By: Amie Pagan
Sometimes the simplest side dishes are the ones you find yourself making again and again. This Cilantro-Lime Rice is light, fluffy, buttery, and full of fresh flavor—the kind of easy side that can completely transform a meal.
Instead of simply stirring cilantro into cooked rice, fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and onion are blended with chicken broth, allowing all of that bright, savory flavor to cook right into every grain. Toasting the rice in butter first adds a subtle nuttiness, while fresh lime at the end keeps everything vibrant and fresh.
It’s incredibly versatile, easy enough for a weeknight, and pairs beautifully with everything from tacos and grilled meats to seafood and roasted chicken. This is one of those simple recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket whenever dinner needs a little something extra.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- LONG-GRAIN WHITE RICE: The perfect base for light, fluffy rice.
- BUTTER: For toasting the rice and adding richness
- CHICKEN BROTH: Adds much more flavor than cooking the rice in water.
- FRESH CILANTRO: Blended into the cooking liquid so that fresh flavor runs throughout the rice.
- FRESH LIME JUICE: Adds the bright, citrusy finish that makes this rice so good.
- GARLIC: For a little savory depth.
- WHITE ONION: Adds subtle sweetness and flavor.
- SALT & PEPPER: To bring everything together.
Jump to printable recipe for precise measurements
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 – MAKE THE CILANTRO-LIME BROTH
Add the chicken broth, fresh cilantro, lime juice, onion, and garlic to a blender. Blend until smooth and the cilantro is finely incorporated throughout the broth.
Step 2 – TOAST THE RICE
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grains are lightly toasted and coated in the butter.
Step 3 – ADD THE CILANTRO-LIME BROTH
Pour the blended cilantro-lime broth into the toasted rice and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Cook the rice covered over low heat for 15–17 minutes, without lifting the lid, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to gently steam and gives you those perfectly fluffy, separate grains.
FAVORITE PAIRING:
This bright, fluffy Cilantro-Lime Rice is the perfect side for my Chicken Enchiladas Verdes, where the fresh cilantro and citrus balance the creamy cheese and roasted tomatillo salsa. It’s equally delicious alongside my Blackened Shrimp Tacos, adding a fresh, flavorful side without competing with the star of the plate.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1¾ cups chicken broth, divided
- ½ packed cup fresh cilantro, leaves and tender stems
- ¼ medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lime, divided
- Zest of ½ lime
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Make the Cilantro-Lime Broth Add the cilantro, onion, garlic, ¾ cup chicken broth, half of the lime juice, cumin, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and the cilantro is finely incorporated throughout the liquid.
- Toast the Rice Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the dry rice and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grains are well coated and lightly toasted.
- Add the Cilantro-Lime Broth Pour the blended cilantro mixture into the toasted rice, followed by the remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Stir once to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook the Rice Cook, covered, for 15–17 minutes without lifting the lid, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This final steaming time is what helps give the rice its light, fluffy texture. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Finish with the remaining lime juice and lime zest. Taste and add additional salt or black pepper as needed.
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