Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Featured in: Fresh & Easy Dinners

This dish features shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle-lime blend, grilled until tender and served atop fragrant cilantro-lime rice. The marinade combines lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, and spices to create a balanced, vibrant flavor with a gentle heat. The rice is infused with lime zest, juice, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing, aromatic base. Perfectly grilled shrimp contrast the fluffy, citrusy rice, delivering a quick and easy meal with Mexican-inspired flair.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:35:00 GMT
Smoky chipotle lime grilled shrimp & rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a zesty Mexican-inspired dish. Pin it
Smoky chipotle lime grilled shrimp & rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a zesty Mexican-inspired dish. | freshymeals.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 first made this chipotle lime grilled shrimp&rice on a warm weekend when I craved something fresh and spicy but also easy. The quick marinade packs so much flavor, and grilling shrimp is always fun&the aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp: peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: used for both marinade and rice
  • 2 tbsp lime juice: (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves: minced
  • 1 tsp honey: balances the heat
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin: for earthy flavor
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: gives smoky depth
  • 1/2 tsp salt: divided as needed
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper: divided as needed
  • 1 cup long grain white rice: rinsed before cooking
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth: for cooking rice
  • Zest of 1 lime:
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: chopped
  • Lime wedges: optional garnish
  • Extra chopped cilantro: optional garnish

Instructions

Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15&30 minutes.
Cook the 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&2 minutes. Add water or 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, juice, and cilantro.
Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium&high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp for 2&3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred.
Serve:
Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
Grilled shrimp skewers with the chipotle lime marinade atop fluffy cilantro-lime rice: perfect! Pin it
Grilled shrimp skewers with the chipotle lime marinade atop fluffy cilantro-lime rice: perfect! | freshymeals.com

This recipe quickly became a favorite with my family¬hing beats the combination of smoky shrimp and bright, herby rice at our dinner table.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan with lid, grill or grill pan, skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes), knife and cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 340 calories, 9 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein, making it satisfying yet light.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables or a fresh avocado salad for added freshness and texture.

Enjoy a flavorful plate of chipotle lime grilled shrimp & rice: juicy shrimp and zesty rice, perfect meal. Pin it
Enjoy a flavorful plate of chipotle lime grilled shrimp & rice: juicy shrimp and zesty rice, perfect meal. | freshymeals.com

Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of flavor before serving. Enjoy this easy, vibrant dish any night of the week!

Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinade the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without the acidity breaking down the texture.

Can I substitute the white rice?

Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be used as a wholesome alternative to white rice for added texture and nutrition.

What grill temperature is best for cooking the shrimp?

Medium-high heat ensures the shrimp cook quickly and develop a slight char without overcooking.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more heat.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Grilled vegetables or a fresh avocado salad complement the smoky, citrus flavors beautifully.

Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Smoky chipotle-lime shrimp grilled and paired with fragrant cilantro-lime rice for a zesty, vibrant dish.

How long to prep
20 min
Time to cook
20 min
Overall time
40 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Fresh & Easy Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details No dairy, No gluten

What you need

Chipotle Lime Shrimp

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp lime juice (approximately 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 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 lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
07 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Garnishes (optional)

01 Lime wedges
02 Extra chopped cilantro

Steps to follow

Step 01

Marinate Shrimp: 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.

Step 02

Prepare Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to toast lightly.

Step 03

Cook Rice: Add water or broth and salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Step 04

Finish Rice: Stir lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro into the cooked rice.

Step 05

Grill Shrimp: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

Step 06

Plate and Serve: Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.

Tools you’ll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp); check ingredients for potential gluten or dairy cross-contamination.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 340
  • Fat content: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein amount: 27 g