Cilantro Lime Rice

I’ve seen different versions of this Chipotle favorite on a lot of blogs. I know I’m not in the minority when I say that one of my favorite things about eating at Chipotle is that incredible rice they serve in their burritos. A few years ago, I decided I was going to come up with my own version so we could enjoy it at home, and this is my (time-tested, perfected) recipe.

I use plain old instant white rice, so it’s ready in 5 minutes. However, I cook the rice in chicken broth and butter to give it tons of flavor, so it doesn’t taste instant in the least. To give it a fluffy texture, I use a 3/4 cup liquid to 1 cup rice ratio. But the thing I love most about my version? I add the cilantro directly to the rice while it’s cooking, so the bright, verdant herb flavors every single bite of rice. Add in some salt, and the juice of one lime, and it’s absolutely perfect -- and maybe even better than the original.

Cilantro Lime Rice

1 cup instant white rice
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

1. Bring chicken broth and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice and cilantro; cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.

2. Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice and add salt to taste. Serve.