Authentic Copycat Recipe • Exact Ingredients • Step-by-Step Guide • Restaurant Quality • Perfect Every Time
Craving Chipotle's famous cilantro-lime brown rice but don't want to leave home? You're in luck! This authentic copycat recipe recreates the EXACT flavor and texture of Chipotle Mexican Grill's signature brown rice. It's easier than you think - just 20 minutes and 7 simple ingredients!
Whether you're building your own Chipotle bowl at home, meal prepping for the week, or just love that fresh cilantro-lime flavor, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time. Plus, making it yourself saves money compared to ordering from Chipotle's menu!
Recipe Summary: Ready in 20 minutes • Serves 6 • 210 calories per serving • Perfect for meal prep • Tastes EXACTLY like Chipotle!
Last Updated: January 9, 2026 | Recipe verified by former Chipotle kitchen staff
This authentic Chipotle brown rice recipe uses the SAME ingredients they use in the restaurant. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Rice | 2 cups | Long-grain or medium-grain works best |
| Water | 3 cups | Use filtered water for best taste |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 2 tbsp | MUST be fresh! (1 large lime) |
| Fresh Cilantro | 3 tbsp | Chopped fine - adds signature flavor |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | Olive or vegetable oil |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf | Chipotle's secret ingredient! |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
For the MOST authentic taste, use fresh lime juice (never bottled) and fresh cilantro. Chipotle also uses rice bran oil, but olive or vegetable oil works perfectly!
Follow these simple steps to make perfect Chipotle-style brown rice every time:
Place 2 cups of brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds, stirring with your hand. Rinse until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents sticky rice.
In a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups water, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat (this takes about 5 minutes).
Once boiling, reduce heat to LOW, cover tightly with lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes WITHOUT lifting the lid. The rice is done when all water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Remove from heat and let stand COVERED for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp oil. Mix thoroughly but gently until evenly distributed.
This is the SECRET STEP that makes it taste exactly like Chipotle!
Taste and adjust salt/lime if needed. Serve immediately as a side dish or use it to build your own Chipotle bowl at home!
Chipotle brown rice is a healthier choice compared to white rice! It's higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here's the complete nutrition breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 5g | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sodium | 300mg | 13% |
The bay leaf is Chipotle's secret! It adds a subtle earthy flavor that makes their rice special. Don't skip it!
Never use bottled lime juice! Fresh-squeezed lime juice gives that authentic bright, zesty flavor. One large lime = about 2 tablespoons.
While the rice simmers, resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid releases steam and can make rice undercooked or mushy.
This is how Chipotle does it! Adding cilantro and lime juice after cooking (not during) keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
This rice keeps in the fridge for 5 days! Store in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of water to refresh.
Now that you've mastered the rice, complete your homemade Chipotle bowl with these menu items:
Chipotle uses long-grain brown rice. The rice is cooked with bay leaves and finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro to create their signature cilantro-lime brown rice.
A serving of Chipotle brown rice (4 oz) contains 210 calories, 40g carbs, 5g protein, and 5g fat. It's a healthier alternative to white rice with more fiber and nutrients. See our complete nutrition guide.
Yes, but cooking times will be different (usually 10 minutes). Follow package directions, then add lime, cilantro, and oil at the end. Regular brown rice gives more authentic texture though!
The secret is fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro added AFTER cooking, plus a touch of oil for richness. Chipotle also cooks the rice with bay leaves for subtle flavor depth.
Absolutely! Freeze in portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat with a splash of water. Add fresh cilantro and lime when reheating for best flavor.
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Find out →Now you have the secret recipe! Get all the ingredients and start cooking restaurant-quality Chipotle rice at home.
