Description
This vibrant Chipotle Rice with Lime and Fresh Cilantro is an easy and flavorful side dish that elevates weeknight meals. It is quick to prepare, versatile, and brings a smoky-citrus aroma to any dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium (if preferred)
- 1–2 chipotle peppers, in adobo sauce, chopped (approx. 1–2 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or 1 tsp dried cilantro)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 small onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add diced 0.5 small onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Chipotle Goodness: Stir in 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers and 1 tsp of adobo sauce. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring continuously, until their smoky aroma intensifies and the color deepens.
- Toast Rice: Add 1 cup white or brown rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until grains appear slightly translucent at the edges, ensuring a fluffy texture later.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in 2 cups broth and 0.5 tsp salt. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to very low. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes (for white rice) or 40-45 minutes (for brown rice) until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove pot from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice and 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Add a pinch of cumin if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use two chipotle peppers; for a milder flavor, use one. If rice dries out too quickly during simmering, add 1-2 Tbsp more broth. Consider adding black beans or cooked shredded chicken for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Chipotle rice, lime cilantro rice, weeknight meal, easy side dish, smoky citrus, flavorful rice, gluten-free, dairy-free