the Cob and it was perfect with this Chipotle Lime Salmon for dinner last night.
If you like the flavors in this rice recipe, you also need to give Chipotle Chicken Kabobs with Avocado Cream Sauce a try. Great for a family meal or as a party food, they showcase that delicious chipotle and lime flavor combo so well.
I’ve got my eye on this Chipotle Lime Cranberry Sauce to try Thanksgiving and Christmas meals next year! I can imagine the tart-sweet cranberries and lime mixed with heat from the peppers is marvelous.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro and lime are always a hit when combined in different recipes. The freshness of the cilantro and tangy tart lime taste are a magical combination.
There are a couple other cilantro lime rice recipes that we make frequently and love as well. This Pineapple Rice with Cilantro and Lime is a kid favorite and we all enjoy this Oven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice.
Cilantro fans should also give this Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw a try. It would be phenomenal served with chicken, beef or salmon and a big helping of Chipotle Lime Rice.
And for those instances when you know your salad could be improved with a zesty creamy dressing, I think this Cilantro and Lime Dressing from Fifteen Spatulas would be just the thing.
Chipotle Lime Rice
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- While the rice is cooking, combine the olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle sauce in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Once the rice is cooked, while it is still steaming hot, place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Fluff with a fork and then drizzle with the lime sauce. Toss well to thoroughly coat and separate the rice.
- Taste and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with a wedge of lime for extra tang.
Chipotle Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly cooked rice Jasmine is my choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Optional: minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish and fresh lime wedge for serving
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, combine the olive oil, lime juice and chipotle sauce in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Once the rice is cooked, while it is still steaming hot, place it in a large mixing bowl. Fluff with a fork and then drizzle with the lime sauce. Toss well to thoroughly coat and separate the rice.
- Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with a wedge of lime for extra tang. Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally published 8/19/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/30/19}
Jean | Delightful Repast says
Mary, cilantro and lime is one of my favorite combinations. Those along with that little kick of chipotle would really liven up a pan of rice! Would make a meal out of a couple of fish tacos.
Big Dude says
I'm not a big rice fan but with lime, chipotle and cilantro in it, I'm sure I'd eat plenty of it.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I serve rice often and this will be a nice change.
Sue/the view from great island says
This is so simple, but I bet the flavors are really lively!
Pam says
Bookmarked. I have a feeling I would love this rice!
Lizzy Do says
What a simple way to jazz up rice…it looks delish, Mary!
[email protected] eco friendly homemaking says
Oh this rice sounds so delicious!! I love lime in almost anything but have never thought to add it to rice!
sweetpeaskitchen.com says
Looks great! I love the chipotle peppers thrown in! 🙂
The Slow Roasted Italian says
This rice is fabulous. Love these flavors Mary!
Good Food Good Friends says
Great idea! Perfect for taco night!
Chris says
I would love to use this with some cheese and sausage to stuff some bell peppers! Great side dish, Mary!
Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
This is my new go-to rice recipe! Thanks 🙂
Anonymous says
Just made this. I will never ever make any other kind of rice again. First time that I have used Jasmine rice….I am just so impressed. Thought I died and went to heaven.
Mary says
That is how I felt the first time I tasted Jasmine rice! I am thrilled that you liked the recipe so much. Thanks for taking the time to tell me!