Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (Healthy & Easy!)

Let me take you back to the first time I decided to skip regular rice at Chipotle. I was trying to eat a little cleaner, maybe cut down on carbs—but I still wanted that burst of flavor in my burrito bowl. That’s when I discovered their cilantro lime cauliflower rice, and honestly… it blew my mind.

It was fresh, tangy, herby, and light—but still somehow satisfying. I knew I had to recreate it at home.

So, I got to work, grabbed my favorite skillet, and after a little experimenting, I landed on the perfect blend of zesty lime, bold spices, and fresh cilantro—all married with that cauliflower “rice” texture that holds its own in any dish.

And now? This has become a weekly staple in my kitchen. It’s quick, clean, packed with flavor, and goes with everything from tacos to grain-free burrito bowls, or even as a fresh side to grilled meat or fish.

Let’s make it together.

Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Let me take you back to the first time I skipped regular rice at Chipotle. I was on a mission to eat cleaner—cutting down on carbs but still craving flavor.

That’s when I stumbled upon their cilantro lime cauliflower rice… and it changed everything.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican-inspired

Servings 2

Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Zester or fine grater
• Citrus juicer or fork (for juicing limes)
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp coconut oil (or substitute olive oil)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
• 1 tsp lime zest
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Cauliflower Rice

  Heat 1 tsp of coconut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the cauliflower rice.

  Sauté for 2–3 minutes if using fresh, or 4–5 minutes if using frozen, until softened and any excess moisture evaporates.
  
• Add the Spices

  Sprinkle in cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices.

  Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to let the spices toast slightly and deepen the flavor.
  
• Finish with Freshness

  Turn off the heat. Add lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro while the rice is still warm.

  Toss to combine and let it sit for one minute in the warm pan to absorb the flavors.

  Optional: Add a small squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing!
  

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower—soft is good, soggy is not.
• Use fresh lime and cilantro for the best flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
• Double the batch for easy meal prep throughout the week.
• Want more texture? Toss in chopped bell peppers or black beans.
• Add jalapeño or chili flakes for heat!

Keyword Cauliflower Rice, Chipotle Copycat, Cilantro Lime, Gluten Free, Vegan Option

What to Serve It With (Pairing Ideas)

This cauliflower rice is wildly versatile, and here are just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Taco Night: Use it as the perfect bed under shrimp, steak, or black bean tacos.
• Burrito Bowl: Layer it with grilled chicken, avocado, salsa, and lettuce for a Chipotle-style bowl at home.
• Grilled Fish or Shrimp: Add a side of this cauliflower rice to balance out smoky, spicy proteins.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner: Top it with a fried egg and avocado slices for a healthy spin on a breakfast bowl.
• Lettuce Wraps or Bowls: Use it as a base under chopped romaine and veggies with your favorite protein.
• Vegetarian Meal: Serve alongside roasted chickpeas, sautéed peppers, and guac for a plant-based plate.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep!

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
• Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 1 month, though the texture may be slightly softer when reheated.
• Reheat Tip: Add a squeeze of lime after reheating to freshen it up instantly!

Why You’ll Keep Making This

Besides being delicious, here’s what makes this cauliflower rice such a win:

You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe when you want something healthy, fast, and still full of flavor. And honestly? I usually double the batch just to have extra for the week.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is light, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies, cut back on carbs, or just looking for something new to try with your tacos—this recipe delivers.

With just a handful of ingredients and a skillet, you’ll have a restaurant-quality side dish in 10 minutes flat. No soggy cauliflower. No bland bites. Just a clean, bold, citrusy flavor that goes with just about everything.

Give it a try—you might even forget about regular rice altogether.

Leo Mcintyre

I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.