Zesty Cilantro Garlic Rice
This Zesty Cilantro Garlic Rice is the perfect side dish for spicy entrees like my Crock-Pot Fiesta Chicken. It's inspired by the famous Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice but features a sweet twist with limeade instead of fresh lime juice, making it an inventive and flavorful alternative. The combination of fluffy rice, aromatic garlic, and a touch of sweetness from limeade creates a delightful balance that complements the zestiness of the fiesta chicken. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this rice dish will surely become a family favorite.
4
Servings
150
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minute Rice
2 cups (uncooked)
Chicken Broth
14 ounces (canned)
Limeade
1/4 cup (or enough to make 2 cups with the chicken broth)
Minced Garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons (jarred)
Dried Cilantro
1 1/2 tablespoons (or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth and limeade. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, stir in the Minute Rice, minced garlic, and dried cilantro until well combined.
3
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and remove it from heat. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
4
After 5 minutes, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish, such as Crock-Pot Fiesta Chicken.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Fat
32g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Garlic Rice?
Zesty Cilantro Garlic Rice is a flavorful side dish inspired by Chipotle's cilantro lime rice, but it features a unique sweet twist by using limeade instead of fresh lime juice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the main difference between this and Chipotle's cilantro lime rice?
While both are aromatic and zesty, this version uses limeade for a touch of sweetness and inventive flavor compared to the traditional fresh lime juice used in copycat recipes.
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 cups of uncooked Minute Rice for quick and easy preparation.
Can I use fresh lime juice instead of limeade?
The recipe is specifically designed with limeade to provide a sweet balance, but you can use fresh lime juice if you prefer a more traditional, tart flavor profile.
How long does the rice need to sit after cooking?
Once the rice is combined with the boiling liquid and covered, it should sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to fully absorb the liquid.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, it uses chicken broth, so it is not vegetarian. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features a balance of aromatic garlic, bright cilantro, and a subtle sweetness from the limeade.
What main dish pairs best with this rice?
It is highly recommended as a side for spicy entrees like Crock-Pot Fiesta Chicken.
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cilantro for the 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried cilantro, though you may want to add it at the end for maximum freshness.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of jarred minced garlic.
What is the fat content per serving?
This is a low-fat side dish, containing only 0.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there much sugar in this rice?
Due to the limeade, there is a small amount of sugar, totaling 0.75g per serving.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and 'easy recipe' because it uses Minute Rice and takes only about 5-10 minutes of total time.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
Does this recipe include fiber?
Yes, there is 1g of dietary fiber per serving.
What liquid ratio is used for the rice?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of chicken broth plus 1/4 cup of limeade, which should total approximately 2 cups of liquid for 2 cups of rice.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests jarred minced garlic for convenience, you can use freshly minced cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
Do I need to keep the stove on while the rice absorbs the water?
No, once you stir the rice into the boiling liquid, you should cover the pan and remove it from the heat.
Is this dish considered spicy?
No, the rice itself is zesty and aromatic rather than spicy, making it a great cooling side for spicy main courses.
Can I use a different type of rice like Jasmine or Basmati?
This recipe is calibrated for the quick-cook properties of Minute Rice. If using Jasmine or Basmati, you will need to adjust the water ratio and simmer it on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
After the 5-minute resting period, use a fork to gently fluff the rice and distribute the garlic and cilantro evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients (rice, limeade, garlic, cilantro) are gluten-free, but you must ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve 8 people, just ensure you use a large enough saucepan.
Is the sodium content high?
The sodium content depends largely on the chicken broth used; choosing a low-sodium broth can help control the salt levels.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine and is a popular side for Mexican-inspired meals.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat the rice?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.