Description
This honey lime chicken avocado rice stack features tender marinated chicken layered with creamy avocado and fluffy rice, all drizzled with a tangy honey-lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stunning dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for a kick
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (from 1/2 cup uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Avocado Layer:
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced or mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Extra cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat lovers
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat completely.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor penetration.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the remaining marinade for later.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Step 3: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Keep warm until ready to assemble.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocado
- Slice or mash the avocados, depending on your preference.
- Toss with lime juice, salt, and pepper to prevent browning and add flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Stack
- Using a round mold or cup (if available) for a neat presentation, start with a layer of cilantro lime rice as the base on each plate.
- Add a layer of sliced chicken on top of the rice.
- Top with avocado slices or mashed avocado.
- If using a mold, carefully remove it to reveal your beautiful stack.
- Drizzle with any remaining honey-lime marinade (heat it first in a small saucepan until it bubbles for food safety).
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- For a beautiful presentation, use a round cookie cutter or mold to shape each layer neatly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy results.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before mixing with other ingredients to keep it from becoming dense.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect ripeness.
- You can cook the chicken and rice ahead, but assemble the stack just before serving.
- Raw, unfiltered honey provides the best flavor for the marinade.
- Toss avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.
- This dish is best served warm or at room temperature, not cold.
Substitutions:
- Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or portobello mushrooms for variation.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley or basil.
- For a vegan version, use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: honey lime chicken avocado rice stack, honey lime chicken, avocado rice, healthy chicken recipe, Mexican-inspired chicken, summer chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe, 30-minute meal