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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: honey lime chicken, avocado rice stack, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, easy chicken dinner