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Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe

4.8 from 24 reviews

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection, layered over fluffy rice with creamy avocado, red onion, and fresh cilantro. This recipe balances sweet honey and zesty lime with warming cumin and garlic, creating a fresh, flavorful stack perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Stack

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: extra lime wedges and honey-lime sauce for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. Prepare the Base: While the chicken rests, ensure the rice is cooked and slightly cooled. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Brown rice can be used for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber, while jasmine or basmati rice lends a fragrant aroma and softer texture.
  4. Assemble the Stacks: Place a round mold or ramekin on a serving plate. Press an even layer of rice at the bottom of the mold, followed by a layer of diced avocado mixed with chopped red onion. Top this with the sliced chicken breast. Carefully lift the mold to reveal a neat stacked presentation. Garnish each stack with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of any remaining honey-lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • If grilling is not an option, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  • To make the dish vegan or vegetarian, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same sauce using maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinade to introduce heat and spice.
  • For extra texture, top the stacks with crushed tortilla chips or toasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbs or increase protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey lime chicken, avocado rice stack, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, layered rice stack, easy weeknight meal