If you’ve ever felt like plain rice was a little boring, this Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is the solution. Infused with the rich flavor of chicken bone broth, brightened with fresh lime juice, and finished with fresh cilantro, this simple side dish transforms an everyday staple.
Not only does this recipe add incredible flavor to your meals, but it also provides the nutritional benefits of whole-grain brown rice. Brown rice contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates that help provide lasting energy and support overall health.
Whether you’re building burrito bowls, serving tacos, or meal prepping for the week, this cilantro lime rice is a versatile recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the rice and chicken bone broth to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer according to package directions, typically 30–40 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the lime juice, cilantro, garlic salt and ground black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before serving.
Nutrition Highlights
This simple side dish delivers more than just flavor.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its fiber-rich bran and nutrient-packed germ. Compared to white rice, it provides more fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins, helping support steady energy levels and overall health.
Bone Broth
Cooking rice in chicken bone broth instead of water adds depth of flavor while contributing protein, collagen, and minerals.
Cilantro and Lime
Fresh herbs and citrus are an easy way to boost flavor without relying heavily on added fats or sauces. The lime juice adds brightness while cilantro provides a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Ideas
Taco Night
This rice is the perfect side dish for:
- Chicken tacos
- Beef tacos
- Turkey tacos
- Fish tacos
- Black bean tacos
It pairs especially well with black bean salsa and creamy lime avocado sauce.
Burrito Bowls
Build a nourishing bowl with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Ground chicken seasoned with burrito seasoning
- Black bean salsa
- Fajita vegetables
- Avocado or guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
Meal Prep Lunches
Divide into containers with:
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Black beans
- Salsa
Southwest-Inspired Salads
Use a scoop of cilantro lime rice to make salads more filling and satisfying.
As a Simple Side Dish
Serve alongside:
- Grilled chicken
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Steak
- Roasted vegetables
Why I Love This Recipe
One of the easiest ways to make healthy meals more enjoyable is to build flavor into every component. Instead of treating rice as an afterthought, this recipe turns it into a flavorful foundation for countless meals.
The combination of hearty brown rice, savory bone broth, fresh cilantro, and bright lime juice creates a side dish that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough for guests. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it as the base for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and meal prep lunches that you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the rice and chicken bone broth to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer according to package directions, about 40 minute or until the liquid isa absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the lime juice, cilantro, garlic salt and ground black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.