Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Featured in: Everyday Delights

This dish features large shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce, delivering a perfect balance of heat and tang. The shrimp are grilled until lightly charred and juicy. Paired with fragrant cilantro-lime rice, cooked with lime zest and juice, this combination creates a lively, flavorful main course. The marinade includes garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The rice is fluffy and bright, complementing the smoky shrimp beautifully.

Preparation is straightforward: marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes, cook the rice with lime and cilantro, then grill the shrimp skewers for a quick char. Optional garnishes like lime wedges and extra cilantro add fresh accents. Adaptable for extra heat or whole grains, this dish fits easily into casual weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:19:00 GMT
Grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a zesty, smoky Mexican-inspired meal. Save
Grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a zesty, smoky Mexican-inspired meal. | tastychuck.com

Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice: a vibrant, zesty dish with a touch of heat.

I made this chipotle lime grilled shrimp & rice last weekend for a family dinner, and it immediately became a favorite around our table. The smoky spiciness of the marinade pairs perfectly with the fresh, fragrant rice for a meal that feels both festive and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb (450 g)
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
  • Lime juice: 2 tbsp (about 1 lime), divided
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
  • Honey: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp & 1/2 tsp, divided
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Long grain white rice: 1 cup
  • Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
  • Lime zest: Zest of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/2 cup
  • Garnishes: Lime wedges, extra cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Marinate shrimp:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
Prepare rice:
While shrimp marinates, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cook rice:
Add water or chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Grill shrimp:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly charred.
Serve:
Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
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| tastychuck.com

This has become a celebration meal for my family, especially when we want something festive but not too heavy. Seeing everyone come together for seconds is always the best part.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board, saucepan with lid, grill or grill pan, skewers

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 340 calories, 9 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). All other ingredients are gluten: and dairy: free but always check packaged items for cross contamination.

Savory Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp & Rice served hot, with a pop of lime and fresh cilantro. Save
Savory Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp & Rice served hot, with a pop of lime and fresh cilantro. | tastychuck.com

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime for a bright touch: this shrimp & rice is sure to impress at any meal.

Recipe Guide

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes up to 30 minutes to allow the smoky chipotle and lime flavors to infuse fully without overpowering.

Can I use another grain instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a heartier, whole grain option while maintaining a complementary texture.

What is the best way to grill the shrimp evenly?

Thread shrimp onto skewers to keep them together and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

How can I adjust the heat level of the marinade?

Increase the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier result. Reduce for milder flavors.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten- and dairy-free. Always double-check packaged items for cross-contamination risks.

What garnishes enhance this dish best?

Lime wedges and extra chopped cilantro add fresh brightness and complement the smoky, zesty notes beautifully.

Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp with smoky chipotle lime marinade served atop fluffy cilantro-lime rice, bursting with fresh zesty flavors.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
20 min
Full duration
40 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels No dairy, No gluten

What you'll need

Chipotle Lime Shrimp

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 tsp honey
07 1/2 tsp ground cumin
08 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Cilantro Lime Rice

01 1 cup long grain white rice
02 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 tbsp olive oil
04 1/2 tsp salt
05 Zest of 1 lime
06 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Garnishes (optional)

01 Lime wedges
02 Extra chopped cilantro

Method

Phase 01

Prepare shrimp marinade: Combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.

Phase 02

Rinse and cook rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water until clear. Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat, add rice, and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 03

Simmer rice and finish seasoning: Add water or chicken broth and salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Phase 04

Preheat grill and prepare shrimp: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.

Phase 05

Grill shrimp: Grill shrimp skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.

Phase 06

Plate and garnish: Serve grilled shrimp atop cilantro lime rice. Garnish optionally with lime wedges and extra cilantro.

Kitchen tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (soaked if wooden)
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 27 g