Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a colorful, nourishing, and flavor-packed dish made by layering zesty honey lime-marinated chicken over fluffy cilantro-lime rice, topped with fresh avocado. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy in one easy-to-assemble stack that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious contrast of sweet honey, tangy lime, and savory grilled chicken
• Fresh, creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats
• Wholesome, naturally gluten-free, and full of fresh ingredients
• Quick to prepare—great for weeknight dinners or meal prep
• Each component can be made ahead and assembled later
• Visually appealing layered presentation
• Easily customizable with toppings or grains of your choice
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Great for warm-weather meals
• Satisfying without being heavy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Honey Lime Chicken:

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• honey
• fresh lime juice
• olive oil
• minced garlic
• chili powder
• ground cumin
• paprika
• salt and black pepper

Cilantro Lime Rice:

• cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• lime juice
• chopped fresh cilantro
• salt

Avocado Layer:

• ripe avocado, diced
• lime juice
• salt and pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• cherry tomatoes, halved
• jalapeños, sliced
• lime wedges
• additional cilantro
• Greek yogurt or sour cream

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
3. Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt.
4. Prepare the Avocado: In a small bowl, toss diced avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
6. Assemble the Stack: Start with a layer of cilantro lime rice on a plate. Top with sliced honey lime chicken and finish with spoonfuls of avocado. Add any garnishes you like.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken
• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice
• Add a spicy kick with hot sauce or red pepper flakes
• Include grilled corn or bell peppers for extra color and flavor
• Serve as a burrito bowl instead of a stack

Storage/Reheating

• Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop
• Avoid storing avocado long-term; prep it fresh for best results
• Freeze cooked chicken and rice if needed; thaw and reheat before stacking

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken and cook the rice ahead. Assemble the stack just before serving for best texture.

Can I bake the chicken?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

What rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice for their fluffiness and mild flavor.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Toss with lime juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface.

Is this meal spicy?

It has a mild heat from chili powder, but you can increase or reduce spice to taste.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw completely before marinating.

What other toppings go well?

Try black beans, corn, cheese, or tortilla strips.

Is this dish healthy?

Yes, it’s high in protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs, with no processed ingredients.

Can I make it dairy-free?

It is naturally dairy-free unless you add optional sour cream or cheese.

Can I grill the chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken adds great flavor and is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a simple yet stunning dish full of bright, fresh flavor and satisfying texture. With sweet-spicy chicken, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro-lime rice, it’s a complete meal that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a staple.

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