Zesty Citrus Rice
Bright, zesty, and packed with flavor—this citrus rice recipe is a quick and easy weeknight side dish your whole family will love. It’s light, fresh, and ready in just 25 minutes.
If you’re looking for a new go-to weeknight side dish that feels a little fancy without the fuss, this citrus rice has your back. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory with just the right amount of zing from fresh orange and lime.
This dish comes together with pantry and fridge staples and works with just about any protein. Think chicken, shrimp, or even grilled veggies. Best of all, it’s super quick to make, so dinner gets on the table fast and stress-free—just how we like it.
Why You’ll Love My Recipe
- This bright and zesty side dish goes with everything from grilled chicken to Asian or Mexican cuisine
- It’s an easy 25-minute make-ahead side that’s easily doubled for meal prep
- Rice is naturally gluten-free so it’s a great option for family and friends with dietary restrictions
Ingredients
This is meant to be a brief overview of this great recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.
- Long Grain White Rice – Fluffy, light, and perfect for soaking up all the citrusy goodness. You can use jasmine or basmati for a little more fragrance, but avoid short-grain rice—it tends to get sticky.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Adds a naturally sweet citrus note. Always zest before juicing! Fresh oranges are key here for a bright flavor.
- Lime Zest and Juice: Brings tang and a little punch to balance the sweetness from the orange. I highly recommend fresh limes.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth. You can swap for veggie broth if you’re keeping it meatless.
- Olive Oil: Helps toast the rice slightly and keeps it from sticking. Butter is a good alternative and has the benefit of adding a slightly richer taste.
- Salt and pepper – Simple but essential. Adjust to taste after the rice is cooked to bring out all the citrusy flavors.
Recipe Variations: For simple orange rice, omit the lime juice and zest and double the orange zest. You can do the opposite for lime rice.
Out of something you need? Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable!
Ang’s Recipe Tips
- Use fresh juice and zest. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same impact – and you can’t zest the bottle either! {giggle}
- Be careful with the zest. Only zest the colorful outer layer—avoid the bitter white pith.
- Too mushy? Make sure you’re using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and don’t overcook.
- Rice not flavorful enough? Add a pinch more salt and a splash of extra citrus after cooking.
Storage
To Store: Let the rice cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.) Because it stores so well, it’s a great make-ahead side dish.
To Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. Let it cool thoroughly first, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
To Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It may be slightly softer, but it’s great for soups like Southwest Chicken Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Serving Suggestions
For a little extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs that complement the rest of your meal. For instance, cilantro is fabulous with Mexican and Southwestern dishes, while parsley is a great all-purpose herb. For Asian dishes, try green onions or Thai basil. Tarragon, chives, basil, or thyme are all great options, too.
While this butter is loaded with flavor, a little compound butter will really take it to the next level. Garlic Chive Butter is my favorite to add to this zesty rice when I’m serving chicken.
This rice pairs really well with the Asian flavors in Orange Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, but it’s also delicious with Garlic Butter Shrimp, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and Baja Fish Tacos.
How to Use Leftovers
Don’t toss those extras! Here’s how to repurpose them:
- Make a citrus fried rice with scrambled egg and green onions
- Stir into soup for a pop of flavor
- Use it in burritos, wraps, or taco bowls
- Add it to a salad for a citrusy grain base
Related: Rice Cooker Recipe
Not ready to make this recipe yet?
Tried this citrus rice? I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you leave a 5-star rating, it helps other readers (just like you!) find this recipe—and it seriously makes my day.
Citrus Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, warm up the olive oil (or butter if that’s your jam) over medium heat. Add the rice and give it a quick stir for a minute or two until it starts to smell a little nutty and looks lightly toasted.1 tablespoon olive oil , 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Stir in the chicken broth, zest, juices, salt, and pepper.2 cups low-sodium chicken, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Bring it to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is soaked up.
- Take it off the heat and let it sit—still covered—for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Then fluff it with a fork and stir in some chopped fresh herbs, if desired. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
- Serve it up warm with your favorite main dish. It’s the perfect zesty little side to brighten up any plate!
Nutrition
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