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Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

The Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that layers juicy honey-lime marinated chicken with creamy avocado and perfectly cooked rice. It’s packed with balanced flavors and textures, making it a quick yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or impressive lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Main Layers

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
  • Lime wedges
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey Lime Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a sweet and tangy marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
  4. Prepare the Rice and Avocado: While the chicken cooks, fluff the cooked rice with a fork and dice the ripe avocado into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, toss the avocado with extra lime juice to prevent browning.
  5. Assemble the Stack: On individual plates or bowls, layer rice first, then avocado, followed by sliced chicken. Repeat the layers if desired to create a taller stack. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and any optional toppings.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours for deeper flavor without losing texture.
  • Use perfectly ripe avocado for a creamy and buttery contrast to the zesty chicken.
  • Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden sear and prevent steaming.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to keep it light and separate.
  • Customize garnishes like lime wedges or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey lime chicken, avocado rice stack, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, easy chicken dinner