why make this recipe
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a delicious and easy meal that offers fresh flavors and colorful presentation. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The sweet and tangy honey lime chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy avocado and refreshing cilantro rice. This dish not only tastes great, but it’s also a healthy option packed with protein and good fats.
how to make Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this marinade and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until it’s caramelized and fully cooked.
- Prep Rice: In a bowl, combine the cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Make Avocado Salsa: In another bowl, gently combine diced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much.
- Assemble Stack: On each plate, spoon some cilantro rice, layer the honey lime chicken on top, and finish with a generous scoop of the avocado salsa.
how to serve Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
To serve, place the stacks on individual plates, making sure each layer is visible. You may garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for added color and brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.
how to store Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
If you have leftovers, store the chicken, rice, and avocado separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken and rice will keep well for about 3-4 days. However, it’s best to eat the avocado salsa fresh, as it can brown quickly. You can always prepare fresh salsa as needed.
tips to make Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
- Marinating Time: Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes will enhance the flavor, but even a short 15-minute marination works if you’re short on time.
- Rice Variety: You can use brown rice or quinoa for a different flavor and added nutrition.
- Avocado Options: If you’re not a fan of avocados, you can substitute them with diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding black beans or corn to the cilantro rice for extra texture. You can also spice up the chicken by adding more chili powder or using a different type of seasoning, like taco seasoning for a southwestern flair.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
2. What can I use if I don’t have honey?
If you don’t have honey, you can use agave syrup or maple syrup as a substitute for a similar sweetness.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same honey-lime sauce.
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts can be used.
- 2 tbsp honey For sweetness.
- 2 tbsp lime juice Fresh lime juice is preferred.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- to taste Salt & pepper
For the rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- to taste Salt
For the avocado salsa
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- to taste Salt & pepper
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
- In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this marinade and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
Cook Chicken
- Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and caramelized.
Prep Rice
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Make Avocado Salsa
- In another bowl, gently combine diced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much.
Assemble Stack
- On each plate, spoon some cilantro rice, layer the honey lime chicken on top, and finish with a generous scoop of the avocado salsa.