How many calories are in chipotle cilantro lime rice?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Chipotle's official nutritional information, a standard 4 oz (113g) serving of their cilantro-lime white rice contains 210 calories. Understanding the calorie and macronutrient content can help you decide how many calories are in chipotle cilantro lime rice? and how it fits into your daily diet.

Quick Summary

A standard 4-ounce serving of Chipotle's cilantro-lime white rice contains 210 calories, while the brown rice version has the same calorie count but offers more fiber. This article breaks down the nutritional content, compares the two rice options, and provides healthy tips for customizing your meal at Chipotle.

Key Points

Standard Serving Calories: A 4 oz serving of Chipotle's cilantro-lime white rice contains 210 calories, while the brown rice version also has 210 calories for the same portion.
Brown Rice Has More Fiber: For the same calorie count, the brown rice option provides double the dietary fiber and less sodium than the white rice, making it a nutritionally superior choice.
Portion Control is Key: A standard Chipotle meal often contains more than the official 4 oz serving. Asking for a light or half portion of rice is an easy way to reduce calories and sodium.
Base Swap for Fewer Carbs: To significantly lower calories and carbs, you can skip the rice entirely and opt for a base of supergreens or extra romaine lettuce.
Simple Ingredients: The rice is made with simple ingredients including rice, cilantro, and lime and lemon juices, which is a positive compared to more processed fast-food items.

The Cilantro-Lime Rice Lowdown

Chipotle's cilantro-lime rice is a foundational ingredient in many of its dishes, from burritos to bowls. Its signature flavor comes from a simple but effective combination of ingredients: rice, cilantro, and lime and lemon juices. While delicious, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional contribution, especially since portions at Chipotle can often be larger than a standard serving size.

Nutritional Breakdown of Cilantro-Lime White Rice

A 4-ounce serving of Chipotle’s cilantro-lime white rice has a specific set of macros that contribute to its 210 calories.

Calories: 210
Total Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 350mg

These numbers represent the standard serving size, but a full bowl or burrito often contains more than one scoop. Some customers on forums even suggest that they sometimes receive two or three full scoops of rice, which would significantly increase the calorie and sodium load. The total amount of rice in your meal can vary, so being mindful of portion sizes is crucial for managing your intake.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice: A Nutritional Comparison

Chipotle offers both a cilantro-lime white rice and a cilantro-lime brown rice. While they share the same calorie count per standard 4 oz serving, their nutritional profiles differ in important ways, particularly regarding fiber content. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains more of its natural fiber, which can lead to better satiety and more stable blood sugar levels.


Nutrient	Cilantro-Lime White Rice (4 oz)	Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice (4 oz)
Calories	210	210
Fat	4g	6g
Carbohydrates	40g	36g
Fiber	1g	2g
Protein	4g	4g
Sodium	350mg	190mg

As the table shows, the brown rice option has a clear advantage in terms of sodium and fiber content, making it a slightly healthier choice for those monitoring these aspects of their diet. The higher fiber content can help you feel full longer and aid in digestion.

Customizing Your Meal for a Healthier Diet

Since the rice forms the base of your meal, making a smart choice here is the first step towards a healthier Chipotle order. You can further optimize your meal by being mindful of other toppings and ingredients.

Go light on the rice: Requesting a 'light' portion of rice or even a half-scoop can drastically reduce the overall calorie and sodium content of your meal.
Choose brown rice over white rice: The increased fiber and lower sodium of the brown rice make it the better nutritional option.
Load up on veggies: Fill your bowl or burrito with extra fajita vegetables and lettuce, which are low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients.
Control your extras: Calorie-dense toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and queso can add significant calories. Ask for them on the side, or opt for a simple, lower-calorie salsa like the fresh tomato or tomatillo-green chili variety.
Consider skipping the rice entirely: If you're counting carbs or calories, a supergreens or lettuce base can be a very effective substitute.

Beyond Calories: Understanding the Ingredients

Chipotle prides itself on using fresh, simple ingredients, and this applies to their rice as well. The simple recipe for cilantro-lime rice typically involves cooking long-grain basmati rice and then tossing it with oil, lime and lemon juices, chopped cilantro, and salt. While the white rice is a refined carbohydrate, the fact that Chipotle uses whole ingredients is a plus compared to highly processed alternatives at other fast-food chains.

For those looking to replicate the experience at home for even more control over their nutrition, there are many copycat recipes that can be easily found. These allow you to manage the amount of oil and salt used while still enjoying the fresh flavor. Using brown basmati rice instead of white can be an easy swap to boost the fiber in your homemade version.

Conclusion

For those wondering how many calories are in chipotle cilantro lime rice?, the answer is 210 calories for a standard 4 oz serving of the white rice. The brown rice option has the same calorie count but offers the benefit of higher fiber and lower sodium. By being mindful of serving sizes and considering healthier swaps, you can easily incorporate Chipotle’s delicious rice into a balanced diet. Whether you choose white or brown, controlling your portions and adding nutrient-dense toppings are the keys to a more wholesome meal. For more precise nutritional data for a customized meal, consider utilizing the Chipotle Nutrition Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 4-ounce scoop of Chipotle's cilantro-lime white rice contains 210 calories. The actual serving size can vary depending on the restaurant and the portion, so being mindful of how much rice is in your bowl is important.

For the same 210 calories per 4 oz serving, Chipotle's brown rice is generally considered a healthier option. It has more fiber and less sodium than the white rice, promoting better satiety and overall nutritional value.

A 4-ounce serving of the white cilantro-lime rice contains 40g of carbohydrates, while the brown rice contains 36g of carbohydrates.

Based on copycat recipes and general observation, a moderate amount of oil (some sources say rice bran oil) is used in the preparation to prevent sticking and add flavor. While not an excessive amount, the oil does contribute to the overall calorie and fat content.

The main ingredients are long-grain white or brown rice, water, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, and oil. The rice is often prepared with a bay leaf for additional flavor.

Yes, you can request a 'light' portion of rice or ask for a half-scoop. This is a simple but effective way to reduce the total calories and sodium in your bowl or burrito.

For a low-carb alternative, consider opting for a base of supergreens or extra romaine lettuce instead of rice. Some people also make homemade cauliflower rice to add to their Chipotle bowl when recreating it at home.